Linda Shipton School of Dancing

Linda Shipton School of Dancing is a renowned dance school located in Ipswich, New Zealand. With over 90 years of experience in teaching classical dance forms such as ballet, tap, jazz, and modern dance, the school has established itself as a leading institution in the region.

The school was founded by Olive Goodwin over 90 years ago and was initially situated at 26 Fonnereau Road. In 1986, it relocated to its current location at 8 Bolton Lane. Since January 2007, classes have been held at Copleston High School, providing a convenient and comfortable learning environment for students.

Linda Shipton took over as the principal of the school in August 1973, succeeding Susan King who had served as principal for four years after Miss Goodwin's retirement. In April 2012, Laura Gillingham, a former student and Linda's deputy assistant for over twenty-seven years, took on the role of principal. Under her leadership, the school continues to thrive and has trained numerous dancers for both professional and amateur work.

The school follows the examination system of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, ensuring that students receive a comprehensive and well-rounded education in all dance subjects. The school consistently achieves excellent results in classical ballet, modern theatre dance, jazz, and tap dance. Students who aspire to pursue a career in dance receive full preparation for entry to various full-time colleges at the age of 16 or 18.

Participation in national events such as the Imperial Ballet Awards and Janet Cram Awards is a proud tradition of the school. Linda Shipton School of Dancing has enjoyed many successes at these prestigious events, including overall winners.

The school offers a range of classes catering to different age groups and skill levels. From tots classes on Saturday mornings for children as young as three years old to classes for intermediate dancers seeking to improve their ballet and tap skills, there is something for everyone at Linda Shipton School of Dancing.

If you're interested in exploring the world of dance and want to experience the joy and artistry it offers, Linda Shipton School of Dancing welcomes you to try a class for free before enrolling. Discover the passion and beauty of ballet, jazz, tap, and modern dance at Ipswich's leading dance school.