LISA MAYBANK
Founder, Principal & Ballet Teacher
Lisa trained at the Royal Ballet Upper School and Rambert Academy. She started the Lisa Maybank School of Dance in January 1986 while expecting her first child! She discovered unexpectedly that she absolutely loved teaching and has taught now for over 38 years.
The school has done many Shows and Demonstrations, and in 2001 Lisa created Footprints Dance Company in conjunction with Sackville Children’s Choir and a youth orchestra from Sevenoaks School. Lisa also choreographed for Kent Youth Ballet for many years.
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In 2009, Lisa and her husband Dave, converted Sevenoaks Social Club into 2 dance studios calling it “Hope Hall". In 2013 the school moved to Sawmill Studios, a State of the Art, 3 studio complex that was converted for the school. It was Lisa’s vision that made this into the awesome complex that it is today.
I’m 2020 Lisa founded and ran Elite Ballet Project, a very successful Associate program for dance students from far and wide to enhance their ballet and contemporary training.
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Earlier this year Lisa handed over the running of Sawmill Studios and Lisa Maybank School of Dance to Jess McEwen to give her more family time. Lisa and Dave have 6 children and 4 grandchildren (so far!!)
Lisa still loves teaching and spending time with her girls and boys, she remains the Principal of the school.
JESSICA McEWEN
Studio Owner & Tap Teacher
A Teacher for over 25 years, Jess taught her first class in 1996 and very soon after completed her teaching qualifications with Yvonne Creber, former president of the NATD. As well as running Lisa Maybank school of dance, Jessica is deputy principal at The Dance Studio, manages Sawmill Studios, is co-founder of the Sevenoaks Dance Festival and has just taken over running Chance to Dance Sevenoaks & Crawley.
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Teaching is definitely Jessica's passion and she loves seeing many of her pupils go on to take their dancing to the next level by either progression through to their teaching exams, go on to professional college or to work in the industry.
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As well as teaching, Jessica works extensively as a choreographer for both theatre and corporate events. She also works in many local schools running classes and workshops.
CHRIS CONNOR
Jazz Teacher
Chris trained professionally at Performers College on a full scholarship, under the direction of Brian Rogers. Throughout his training, he worked for the College’s own Dance Company at various prestigious events and ultimately gaining a National Diploma in Dance & Musical Theatre. He’s been lucky enough to travel and perform across the world and brings all the experience he has gained directly from the professional industry straight into the studio.
Alongside his performing career, Chris has 13 years teaching experience. He also provides guest workshops around the country of the productions he’s been in as well as holding other teaching positions at several local dance schools and performing arts colleges across Kent.
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Chris’ professional credits include: ‘MISS SAIGON’ – Swing (Vienna, Austria); ‘GHOST’ – Swing (Stuttgart, Germany); ‘WE WILL ROCK YOU – Ensemble (Royal Caribbean); ‘STARLIGHT EXPRESS– Swing, Cover Hoppers 1,2 & 3 (Bochum, Germany); ‘PIPE DREAM’ – Eddie/Ensemble (The Union Theatre, London); ‘SPECTRA’ – Dancer/Aerialist (Royal Caribbean); ‘THE ROLLERBOYS’ – Featured Singer (UK Tour); P&O AUSTRALIA –
Singer/Dancer; CINDERELLA ft. Torvill & Dean – Ensemble/Skater (Bristol Hippodrome, UK); ROBINSON CRUSOE & THE CARIBBEAN PIRATES ft. Brian Conley & Lesley Joseph – Ensemble (Mayflower Theatre, Southampton); ALADDIN ft. Shane Ritchie – Ensemble (Cliffs Pavilion Theatre – Southend)
TV & Film Credits include: ‘THE KING’S MAN’ – German Soldier; ‘THE BEE KEEPER’– US Marine; ‘BOSS TEA’ Commercial – Guard Dancer; ‘BBC EASTENDERS FOR CHILDREN IN NEED‘– Dancer; ‘LIKE A DRUG’ Music Video for American artist, Adam Tyler – Dancer.
MILLI JARLETT
Contemporary & Ballet Teacher
Milli works as a choreographer and dance teacher. She has both trained and taught at some of the most prestigious contemporary dance schools in the world including London Contemporary Dance School, and the Martha Graham School of Dance.
Upon completing training Milli has had an exciting and varied career as a freelance dance artist working on projects ranging from touring shows, commercials, music videos, films and operas. She also choreographs and directs for her own dance theatre company.
Her choreography has won numerous awards at Festivals, Grand Prix’s, and dance competitions, including being shortlisted for a ‘best choreography’ award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
As a teacher Milli has had the privilege to teach at institutions such as London Contemporary Dance School, East London Dance, Greenwich Dance and many more. She is so excited to share her methods and styles with the Lisa Maybank Dancers.
JULIANNE RICE-OXLEY
Ballet Teacher
In a career spanning almost three decades and travelling worldwide Julianne has danced with Lisbon National Ballet, Ballet Ireland, and English National Ballet.
In 1996 she made her West End debut in Phantom of the Opera and from 2000 toured with the Johann Strauss Gala becoming Ballet Mistress.
In 2000 Julianne joined English Youth Ballet and danced the principal roles in Swan Lake, Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Giselle and Coppelia. Now Ballet Mistress and Rehearsal Director for the company Julianne teaches the young dancers and professionals alike and enjoys freelance teaching.