Exciting news from the Sarah Louise Ashworth School of Dance

We’re incredibly proud to share some exciting milestones that reflect the heart of everything we believe in at the Sarah Louise Ashworth School of Dance — progress, passion, and lifelong learning.

Miss Sarah – Now an IDTA Examiner!

We are beyond thrilled to announce that our very own Miss Sarah has been appointed as an IDTA Examiner! This is a remarkable achievement and a true testament to her dedication, professionalism, and love of dance education.

Miss Sarah’s dance journey began as a little girl at Kirkham Henry, before training at Laine Theatre Arts where she took her very first teaching exam. After a vibrant professional career travelling the world, we were lucky enough that she returned home to set up our wonderful school.

Despite the demands of running the school (and her lovely family!), Miss Sarah has never stopped developing herself as a teacher. Over the years, she’s taken 12 teaching qualifications, constantly staying updated with evolving teaching standards. The path to becoming an examiner is incredibly rigorous, involving a challenging selection process, written and practical assessments, and a final 5-day exam. With guidance from the brilliant Miss Lynda Cardwell, Miss Sarah has now reached this huge milestone — and we could not be prouder!

We know she’s not one to shout about her achievements, but we hope you’ll agree this one is worth celebrating. What an incredible role model she is for our students, showing that the journey never stops — even when you’re the one leading the way.

Miss Leah – From Student to Qualified Ballet Teacher

And the good news doesn’t stop there!

A huge congratulations to Miss Leah, who has just gained her Level 4 Ballet Teaching qualification with the IDTA! Her journey is a beautiful example of the pathways available within the dance world — and a real source of inspiration for our current students.

Miss Georgia first joined the school as a student back in 2008. Over the years, she worked her way through many grades and exams with us, always showing dedication and determination. She later completed her Level 3 Teaching qualification here, and now, with her Level 4, she’s a fully qualified teacher — and one of our much-loved staff members.

Her progression from young student to fully qualified teacher is something we are so proud of — not just because of what she’s achieved, but because of the message it sends: your journey in dance can grow and evolve in so many wonderful directions.

Why This Matters

These achievements aren’t just about qualifications — they’re about showing what’s possible. At our school, we believe in growing dancers who are curious, committed, and constantly learning — whether they’re age 4 or 40. The journeys of Miss Sarah and Miss Georgia are beautiful examples of what can happen when passion meets perseverance.

We hope these stories show that our teachers don’t just teach — they lead by example. They’re always learning, always growing, and always passionate about bringing their very best to every class.

Congratulations, Miss Sarah and Miss Leah — your hard work, dedication, and humility inspire us all.

Sarah Louise Ashworth School of Dance