ABOUT US

Patricia Bennett has been running Estelle School of Dance for 60 years. Opening its doors on her 20th birthday, today, it is one of the longest running dance schools in Swindon, Wiltshire. What makes Estelle School of Dance unique though, is the fact that only one person is behind the scenes.

Miss Bennett has taught, supported and inspired generations of dancers. As she approaches the school's 60th anniversary, she is still teaching classes of all ages, choreographing entire theatre shows and pantomimes, designing costumes and raising money for charities and her local community. The school which was formed in 1958 with just 2 pupils has grown and flourished over the years by word of mouth and on reputation and loyalty -with 3 generations of the same family dancing at the same time and some current students having been an "Estelle Girl" for over 36 years!

The Estelle School of Dance are the only dance school in Swindon to perform their shows at The Wyvern Theatre in aid of charities and this they have done every two years since they were established in 1958. Over the years they have raised over £100,000 for various causes including The Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital to which the school presented a cheque for £5000 in 2016.

This years show is going to be The Slipper and The Rose and will be in aid of Brighter Furures Radiotherapy appeal.

The Estelle School of Dance along side The Immanual Dramatic Society perform a Pantomime for the local community each year - the latest being Dick Wittington.

As 2018 is a very special year for the school an Ex Estelle pupil now a film editor at the BBC is making a documentary about Miss Bennett and the school. Mellissa Lo says: This is an exciting project that has been dancing around my mind for years. Now, I am finally taking a grande jeté and going to share this inspiring story about a woman that has enriched my life, and countless others, through the power of dance. This documentary marks that remarkable journey through those 60 years of dance, determination and dedication, and how her passion for dance and teaching has shaped the lives of all those that have walked through her doors. Telling her story, is also about telling the story of those she has inspired, encouraged and influenced. How her generous nature and teachings have affected hundreds, making them the people they are today.

These are some of the reasons why Miss Bennett was nominated in 2017 for the very prestigious Pride of Swindon Award and very deservingly won and was at long last recognised for all her determination dedication hard work and loyalty.

“I just believe that dancing is part of children’s education and if they have got that extra sparkle it will come out,” she said.

“We should encourage them to do their best.”

The Estelle School of Dance's first pupils in 1958

Miss Bennett a very proud winner of The Pride of Swindon Award in 2017.

Pat Bennett, centre, pictured with, from left, Jane, Pam, Sarah and Evelyn some of her very first pupils pictures at The 50th anniversary of the school.