Our Story
At Maidstone Dance Studios, we believe dance is for everyone. Our mission is to provide a fun, friendly environment where every child feels seen, supported, and celebrated โ building confidence, friendships, and pride in their achievements both on and off the stage.
Maidstone Dance Studios first opened its doors in 1963, founded by Joy Waite. In 2002, the school was passed to Lynne Harrisis, who built on Joyโs strong foundations to grow the studio into the vibrant, inclusive community it is today. Lynne introduced exciting new styles such as Hip Hop and Contemporary, expanded performance opportunities, and nurtured an ethos centred on fun, friendship, and every dancerโs individual journey.
When Lynne retired in 2018, her daughter Zoe proudly took the reins, continuing the family tradition while bringing her own passion and expertise. Under Zoeโs leadership, the studio has flourished, adding Acro and Jazz Technique to the timetable and seeing the Competition Squad go from strength to strength.
Today, Maidstone Dance Studios welcomes students from age 2 through to young adults. For generations, it has been a place where dancers discover joy, grow in confidence, and create lifelong memories โ all within a supportive, encouraging environment where every child is given the chance to shine.
Our Values
๐ Inclusivity ๐
Dance is for everyone. Every child, whatever their background or ability, is welcomed, encouraged, and supported to shine.
๐ Confidence ๐
Our classes build self-belief, helping dancers grow in skill, resilience, and self-expression both on and off the stage.
๐จ Creativity ๐จ
We nurture individuality and imagination, encouraging students to explore movement, music, and their own unique voice.
๐ค Community ๐ค
MDS is more than a dance school โ itโs a family. Friendships, teamwork, and belonging are at the heart of everything we do.
๐ Progression ๐
Whether dancing once a week for fun or aiming for the stage, every journey matters. We celebrate growth, effort, and a love of learning.
Our Amazing Team
Zoe
School Principal
Zoe trained at Dance College Whitstable formally known as The Deborah Capon College where she gained all 4 teaching qualifications in ISTD Ballet, Modern, National & Tap. Zoe then went on to further her teaching at many schools in the Kent area including Maidstone Dance Studios. In 2013 she joined Tap Attack and was successful in competing with Team GB at the IDO World Tap Championships for 2 years bringing back many Gold medals.
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She has most recently completed her Licenciate qualification and is now studying for her Fellowship. The natural progression of taking over the school from her mother happened in 2018. The school continues to grow and Zoe loves to see how her students continue to progress long after graduating from the school. Zoe is passionate about her students and strongly believes in upholding the ethos of the school with an emphasis on creating a safe, fun and nurturing environment.
Gracie
Dance Teacher
Gracie found her love for performing at just 7 years old when she started taking classes at Toni Moss Academy. From there the love for dancing and performing grew as she further developed her training at Performers College (Essex), obtaining a national diploma in Musical Theatre as well as teaching qualifications (DDI). Soon after graduating in 2018 Gracie travelled to Australia to begin her first professional contract with P&O Australia cruise lines for GRAYBOY Entertainment as cast Dancer.
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Upon returning to the UK Gracie featured in ELF the Musical UK Arena tour Christmas 2019. Most recently Gracie has toured with two live concert shows as backing vocalist -โWhitney, Queen of the nightโ and โTina turner, Whatโs love got to do with itโ. Then in 2020 took over the role as Choreographer for the touring shows. Since lockdown Gracie has found her love for teaching and helping to develop the understanding and technique of others. She has been teaching at Maidstone Dance Studios, Knights Academy of Dance and Stagecoach. She also is a guest teacher at the following colleges: Performers, Clique and Reynolds.
Libby
Dance Teacher
Libby has been dancing since the age of 2, starting with ballet tap and modern, and quickly after starting various styles. Libby danced at Italia Conti Chislehurst and has performed in a number of shows and pantomimes over the years. Whilst growing up Libby has also been very successful in appearing in various Film and TV productions including Warner Brothers and Disney productions.
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Libby soon realised her passion for dance and musical theatre, and she has trained at The Centre Performing Arts College, where she has trained towards her ISTD DDE teaching qualifications in Classical Ballet, Tap and Modern Theatre.
