Nellie Stagles School of Dance

Our teachers have asked me to get in touch, as a polite reminder to all parents, carers and pupils, that classes will continue throughout the summer holidays, as communicated in our first show letter back in January. We have not broken up this summer due to our show rehearsals and preparations.

Attendance has been much lower than expected and it is vital that all pupils attend over the coming weeks. We need to finish the dances, block the running orders between routines and costume measuring will begin within the next 3 weeks. We simply cannot wait until September to measure due to the lead times on costume orders.

Thank you as always for your continued support and understanding - we really appreciate it and can’t wait to bring this show to life together 👏

Today, I had the absolute privilege of representing our dancing school at the Celebration of Life service for our amazing ‘Super Hero’ past pupil, Olivia Curtis - Livvy to her friends.

It’s difficult to find words big enough for a day like today….

The service was incredibly emotional, but so very beautiful. A true reflection of a life that brought so much happiness, warmth and colour to the world. Karen, Olivia’s family and her wonderful friends did her so incredibly proud. There wasn’t a single seat or standing place left in the chapel. It was completely full and everywhere you looked there was a sea of pink! 🩷 The most beautiful tribute to a very special young lady who was clearly loved beyond measure.

We feel so blessed and so incredibly lucky that Livvy was once part of our dancing school school.

During her 10 years with us, she was a beacon of pure joy. An inspiration to us all. Someone who seemed to carry sunshine with her wherever she went. She was always smiling, always radiating happiness and had that rare ability to light up a room simply by walking into it.

For 90 years here at our schools we’ve had our little motto: “Eyes & Teeth” and Livvy truly encapsulated that in every possible way. Not just when she danced, but in the way she lived her life. Eyes bright. That beautiful smile. Facing the world with joy. She showed us all that sometimes the greatest impact we can have on this world is simply to bring happiness into it - and Livvy did that in abundance. 🩷

Karen, I genuinely don’t know how you did what you did today. The strength, courage and love shown throughout that beautiful service was extraordinary. What an incredible family you are and what an incredible young woman you raised. You did your beautiful girl so very proud.

Olivia, although your time here was far, far too short, the love and light you gave will last forever. There are some people whose light is simply too bright to ever truly go out - it just finds somewhere new to shine. ✨

So now you can dance with the angels. 🩰🤍

Keep smiling that wonderful smile.
Keep lighting up every room - wherever that room may be now and wherever you dance next…

Eyes & Teeth, Livvy. Always. 🩷✨

Sending all our love, prayers and strength to Karen, all of Olivia’s family, her friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

Rest peacefully and sleep tight Livvy.
Once part of our dancing family, always part of our dancing family. 🩷

Keep dancing amongst the stars. ✨🩰

It’s with the deepest sadness that we share the heartbreaking news that our much-loved former pupil, Olivia Curtis, passed away last week.

Olivia was one of those truly special young people who left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She always had the most beautiful smile and no matter what she was facing, she brought warmth, kindness and courage wherever she went. She loved every minute of her time dancing at Nellie’s and lit up every studio she walked into. It was a privilege for all of us here to watch her grow, dance and share her joy with us all.

Over the past year, Olivia fought with incredible bravery after being diagnosed with a large, aggressive and inoperable tumour. Despite everything she endured, she faced every challenge with remarkable determination, strength and an inspiring smile that touched so many lives. Her courage was extraordinary and she will never be forgotten.

Our hearts are broken for Karen, Olivia’s mum and all of Olivia’s family and friends. We cannot begin to imagine the pain they are feeling. Please join us in keeping them in your thoughts and prayers and sending them all our love at this incredibly difficult time.

Karen has shared details of a Celebration of Olivia’s Life, which will take place on Thursday 23rd July 2026. Everyone who knew and loved Olivia is welcome.

Olivia always encouraged people to be themselves, so please come exactly as you are. If you have something pink to wear, that would be a wonderful tribute, as pink was Olivia’s favourite colour. The family have kindly asked that black is not worn.

For further information about the celebration, or to leave a message in Olivia’s memory, please visit:
https://oliviacurtis.muchloved.com/

The celebration will also be live streamed for anyone who is unable to attend in person.

From all of us at Nellie’s, sleep peacefully, beautiful Olivia. Thank you for every smile, every dance and every precious memory. You will forever remain a part of the Nellie’s family and will be missed more than words can ever say. 💗✨🥹

😅🥵sweaty thursdays!

The countdown is officially on! ❄️✨🧑‍🩰🩰🪩

Tickets for our spectacular 90th Anniversary Show, ‘Winter Wonderland’ go on sale at 9:00am on Friday 4th September 2026!

📅 Friday 4th September 2026
🕘 9:00am
🎟️ Available via the CAST Theatre Box Office, Doncaster

This is always one of the highlights of our year and with 2026 marking 90 years of the Nellie Stagles School of Dance (1936–2026), we expect tickets to be in high demand!

Please save the date and set your alarms so you don’t miss your chance to secure the best seats for what promises to be a truly magical celebration.

We can’t wait to share this very special production with you! ✨❄️💃🩰

🩵🩵🩵the best part of dancing is your friends!

Today, our Nellie’s faculty has headed over to Blackpool for the Miss Dance & Dance Master Of GB 🇬🇧 finals! Best of luck to everyone ✨🇬🇧

Show rehearsals are well underway… 😆👀

✨STUDENT SUCCESS

Miss Beth and Miss Molly will be joining the Soccer Aid team again! Have a look on your telly tonight ⚽️

Midweek stretch!! Happy hump day ✨