F.I.S.T.D C.D.E, Examiner, R.A.D, R.T.S /All England Dance Festival Adjudicator

The Drusilla Duffill Theatre School, opened by Drusilla in1957, has become renowned both locally and nationally for the training of young dancers for Classical Ballet and Theatre careers, with many former pupils appearing in Commercial Theatre, on TV and in ballet companies. Having received teacher training at the London College of Dance and Drama, Drusilla is a senior examiner for the Classical Ballet Faculty of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing and an adjudicator for the British and International Federation of Festivals and the All England Dance Competition. Drusilla has thoroughly enjoyed 50 years of teaching, during which time several generations of families have passed through the school.

A.I.S.T.D, C.D.E, M.D.D.C (Dist), Body Control Pilates Instructor, Ex Professional Dancer

Vikki started her early training at her mother's school, Drusilla Duffill Theatre School, continuing at the Merseyside Dance and Drama Centre in Liverpool - where she gained Associate Qualifications in Ballet, Modern Theatre, Tap and National, all with Distinction. She has recently received the Certificate in Dance Education for all dance genres. She danced professionally in various productions, including "Beauty and the Beast", "Noel de Mickey", "Reflections" and the "Lucky Nugget Show" at Disneyland, Paris. She is also a fully qualified Body Control Pilates and Fitness Instructor and a talented choreographer of many local amateur dramatic and pantomime productions. She looks forward to maintaining the same high standards well into the next 50 years, with a passion for developing the children's individuality and self-expression

A.I.S.T.D F.D.I Pre School, Ballet and Tap Teacher

Karen has been associated with Drusilla Duffill School since the age of 3, where she trained in all genres, gaining her teaching qualifications. Karen joined the staff 20 years ago where she now specializes in Pre School Classes, Classical Ballet and Tap.

A.I.S.T.D F.D.I currently studying C.D.E Pre School, Ballet and Adult Ballet Teacher

Tamara began dancing aged two, attended the Royal Ballet School, as both a Junior and Senior Associate, before being accepted as a full time student of the Royal Ballet School when she was 16 years old. During this time, she won numerous awards and competitions, including the Arnold Haskell Award for choreography. She has danced with The Royal Ballet Company, the Birmingham Royal Ballet and became a soloist with The European Ballet Company.

Lucy Baldock A.I.S.T.D C.D.E Ballet Teacher

Lucy trained at Hylton Bromley School of Dance and Drama before working professionally in the field of dance. Lucy worked in various countries including Malaysia, Portugal, Germany Jersey and Greece doing Trade shows, TV , and theatre. Her work in the west end and UK tours included Underneath the Arches, West side story and 'the Talk of London'. Summer seasons and various pantomimes. She also did some TV work for LWT which included Michael Barrymore my kind of music and various variety shows. Lucy retired from the theatre in 1998 and went into teaching, which is something she has always loved and hopes to continue to do for many years to come.

A.I.S.T.D F.D.I currently studying C.D.E Modern and Jazz Teacher

Vikki studied a 3 year musical theatre course in dance, drama, music and singing at The Centre of Performing Arts. Vikki gained her Certificate in Dance Education in Units 1, 2, and 3 in Modern Theatre and Imperial Ballet. Vikki has also performed as a dancer in a silver screen film, Vera Drake, danced and toured with a local opera company which was recorded for the BBC. Vikki is a very lively and enthusiastic person who is passionate about dance and musical theatre and enjoys teaching children and adults of all ages.

A.I.S.T.D F.D.I currently studying C.D.E Ballet, Modern and Tap Teacher

Emma trained at Merseyside Dance and Drama Centre and holds Associate Teaching Examinations with the ISTD in Ballet, Tap, Modern & National. She is in the process of completing her CDE. Emma has taught extensively since 1998 in Jersey and the UK. Her first love has always been dancing and nothing gives her more pleasure than going to the theatre.

Professional Performer, Body Control Pilates Teachers Certificate
Advanced Adult Ballet and Pilates Teacher

Jacquie trained with Elizabeth Hodgson, the Bush Davies Schools and the Central School of Ballet, in London. Her professional dance career began with the Northern Ballet Theatre, then she went to Germany, as a soloist with the Wiener Ballet Theatre, toured the UK with "Oklahoma" and was then Dance captain with "Phantom of the Opera".

She was also guest artiste with the Georgia Ballet, USA, dancing the role of "The Sugar Plum Fairy". TV credits include excerpts from "Swan Lake" for BBC Children in Need.

What does this Logo mean?

In this day and age a very prestigious status with strict requirements. The school was proud to be one of the first to be offered registered school status by the Council for Dance Education and Training in 2007.

The Drusilla Duffill Theatre School marked its 50th anniversary in July 2007 with a celebrated performance featuring the current dance students aged 3 to 19. The shows title ‘A Chance to Dance' was indicative of the opportunity the Drusilla Duffill Theatre School has given to many hundreds of children over the last half century.

The school has become a family affair with husband Michael, a former dancer, actively involved in the day-to-day operation of the school. Miss Drusilla's daughter Vikki Harris, who graduated from Merseyside Dance & Drama Centre with distinction, stepped in as vice principal back in 1999. Her twin sister Lucy is an experienced ‘Running Wardrobe Manager' in the theatre world and a professional costume designer who was responsible for the design of all of the outfits that featured in the July dance spectacular. The eldest daughter Katy is an artistic Director at Disneyland Paris showing theatre truly is in the genes.

Commenting on her achievement Drusilla Duffill says: "The last 50 years have flown by and it is only when we look back at them any girls and boys who have passed through our doors that I recall how long it has been. As Principal of the Drusilla Duffill Theatre School I am very proud of our history, our present achievements and our undoubted future in encouraging young people to dance."