Sheffield dance scene staple, Constance Grant Dance Centre celebrates its 100th anniversary

What started as a young woman teaching local children to dance in her family’s front room, Constance Grant’s legacy continues to thrive to this day.

I’ve often heard Sheffield referred to as “a big village” because everyone knows someone who knows someone. A personal example of this took place on a solo theatre trip a few years back: I got talking to the very glamorous older lady I was seated next to. We chatted about theatre and it came up that I had attended classes at Constance Grant Dance Centre on Psalter Lane. Upon hearing the name Constance Grant, the lady became very excited and told me that she had attended classes at their old sister studio, Cavendish Ballroom on West Street. We exchanged memories of our time dancing and while our experiences had been different, we both shared the same nostalgia and sentiment for Constance Grant Dance Centre. 

Established in 1925, the Constance Grant Dance Centre (CGDC) was opened by renowned dancer, teacher and adjudicator, Constance ‘Connie’ Grant alongside her husband, Harry Silvester – a pianist with a mind for business. Together they built the Constance Grant legacy. Constance taught dance teams that appeared and excelled on the television series “Come Dancing” and Grant herself was a recurring judge for the show. She won four Carl Alan awards for her teaching – a prestigious award in the dance world, known as "The Oscars of the World of Dance".

Constance and Harry’s daughter, Judith Silvester took over as Principal of the Psalter Lane studios. ‘Miss Judy’, as she was known by her pupils, was a highly respected performer and coach. She received two Carl Alan awards and was a Senior Examiner of the International Dance Teachers’ Association (IDTA). Her daughters, Karen Sidall and Tracey Southern joined forces to run and teach at the Psalter Lane dance school. Karen worked as a professional dancer and performed all around the world. She was also chairperson of the "Miss Dance & Dance Master of Great Britain Championships" organising committee, a position previously held by her late mother, Judith Silvester. Karen sadly passed away in 2019 but her legacy will not be forgotten. Current pupils at the dance school are always reminded to “dance like Miss Judy and Miss Karen are watching”.

Today, the Constance Grant Dance Centre is run by Principal, Tracey Southern and Dance Centre Manager, Jessica Spick, who is also an alumnus of the school. Tracey worked as a professional dancer in the UK and abroad before returning home to gain her teacher training qualifications. She is now a Senior Examiner and Assessor for the IDTA. Jessica attended classes at the school for thirteen years before moving to London to work as a professional dancer. She now runs the business side of the Dance Centre, as well as teaching classes.

​I spoke to both Tracey and Jessica, as well as the following alumni: Millie Scott, Katie Granger and Rachel Dewhurst. All of these women had attended classes at the Centre for 12-15 years, then returned as teachers. When asked about their memories of their time as students, all mentioned the friendships that they had made through the years. Jessica said “one of my very best friends I met through being a pupil at CGDC. We have been friends for 34 years. Our daughters both now attend classes together here at CGDC and are also the best of friends.

It is so special to me that I am now able to watch my daughter have the same experiences I had as a child, learn the same life skills and build friendships and special memories of her own.”

The school prides itself on the friendly atmosphere created for its students. Millie mentioned that some of her closest friends were made at the school, adding “it definitely felt and I’m sure will always feel more than just a dance school.” Millie is now a performer in the industry and is still close with her CGDC friends and teachers. “A few of my best friends now are friends that I met purely through CGDC! We meet up all the time and reminisce on all the different stages of our dancing life!”

Another favourite memory shared by the group was the biennial dance show, Let’s Dance, which is held at the Sheffield City Hall. These productions showcase the students’ talents and celebrate their achievements. Longterm students of the school receive the opportunity to become a “Constance Grant Young Lady” and take part in the final number of the show: the kicking line. Katie discussed her memories of taking part in the show: “My favourite memories of CGDC would have to be show time… Watching the kicking line on the dress rehearsal as a little girl, hoping that one day I would get to be one of those Constance Grant Young Ladies!” For students of the school, wearing the sparkly costumes and extravagant headdresses and taking part in this routine is somewhat of an honour. Rachel quoted “once a Constance Grant Young Lady, always a Constance Grant Young Lady!”  

This year, the past and present teachers and pupils of Constance Grant Dance Centre are excited to be celebrating its 100th anniversary. Tracey Southern spoke on the celebration: “my nannan (Constance Grant) left an amazing legacy for us all to follow. I feel honoured to be part of such an amazing family.” The school has taught thousands of students over the years and is still in contact with many of its past pupils. Jessica added that “all the amazing teachers I had over the years taught me not just to dance, but important life skills too!”.

Whether students wish to enter the performance world or not, taking dance classes has been known to improve one’s physical fitness, spatial awareness and ability to work as a team. Tracey continued, “my job is very rewarding - seeing so many students coming through the Dance Centre, building their confidence, making lifelong friendships, achievements, and life disciplines etc.” 

Rachel discussed how much the Centre means to so many people across Sheffield: “it is always so amazing to hear people’s connections to CGDC and the wonderful memories they have of the Dance Centre. I’m very proud to be part of Team CGDC!” Constance Grant Dance Centre is a staple of the dance scene in Sheffield and beyond, creating lasting memories, friendships and passion. Constance Grant Dance Centre provides dance classes for all ages – there is something for everyone! Visit their website for more information.

Special thanks to Tracey, Jessica, Millie, Katie and Rachel for taking the time to talk to us!