Sarah Gittins

I am a mum of 2 amazing handsome boys (I am biased!), so between the school run, I fit in work! It’s hard, and it’s a juggling act, but any mum understands that keeping all the balls in the air is difficult. My dance school was my first baby - so technically I have 3!

I started dancing at 3, led through the traditional exam structure of ballet, tap and modern. Numerous competitions, shows and events, led me to college and then onto my BA Hons in Performing Arts. After working abroad, I returned home to set up my dance school, forgoing the traditional (there were enough of them!) I started a non-exam, non-uniform based school, focusing on street and jazz dance.

Sarah launched The Dance Den 5 years ago to help Dance and Theatre School Owners like herself find balance in their life whilst running a successful school. Having run her own school for over 22 years, there was a point where she was stressed and struggling. She then transformed the way she works and still runs a 330+ strong, multi venue school on 2 days a week! (ps also takes 3 holidays a year!)

She now teaches other Dance/Theatre school owners; how to have a thriving school with a life outside of it. Sarah created The Den to be a sanctuary, a membership programme with access to business modules, discounts to recommended companies, approved status and most importantly a group to share, get help and support from.

Sarah has also created The Performance Business Planner, Show Planner and spoken on numerous stages, podcasts in the UK and America, also featured in The Dancing Times. She has led trainings for the ISTD, BBO and IDTA. What you get with her is straight talking business sense, she has the t-shirt in many colours and really comes from a place of experience.

On a fun note… Sarah once choreographed in 8 languages!