Orchard Academy pupils have gone on to train at prestigious full time dance colleges including:
- Royal Ballet Junior Associates
- Performers College
- Laine Theatre Arts
- Elmhurst Ballet School
- Arts Educational Tring
- Millennium Performing Arts
Past Pupil's Credits Include:
- The Brit Awards
- Carnival Cruise Lines
- P&O Cruises
- Celebrity Cruises
- English Youth Ballet
- 'Puttin' On th
e Ritz' Spirit Productions
- Professional pantomimes
- TV Commercials
- TV Programmes
About Orchard:
The aim of the Orchard Academy is to provide a happy place of learning where every pupil is valued and every pupil achieves. Classes are structured and organised, aiming to bring the best out in every pupil - whether they have limited aptitude, average ability or enormous talent. Each pupil learns and develops at his or her own pace - but will always be challenged to realise their potential. Many pupils who start at the Orchard Academy at the age of 3 stay on into their teens and beyond. Pupils who complete their training, regularly write to say that over the years the school became a second home to them. Jean Orchard prides herself in knowing every pupil and in taking an interest in their lives as they progress through the school. About Jean
The Orchard Academy of Dance & Theatre Arts is owned and run by JEAN ORCHARD L.I.S.T.D. who has been teaching in the village of Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire since 1981. Jean, an ex-professional dancer and mother of 4, is well experienced in dealing with children of all ages and has seen her pupils graduate from being toddlers through to dancing professionally on stage in many countries around the world. Jean started dancing at the age of 5 and by the time she was 10 had gained a place at the Bush Davies Ballet School where she studied full-time for 5 years. From there she went on to study at the ITALIA CONTI STAGE SCHOOL in London – where one of her teachers was ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ judge, Arlene Phillips. Jean then appeared on TV and danced professionally in numerous Pantomimes, Spring & Summer seasons – both in the UK and abroad. The highlight of Jean’s career was when she danced in a 6-month season at the LONDON PALLADIUM – during which time she met her husband John, a musician in the same show. In the same year, Jean performed in a Royal Command Performance for HRH Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. Recently, Jean won the Caldecourt Cup for services to her home village of Stoke Poges – where she has lived since 1978. Our Pupils:
Girls and boys join the Orchard Academy at any age from rising 3's to early 20's where they study I.S.T.D. Also on offer are Musical Theatre Classes, Street Dance & Adult Tap Lessons. Over the years, the Orchard Academy has raised thousands of pounds for various local charities thanks to the generosity of their theatre show patrons.
