Dancing through the decades to keep borough moving
Three generations have kept dance studio on its (twinkle) toes
The generation game!
It may take two to tango – but three generations of passionate family members have kept Rotherham Dance Centre Studio 1 in the groove for nearly eight decades.
Now based at The Store Room on Fitzwilliam Road in Eastwood, the long-running dance studio has trained numerous generations of Rotherham youngsters since being established – and fittingly it has been run first by three generations of talented women, all from the same family.
Principal Debbie Corker who leads the troupe today said: “My mum was Jean Watson, and my lovely nan was Jane Watson who owned the Russell Stage School first - Russell was her maiden name.
“So as long as I can remember the dance school has been in my family and my life.
“My mum and my nan both loved dancing – it was the only job they ever had, it was a passion.
“My mum took over when the school was held at Temperance Hall on Wellgate and from there it has moved HQ numerous times to RCAT and YMCA as well as Masbrough Chapel which is no longer there and then to The Stag old F1 space.
“We moved to Eastwood in 2016 because we just kept outgrowing the spaces and next year will be our eightieth anniversary and my 40th year at the school.
“I have worked elsewhere over the years and had the luxury of dipping in and out but when my mum passed away in 2015 I decided to take over the running and the rest is history!”
Recent history has seen the students at RDC perform numerous sold-out shows at Rotherham Civic Theatre – including its annual production which this year was A Moment In Time in July and took audiences through a musical journey of memorable historical and cultural events.
Students also took part in a dance weekend with other schools from around the country at Butlins in Skegness, were involved with the Children’s Capital of Culture programme for 2025, Rotherham Pride events, and found time for a fundraising show at East Dene Club which raised £11,452 for Cancer Research UK.
The dance centre, which next year celebrates its 80th birthday, offers a broad range of subjects and styles including ballet, tap, street, commercial, and musical theatre to students aged from three to 60 of all abilities, all taught by fully qualified and DBS checked teachers.
Said Debbie: “There have been major changes in the (national) dance industry over the years – it used to be there was an 'ideal' weight or height that maybe was focused on, sometimes even regardless of ability or how good you were.
“That's one of the really good changes that have happened over the years.
“The criteria for dance should be all about ability and passion – that's our mission and something we will always showcase and celebrate – so it is great to see the industry has evolved to encompass everyone.”