CJs Dance and Fitness - Welcome to CJ's Dance and Fitness

Tap Dancing A strongly rhythmical dance form that draws on many traditions. This discipline places an emphasis on the mastery of using the feet as a percussive instrument, on the response to rhythm, and on interpretation and expression

Tap Dancing at CJ's

Ballet A dance form combining elements of the English and French traditions of ballet. The importance of of correct and safe technique, learning the vocabulary of dance, physical placement, spatial relationships, dramatic presence and artistic expression are all part of the lesson

Well it’s certainly not all about Pom Poms! In our Cheerleading lessons we work on Fitness, Strength, Team building, Tumbling, Motions, Jumps, Cheers, Routines and Stunts. The lesson incorporates a large amount of team work as this is a golden rule within Cheerleading. The students get to make lots of friends within the lessons due to this and it helps to develop confidence and communication skills. In the lessons the buzz of energy and excitement of what lift we are going to try next or, what new track we are going to use is endless as everyone wants to develop and constantly achieve more for their team. Within the lessons there is always a role for everyone this is why Cheerleading is such a popular sport as every person excels at something and discovers new skills which they never knew they had. We have two coaches both who are qualified Master Level Cheerleading Coaches with the BCA (British Cheerleading Association). Both coaches have CRB checks and are First Aid qualified. </p><p align="justify">We currently have 4 Cheerleading squads Tiny Cheer, Beginners Cheerleading, Junior Squad and Senior Squad. We have a fully equipped studio including safety mats and basic fitness equipment. In August of last year we made our first big appearance as a Cheerleading squad, at Disney Land Paris where, we performed to many intrigued on lookers. Then in May we took 43 Cheerleaders to perform a spectacular routine at the prestigious venue of The Royal Albert Hall, this was a wonderful experience which left audiences on the edge of their seats during our routine. Most recently we have performed for the Carnival de Splendour Cruise ship whilst docked in Dover, which was a great honour for all the CJ’s Cheerleaders and Dancers. Alongside these large scale events we have also supported our local town council on many events within the town, for example at The Dover Firework Display at Crabble Football Ground, Dover Christmas Cheer Day and several summer Fetes. As a squad it is very important to us that we represent our town and show the talents of the town’s younger generation. Our next step within cheerleading, as we have now trained for 2 years, is to start entering the National Competitions, our first one being this year at Brighton in October.</p><p align="justify">Cheerleading really is a fun loving sport, we have seen a huge difference in our cheerleaders over the past 2 years, they have developed into caring, hardworking, motivated and supportive young people, who are ready to take on any challenge. Whether you are a boy or a girl there is a place for you in our Cheerleading squad.

Lyrical Self expression and gracefulness are used in all forms of lyrical dance to convey a sense of romance and style

Modern Jazz A popular dance form that makes extensive use of a wide range of music. There is an emphasis on self expression and energetic movement while utilising present dance trends from within the community

Cabaret Troupes A variety of routines from modern jazz to lyrical and cabaret numbers are learnt in these classes and performed throughout the year at a variety of functions and venues

CJ’s Dance and Fitness was established in 1994 by former primary school teacher Carol Jenkins. Having already attained an honours degree in sports science, qualified with the British Theatre Dance Association to teach all forms of dance and a registered fitness instructor for both adults and children, Carol realised there was a need for a dance and fitness venue in Dover.

A former church hall in a desperate state was purchased and the seemingly endless task of renovating it to its present standard began. Now some fourteen years on the premises boasts a very large studio which can easily be adapted to create two studios and is light and airy. Both studios are fully mirrored and have their own sound system, a quality of which are comparable with top dance and fitness venues.

In the Performing Arts world staying current with new trends is vital to keep the school alive. Thus two years ago CJ’s expanded the classes on offer to include Cheerleading. This is now extremely popular and almost one hundred cheerleaders perform their stunts, tumbling and motions each week. They also take part in competitions and local displays. Not only do the girls and boys have great fun and develop in confidence, but CJ’s are proud to say, are definitely among some of the fittest young people in Dover.

Realising that there were still some budding Street Dancers and in particular, boys uncatered for, this year a whole evening has been devoted to street and hip hop. This has been another success story with, over fifty young people taking up the opportunity to learn this inspirational dance form.

Every year five examination sessions are held at the studio with the pupils achieving extremely high standards. On these days the centre is scrutinised down to the finest detail, from quality of the facilities on offer, to organisation and technical standard of the dancers. CJ’s is very proud therefore, that for the last five years a ‘Centre of Excellence’ has been awarded to the school during every session.

In addition to exam work all pupils have the opportunity to take part in an Annual Show held at The Leas Cliff Hall in Folkestone. Months of hard work go into the production from the choreography to the designing of hundreds of costumes. On the night it is hard to believe that the show is being performed by children who are all amateurs. It truly is the highlight of the year.

CJ’s has also been involved with the Mardi Gras Team for many years and have performed at many prestigious venues including Her Majesty’s Theatre, Sadlers Wells, Disneyland Paris and the magnificent Royal Albert Hall.

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