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 twelve 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. The changing and washroom facilities have recently been refurbished and the atmosphere is warm and inviting for all dancers and fitness enthusiasts. In fact the B.T.D.A. were so impressed with the facilities that the centre was granted to be a ‘Major Centre,’ thus meaning any senior pupils from other schools could take major examinations at CJ’s.

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 two 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.

However not only does CJ’s have some two hundred and fifty pupils attending classes it also holds some of the areas best fitness classes.

Keeping up to date with changing trends in the fitness industry is very important and hence Carol has recently qualified as a Body Jam instructor within the Body Training Systems programmes (B.T.S.). A fun, friendly class giving you the moves and grooves to make you dance like the best, and it’s for adults!

In addition CJ’s holds Cardio Kick Combat classes for both teenagers and adults, taught by Lloyd of Partners Heath and Fitness, one of Kent’s leading personal trainers and fitness instructors. More classes are planned in the near future.

The aim of CJ’s from the start was to create a dance and fitness centre for everyone that was fun, friendly and yet allowed all pupils and participants to achieve a high standard, whatever level they wished to attain.

If yourself or your child has the urge to perform then CJ’s certainly has something to offer from traditional dance styles such as Classical Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz, to Lyrical, Song and Dance and of course Body Jam and Cardio Kick Combat especially for adults. There are also Cabaret Troupes available for displays and functions.

CJ’s…….Performance at its Best!