Deteriorated, Candy stepped into the role of Principal and took over the running of the Pat Steel School of Dance. She has continued her mother's legacy of providing high-quality dance education in a friendly and supportive environment. Candy believes in nurturing each student's individual talents and helping them to reach their full potential.
The Pat Steel School of Dance offers a wide range of dance genres for both children and adults. For the youngest dancers, the focus is on coordination, timing, and rhythm, all taught through fun-based routines set to popular music. As students progress, they have the opportunity to learn ballet, tap, modern dance, contemporary dance, and acrobatics, delving deeper into each discipline. Regular examinations and performance medals are offered to all students to assess their progress and provide them with goals to work towards.
In addition to the regular classes, the school also puts on a biennial show where students from all branches come together to showcase their talent and hard work. This event is a highlight for both the dancers and their families and is a testament to the sense of community that the Pat Steel School of Dance fosters.
The school is proud to have produced many successful dancers and teachers over the years. Some of their former students have gone on to pursue professional dance careers, while others have become dance teachers themselves. The school aims to instil a lifelong love and appreciation for dance in its students and believes that the skills learned at the Pat Steel School of Dance will stay with them forever.
The Pat Steel School of Dance was founded by Patricia Ann Steel, affectionately known as Miss Steel, in 1953. Miss Steel herself was trained at the prestigious Joyce Butler School of Dance and obtained teaching qualifications from the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), National Association of Teachers of Dancing (NATD), and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD). She started the school in her parents' front room in River Road, Maidenhead, and as the demand for classes grew, she rented spaces around the Maidenhead area and later in Beaconsfield, where she settled with her husband and two children.
After a successful career as a dancer and teacher, Pat's daughter Candy Cox took over the role of Principal when her mother's health declined. Candy, a talented dancer herself, received training at the Royal Academy of Dance and graduated with a degree in Performing Arts from De Montfort University. She also obtained teaching qualifications from the RAD, NATD, and ISTD, and is a qualified Silver Swans teacher and Pilates instructor. Candy has continued her mother's dedication to teaching and has even become a mentor for new teachers, providing guidance and support through teaching qualifications.
At the Pat Steel School of Dance, students are welcomed into a warm and supportive environment where they can learn and grow as dancers. Whether they are beginners taking their first steps in dance or experienced dancers looking to hone their skills, the school offers classes for all levels and ages. The school's goal is to provide exceptional dance education while promoting a love for dance and creating lifelong memories.