Tip Top Dance School

Tip Top Dance School is an independent dance school located at the Venture Community Association in London. Founded by international dancer Maria Cassar, the school offers a variety of classes in Ballet, Contemporary, Creative Movement, Jazz, and Street Dance.

Maria Cassar, the founder and teacher of Tip Top Dance School, graduated from Trinity Laban with a Ba (Hons) in Dance Theatre in 2009. She has also completed M level Safe and Effective Dance Practise at Teeside University. Maria has worked with renowned choreographers such as Tom Dale, Susan Sentler, Kerry Nicholls, Theo Clinkard, Kristina Sommerlade, Mavin Khoo, and James Wilton.

Prior to founding the dance school, Maria co-founded RedTape Dance Company, producing multiple stage and site-specific pieces. The company has performed at various festivals and venues including Resolutions! Blue Print Festival, London Live Art, Notte Bianca, Malta Arts Festival, and Ziguzajg International Children and Youth Festival. They have also received funding from the Malta Arts Fund.

Maria has showcased her choreographic work at esteemed theatres such as the Bonnie Bird Theatre, Stratford Circus, Crystal Palace Arts Festival, Sydenham Arts Festival, Sadlers Wells, The Albany Theatre, Her Majesty's Theatre, and the London Palladium. In addition to teaching at Tip Top Dance School, Maria also teaches contemporary and creative movement classes in several schools around London, including mainstream and SEN school settings. She has also been involved in the Royal Academy's Step into Dance teaching training and mentoring sessions.

Mario Nadal, also known as Bboy Shortcut, is the Street Dance and Breakdance teacher at Tip Top Dance School. He has been involved in the London hip-hop breakdance and street dance scene since the late 90s and has trained among some of the UK's best and old-school pioneers. Mario has participated in local, national, and international competitions, achieving finalist and winning positions in various solo and crew events.

At Tip Top Dance School, their goal is to make their programmes as inclusive and accessible as possible. If students cannot find a suitable class, they are encouraged to reach out directly to Maria, who will guide them towards the best options for their child and family. Additionally, if families have been financially affected by COVID-19, Tip Top Dance School will do their best to accommodate them, while also navigating the challenges faced by small businesses in the current climate.

Tip Top Dance School is committed to coming out of this challenging time stronger alongside their dance family. By plunging into change, moving with it, and joining the dance, they embrace the spirit of resilience and growth.