Sarah (AISTD)
Sarah took over the Sandra Cheal School of Dancing in 2020, when Sheila Leach retired, having had links to the school since two of her sons attended classes there from a young age. Indeed Nick remained at the school and now teaches along side his Mum!
Sarah has been dancing since the age of 4. She trained at the MCB School of Dance in Brentwood with Muriel Albert in ballet, modern and tap, both RAD and ISTD, and took part in various shows, festivals and examinations from children’s grades to professional levels. She gained her qualification as a teacher with the ISTD working closely with Muriel. Sarah then went on to take over the school when Muriel retired.
Whilst bringing up her family of boys (Nick being the youngest!) Sarah taught dance part time locally, which included working on a number of shows at the Mercury Theatre in Colchester.
Sarah was very happy to be able to take over the school when Sheila decided it was time to retire, and to keep Coggeshall dancing!
Sophie
Sophie’s journey with dance has come full circle. After training and performing, she’s now returned to where it all began at Sandra Cheal School of Dance, bringing with her a wealth of experience from both amateur and professional productions.
During her time away from both the dance school and the stage, Sophie embraced an equally beautiful role—creating her wonderful family. She is a proud mum to two daughters. Her 4 year old has already caught the dancing bug and now attends Sandra Cheal School of Dancing, making her the third generation in her family to attend the school.
Sophie returned to teaching at Sandra Cheal School of Dancing in 2026 refreshed, inspired, and ready to share her knowledge, energy, and love of dance with the next generation.
Nick
Nick joined the Sandra Cheal School of Dancing at the tender age of 4 and stayed until he was 18. Whilst at the school Nick took part in many festivals and shows, as well as completing exams and medals. During this time, Nick also trained at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts.
Having gained a foundation in Ballet, Tap, and Modern, Nick found Contemporary Dance in which he came to specialise, finding particular enjoyment from Cunningham’s Choreography by Chance. Interested in the amalgamation of styles, Nick then went on to partake in workshops of Salsa, Kathak, and Hip-Hop to name a few, and looks to infuse these in his work.
Nick rejoined Sandra Cheal School of Dancing in 2020 to teach.