about us.

In 1996, with a dream of bringing quality affordable dance and performance classes to her local community in Dagenham, Maria opened up Donovans Stage School. A few months later and her sister Michelle joined Maria running courses for children and young adults within Dagenham in Modern, Tap, Lyrical and Ballet. In the time from 1996-2012 in which they were principals of the school, both Maria and Michelle achieved great success.

They put students through examinations, gaining a 100% pass rate; they also had major success at dance competitions. Students have performed in some incredible venues such as Disneyland Paris, London Pallidum, Her Majesty Theatre and The 02. In 1999, Donovans took part in a Guinness World Record challenge along with other dances school under Mardi Gras Events. Maria and Michelle had the privilege of training students and giving them memories to last a lifetime.

In 2012, Maria and Michelle decided to pass the school down to their daughter/niece, Sarah. Sarah has completed her degree in Musical Theatre and trained at Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts was more than keen to continue on the success of the school which growing up became her family and make it even more significant. Sarah added further opportunities for the students, offering a wide variety of subjects from Acting and Musical Theatre to Street and Contemporary, we’re lucky to have the expertise to provide it with all. ​

This school was founded under the name of grandpa O’Donovan. It has the students’ needs at its heart; twenty-four years on - nothing has changed. Every one of our students, and their parents, becomes part of the Donovan’s family. This isn’t just about dance to us; this is about a way of life. It’s about striving to be the best you can be, but it’s about being polite and courteous while doing that. Each student is an individual, and we encourage and support them on their journey in whatever way we can. ​ Nothing makes us prouder than seeing the progress my students make in technique, confidence and personality.