About Us
For over 30 years, Lorraine’s School of Dancing has been inspiring young performers in Brentwood, Essex, providing a fun, friendly and nurturing environment where children can discover their love of dance whilst receiving exceptional technical training.
Founded by Lorraine Hornsey, our school prides itself on combining professional-standard dance education with an encouraging, supportive atmosphere where every student feels valued, confident and inspired.
We offer an exciting and varied timetable of classes for children aged 2 to 18 years, welcoming everyone from tiny first-time dancers taking their very first steps to experienced performers looking to develop their skills and reach their full potential.
Our classes include Ballet, Tap, Modern, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Street Dance and Commercial, alongside exciting opportunities for show performances and competition work.
Throughout the year, our students have the opportunity to take to the stage, build confidence, develop lifelong friendships and create unforgettable memories through our annual productions and performance opportunities.
Whether your child dreams of a career in the performing arts or simply wants to dance, have fun and make new friends, there's a place for everyone at Lorraine's School of Dancing.
More than just a dance school, a place to learn, grow, perform and shine!
Meet Our Teachers
School Principal - Miss Lorraine Hornsey
Miss Lorraine trained at Bush Davies & has worked as a professional dancer & choreographer for over 40 years. Lorraine was taught by some of the most influential teachers in the industry including TV's Arlene Phillips & choreopraher Molly Molloy.
Professional credits include:
Various pantomimes at Oxford, South Sea, Westcliff, Cliffs Pavilion & London New Victoria Theatre.
Lorraine also worked for many years performing in various cabarat shows in Londons West End.
She has been lucky enough to travel the world as a Dancer/Choreographer in Italy, Cyprus, Egypt, Abu Dhabi, Far East, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand & Malaysia to name a few, she then went on to be head choreographer for THF hotels.
Lorraine starred on 'Reg Varneys Half hour show' on saturday night television & BBC play for todays 'Bless this house'
Lorraine choreographed for the 'Irene Bell Dance Group' then went on to create her own dance company that toured all over the Far East.
Lorraine taught at multiple schools in London & Essex such as Hornchurch School Of Dancing, Studio 10, Body Shop Dance Studios & Colins Performing Arts before she opened up her own school in 1993 where Lorraine's School Of Dancing was born.
My Vision
A place where every child belongs, every dancer is encouraged, and everyone has the opportunity to shine.
My vision has always been to create a dance school that feels like one big family – a welcoming, supportive and close-knit environment where every child, regardless of age, experience or ability, is given the opportunity to flourish.
I believe that dance is about so much more than learning steps. It's about building confidence, developing discipline, forming lifelong friendships and discovering skills that will stay with our students long beyond their time in the studio.
From the very beginning, I wanted Lorraine's School of Dancing to offer exceptional, professional-standard training without the excessive costs often associated with performing arts education. I firmly believe that high-quality dance training should be accessible, affordable and, above all, enjoyable.
This is why we take pride in providing our show costumes through our own wardrobe department, helping families enjoy the magic of performance without the added expense of purchasing expensive costumes.
Every student is unique, and I am passionate about nurturing their individual talents, celebrating their achievements and supporting them throughout their personal dance journey – whether they dream of a professional career on stage or simply dance for the pure joy of it.
My greatest reward is watching our students grow, not only as dancers, but as confident, happy and accomplished young people.
Lorraine Hornsey
Founder & Principal
Lorraine's School of Dancing
Miss Sophia-Marie - Vice Principal
Sophia-Marie began her dance training at Lorraine’s School of Dancing over 26 years ago before graduating with a degree in Musical Theatre from CPA Studios.
She went on to enjoy a successful international performing career, including roles as Vocal Captain and Cast Manager for Carnival Cruise Line, performing at the Bahrain Grand Prix, touring UK theatres and appearing in numerous professional pantomimes.
In 2020, Sophia-Marie founded Sophisticated Entertainment Ltd, an award-winning production company representing over 100 professional artists. Her career highlights include choreographing for 27 Park Holidays UK venues, working as Creative Director for TAG Live and joining the Board of Directors of the Entertainment Agents’ Association (FEAA).
In 2025, she wrote and directed Brentwood’s first resident pantomime, Beauty & the Beast, at the Brentwood Centre Arena Theatre.
Alongside managing Lorraine’s School of Dancing, Sophia-Marie continues to produce international entertainment, with her latest production, set to tour Australia, the USA and London in 2027–2028.
Miss Chesca - Teacher
Miss Chesca is a professional dancer, performer and passionate dance teacher who trained at the prestigious London Studio Centre, graduating with a BA (Hons) in Dance and Performing Arts.
With an impressive professional career spanning over six years at sea, Chesca has travelled the world performing as a dancer on board luxury cruise ships. Through her dedication, talent and professionalism, she progressed to the role of Dance Captain for Costa Cruises, taking on additional responsibilities in leading, supporting and maintaining the high standards of professional productions.
Alongside her international performing career, Chesca has worked with Sophisticated Entertainment, gaining further experience within the entertainment industry and becoming a valued member of the Sophisticated family.
Through her professional connection with Sophia-Marie, Chesca joined Lorraine's School of Dancing in 2022, and has been an integral part of our teaching team ever since!
Bringing a wealth of professional performance experience, industry knowledge and infectious enthusiasm into the studio, Chesca is passionate about inspiring the next generation of dancers. Her classes combine strong technical foundations with creativity, performance skills and confidence-building, encouraging every student to push their boundaries and reach their full potential.
Miss Chesca loves sharing her passion for dance with her students, helping them grow in confidence, develop their individual talents and, most importantly, enjoy every moment of their dance journey!
Miss Katrina - Vocal Teacher
Miss Katrina graduated from Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in 2021, training in Musical Theatre. Since then, she has performed at prestigious venues including the Royal Albert Hall, The Other Palace, and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Recent highlights include a Best Supporting Actress nomination for “Cover Piece” a UK tour of Jack and the Beanstalk, and leading roles in
“It Is Well” and the touring ABBA show “Voyage Vision”
She recently returned to the Royal Albert Hall to perform in a new interactive musical for
thousands of children and families.
Alongside performing, Katrina is passionate about teaching. With experience in singing,
drama, childcare, and working in schools and nurseries, she loves helping students build
confidence, technique, and performance skills through fun and engaging lessons.
Miss Katrina is our Head of Singing and teaches our brand-new Monday Singing Lessons. She is delighted to be part of the Lorraine’s School of Dancing
Mr Jake - Teacher
Joining Lorraine’s School of Dancing initially as a singer was one of the most rewarding decisions of my performing arts journey.
With the encouragement, guidance and mentorship of Lorraine and Sophia-Marie, I developed my skills as a dancer and all-round performer, ultimately securing an unconditional offer to study a Level 6 Diploma in Musical Theatre and Dance at the prestigious Performers College.
Throughout my time at Lorraine’s, I have had the privilege of working alongside an incredibly talented and dedicated team of teachers, whose passion for nurturing the next generation of performers is truly inspiring.
Being part of the Lorraine’s family has provided me with invaluable performance opportunities, including the school's annual productions and professional pantomimes with Sophisticated Entertainment.
I am incredibly proud to be part of such a supportive, passionate and inspiring school, and I look forward to sharing my knowledge, experience and love of performing with the next generation of young talent.
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Miss Mikki - School Administrator
Miss Mikki is our wonderful School Administrator at Lorraine's School of Dancing, helping to keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes!
With a background in administration and entertainment production, Mikki has previously worked with Sophisticated Entertainment, where she played an important role in managing children's performance licences and supporting the organisation of productions and events.
Bringing her fantastic organisational skills, attention to detail and friendly approach to Lorraine's School of Dancing, Mikki assists with the day-to-day running of the school, including accounts, class scheduling, parent communications and general administration.
Working closely with our Principal, management team and teaching staff, Mikki helps ensure that everything is organised and that our students and their families have the best possible experience.
Although you may not always see her in the dance studio, Mikki plays an important role behind the scenes, helping to keep our busy dance school running efficiently.
Miss Mikki is a valued member of the LSOD family, always working hard to support our students, parents and teachers!
Student Assistants
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