AJ’s School of Dance on Cartergate, Newark celebrates 21 years

A dance school which started with just two pupils and now boasts over 250 students has celebrated 21 years of confidence, creativity and community.

Amy Matthews dreamed of being a dancer when she was four years old, and has fulfilled that ambition through running AJ's School of Dance and Perfoming Arts, based on Newark's Cartergate, since 2010.

Since a young age, Amy knew performing was her calling, but watching her father, Steve Watson, teach drama classes was what truly sparked Amy’s passion for teaching.

She said: “I loved seeing how children grew in confidence, had fun doing what they loved, and built lasting friendships.

“I knew I wanted to give that a go myself.”

The journey as a dance teacher began at 18, as Amy qualified as an associate teacher in October 2005.

Her first teaching post was guiding Year 11 students at the former Grove School (now Newark Academy), which she described as being a ‘nerve-wracking but formative experience’.

She set up her own dance classes at her former secondary school, Sir Robert Pattison Academy in North Hykeham, where she had only two students.

She then expanded to hiring halls in the area, teaching at Lincoln College and University of Lincoln, and also running after-school clubs, youth groups, and summer camps for Newark and Sherwood District Council.

When she first set up the school in 2004, Amy handled everything, from administration, phone calls, hiring, teaching, marketing, advertising and cleaning.

She added: “There wasn’t a job too big or too small. I did whatever it took to keep the school running and make sure every student felt at home.”

In 2010, the dream for a permanent home came true as she transformed the former Gymophobics into the current hub for aspiring performers on Cartergate.

“I wanted a place where children could come to fulfil their dreams, make like-minded friends, and seize performance opportunities,” said Amy.

“There were times I wondered if it would work, but I kept going.”

Now celebrating its 21st anniversary, the school is thriving with over 250 students, some of whom take multiple classes.

AJ’s School of Dance and Performing Arts teaches a range of different styles, including ballet, pointe, tap, contemporary, Jazz tech, street dance, commercial, Latin, ballroom strictly, musical theatre, acro, cheerleading, private singing, and boogie bounce.

AJ’s has also welcomed renowned guest artists, hosting workshops with groups such as Diversity, Flawless, Twist and Pulse, Zoe Birkett, Lauren Byrne, Harriet Watson, Lauren Drew, Tom Shilcock, and Groundhogs.

Students have also competed in international competitions, including at Disneyland Paris, and many alumni have gone on to prestigious performing arts colleges or professional careers, including backing dancers for major stars.

One example of that is Kailum Richardson, who is now living his dream in Los Angeles, while Elliott and Colby Richardson, both former students, have returned as respected teachers and choreographers.

Lillie Hill and Charlie Fierek have performed on cruise ships around the world, and former students Libby Taylor Welch and Mia Bainbridge now teach at AJ’s while continuing their professional journeys.

However, for Amy and her team, the highlight of the year is the annual show at the Newark Palace Theatre.

She added: “It’s utterly magical seeing the students on stage, watching their confidence soar and parents’ faces light up with pride. We go all out to make it a professional production.”

Year after year, the school continues to evolve, and Amy now has a team of professionals supporting her and the school’s growth.

Calling Newark her home after moving from Essex at the age of four, the dance teacher and business owner said that she intends to serve the Newark community for years to come.

Expanding beyond youth dance, Amy also leads Charge It Up Fitness, and will be celebrating a decade of Boogie Bounce in January 2026.

The adult program now includes Boogie Bounce, Resistance Remix, Pilates, Boxbeat Aerobics, and the newly launched Step Jam, helping adults stay active and find time for themselves amid busy lives.

For aspiring young professionals, the Savage Performing Arts Academy offers intensive, industry-focused training for 18-25 year olds.

Amy added that a big celebration might be on the horizon for the school’s 30th anniversary.