Miss Jane O'Neill, principal

Sale Academy of Dancing, formerly "The Mary Wilde School of Dancing", was founded by my Mother in 1943 and has been in Sale, Cheshire ever since. She was assisted by Muriel Coakley, who in 1976 took over as Principal of the school.  I have worked with Miss Coakley for many years and in September 2004, on her retirement, became Principal.

I have been teaching dancing for 25 years. After gaining my teaching qualifications at the age of 17, I pursued a career as a professional dancer at home and abroad working in theatre, cabaret and television. I am very involved in amateur theatre with Sale Nomads Theatre Club performing in and direcring, plays, pantomimes and musicals.  I also had the honour of being President of Sale Nomads in 2002/3.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like any further information.

Performance Opportunities

The training offered has encouraged many of our pupils to progress further by obtaining places at universitys and colleges to study dance at a higher level.

We also have close links with Sale Nomads, giving rise to opportunities to audition for show, pantomimes and plays.

Occasionally local professional theatres contact dancing schools in the area inviting children to audition for shows. One of our young pupils Sarah who is 8 years old was fortunate enough to be picked to join a company presenting “The Wizard of Oz” at the Palace Theatre Manchester in September 2005. She was able to perform alongside professional actors and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.