Connection, Expression, and Joy - Introducing Our Head of Dance | Charterhouse School

At the beginning of this year, we were delighted to welcome Helen Chisnall as our first Head of Dance, marking an exciting new era for Performing Arts in School. With a professional career spanning over two decades on the West End and international stages, Helen brings a wealth of experience, passion, and creative vision to the role.

Helen’s dance journey began at the age of five, leading her to train professionally in ballet, jazz, tap, drama, singing, and musical theatre. After graduating from a three-year vocational programme, she embarked on an impressive performance career, appearing in major productions including Jersey Boys, Hairspray, We Will Rock You, Viva Forever! – The Spice Girls musical, written by Jennifer Saunders, and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Stephen Ward, about the Profumo affair.

“I’ve been fortunate to work on original productions with some incredible creative teams,” she reflects. “But what has always stayed with me is the sense of connection and teamwork that dance and performance create. It’s a unique bond you can’t find anywhere else.”

Throughout her performing career, Helen also served as Dance Captain and Swing, mastering every role and maintaining choreography across productions – experience that now shapes her meticulous and inspiring approach to teaching.

The transition from stage to studio, she says, was a natural one. “As a dancer, you often teach between contracts. Over the years, I’ve worked in higher education dance colleges and schools, and I found real joy in sharing what I’d learned. When I came to Charterhouse initially as a guest teacher, I could immediately sense the pupils’ enthusiasm and hunger to learn. That’s what drew me in – there was such an opportunity to build something new.”

Since joining the School, Helen has already introduced a broad and vibrant dance programme. Dance is now offered as part of the sports curriculum for Fifths (Year 11) and Specialists (Year 12/13), giving pupils the option to choose dance as a weekly physical activity. Pupils can also take part in hip-hop, jazz, contemporary, and ballet classes throughout the week, led by a team of professional teachers. A particular highlight of the year ahead will be our first dance show, taking place in April.

“We have introduced a fantastic new dance uniform, giving pupils a sense of autonomy and identity within the programme," Helen explains. "It’s wonderful for pupils to have the chance to showcase what they’ve been working on,” Helen says. “They’re learning choreography across the year, and this will be their moment to perform and express themselves creatively.”

Helen’s long-term vision includes expanding the programme further with different ability levels and new performance opportunities. “Ultimately, I want to build awareness that dance has a real place in School ,” she explains. “Dance is a universal language. It teaches discipline, communication, confidence, and creativity, skills that are valuable in every part of life. The focus, teamwork, and self-assurance developed through dance are qualities that serve pupils far beyond the studio –preparing them to thrive in any future workplace or profession.”

The School has also welcomed its first cohort of Dance Scholars, who will take a leading role in next year’s dance show and develop their own choreographed pieces. “It’s exciting to give these pupils the chance to create and perform their own work,” Helen says.

Whether introducing beginners to the basics or refining the skills of experienced dancers, Helen’s passion for the art form is infectious. “I truly believe anyone and everyone can dance,” she says. “It’s about connection, expression, and joy – and I’m so proud to see that growing here.”

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