Wendy Finch - Principle and DSL

Wendy Finch (nee Newman and formerly Gill) is the school's Principle. She is a fully qualified teacher of the Royal Academy of Dancing and holds the Associate status of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing.

Wendy started dancing at a very early age, taught by her mother - and the school's founder - Patricia Newman. She developed a deep passion for dance and the performing arts, and later found a true love in teaching young children and helping them to achieve their full potential. This led initially to a career as a primary school teacher and, later, a combination of dance teacher, reception teacher and full-time mother.

She opened the The Richard Pate School branch of the school, and her involvement at the main studio increased, until she became manager and full-time teacher in 2013 after her father and school co-founder, Ken Newman, passed away.

Two children dressed in vintage costumes, the boy with a suit, bow tie, straw hat, and fake mustache, holding a string of beads, and the girl in a flapper dress with fringe, headband, and tennis shoes, standing against a plain wall.

Favourite colour: Red

Favourite food: Cauliflower cheese

Favourite music: Anything with a catchy beat, plus André Rieu for relaxation

Fun fact: I love hula hooping!

A smiling woman with short grey hair, wearing a navy floral blouse, is holding a glass of white wine at a dining table. She has a 'Lovely Mum' headband and jewellery, with a decorated background including framed hearts and handwritten notes.

Credits

Over the years Wendy has enjoyed being involved in amateur productions with Cheltenham Operatic and Dramatic Society (CODS), performing at Everyman Theatre in 42nd Street, Crazy for You, and Oliver, also Summer Holiday and A Chorus Line at The Playhouse. She also choreographed Sweet Charity and Jesus Christ Superstar for CODS, and has choreographed many productions in her role as a school teacher at The Richard Pate School and Christ Church Primary School. She also teaches voluntarily as leader of dance clubs in several local schools. Wendy is on the dance committee for Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts, and has previously sat on the committee for Bristol Dance festival and Pershore Dance Festival.