About Suzanne Hancock
Suzanne and Julie were introduced to dancing at the ages of six
and three respectively. Suzanne did well at Ballroom and Latin
dancing and went on to take I.S.T.D medal examinations and then her
teacher entered her for medal competitions; in the Grand Finals
held at the Hammersmith Palais Suzanne was placed second in the
Paso Doble at Gold Level. Suzanne found she preferred teaching to
competing and at the young age of 16 started her training to become
a dance teacher. In 1984 she passed her Teacher's Associate exam
with Distinction; her results were so good that she was put forward
for the prestigious Phyllis Haylor Scholarship, the youngest
teacher at the time. Over the next few years Suzanne taught
part-time alongside her office job whilst she built up her
clientéle. Family life intervened for a while, then she went on to
take her Licentiate Latin and then Licentiate Ballroom exams, again
passing both with Distinction.
Mollie and Gerry, Suzanne and Julie's parents, are very much
part of the school, coming along to social evenings as well as
travelling to competitions to cheer on their four grandchildren,
and of course Suzanne and Julie's many students, all of whom they
know by name. Gerry is a very enthusiastic photographer and takes
photographs at all the events, producing slide shows within days of
the competitions so students can choose which ones to take away
with them. Suzanne's two daughters who compete, one in the Junior
section and the eldest now in the adult section who was a finalist
at the Grand Finals Competition at Blackpool Tower Ballroom in
November 2009.
Over the years, Suzanne has become known for welcoming pupils of
all ages, guiding them gently from shy beginner to accomplished
dancer. She continues to push herself from strength to strength,
taking the opportunity to both lecture and judge, which she enjoys
immensely. She looks forward to taking further teaching
examinations in the future.