Miss Ann Oliver started the stage school over 50 years ago and during that time she has influenced so many lives, encouraging students from all walks of life to achieve their dreams.
In 1972, Miss Oliver formed the British Theatre Dance Association, a dance awarding body offering qualifications in a range of dance disciplines. The British Theatre Dance Association was based in the Midlands but has subsequently spread throughout the United Kingdom and abroad.
During the past 35 years BTDA has been at the forefront of dance education, never afraid to take on new challenges in its efforts to raise both awareness and the standards of dance education. BTDA received accreditation from the Council for Dance Education and Training in 1993 and gained accreditation from the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority in 2001, this was closely followed by the accreditation of its General and Vocational Graded Examinations in Theatre Dance in December 2001 and September 2003 respectively. This success was achieved through Miss Oliver's drive and determination to succeed and a unwavering belief that dance and the ability to perform stands everyone in good stead whether they decide to go into the entertainment business or follow a different career path.
Miss Oliver also founded the Leicester College of Performing Arts, which for the past 12 years has offered students the opportunity to access high quality, full time training in Musical Theatre. The college has gone from strength to strength and has graduating students performing all over the world.
In 2007 Miss Oliver was awarded an MBE for her services to the Arts, a well deserved recognition for someone who has dedicated her life to teaching and promoting dance.
She remains the driving force in the School, BTDA and the College and will continue to dedicate her life to these successful businesses.