History of the School
Founded in 1953, The Geraldine Fox School of dancing is one of the longest running in the Tonbridge area.
Geraldine Fox was the founder of the school, and taught in the evenings and weekends. Her day job working as a secretary in Fleet Street allowed her to build the school in size, until it was large enough for her to be able to devote her full time efforts.
Lessons have been held in many venues over the years, Fisher Hall, Village Halls, even above shops in the high street. However one venue has been most consistently used and that is the YWCA building in Lyons Crescent, which Geraldine ran for many years.
Around 35 years ago, Diana Gibb, a pupil of Geraldine's from an early age, began helping with classes. Diana went on to gain her teaching qualification and became assistant teacher to Geraldine.
Over the years, Geraldine and Diana have successfully taken thousands of pupils from the Tonbridge area through exams, and given them opportunities to perform on stage at annual shows. The pupils have not always been children either. Many adults come to classes, enjoying the friendly family atmosphere that has become part of the school.
In 2000, Geraldine announced her retirement from the school and Diana took over. Diana has continued in the tradition of high quality dance lessons and shows, and the school has seen large growth over recent years.
Andrew Gibb (Diana's Son) has now passed his first teaching qualification, and is an assistant teacher, introducing Musical Theatre and Freestyle lessons to the school.
Andrew's Fiancée, Rachel Cruickshank has recently introduced Salsa to the school. She hopes to introduce other ballroom subjects to the school over the coming years.
Geraldine is still involved with the school to this day, particularly with the Annual Show and Exam days where she puts in sterling effort on costumes and offers expert advice on the dances.