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In a world where we hear the words ‘pressure… stress’ and we see a constant change of education - you will see a child that dances, achieve it all and triumph.

My thoughts

The pleasure I get from watching that little 3-year-old grow up into a confident, well-poised teenager who can go out into the world with confidence and be proud of their achievements in life.

I really believe, and this has been true for me, that when you have dance in your life you can overcome anything.

Just leave it at the door … whatever life throws at you- the good the bad and ugly, if you have dance, and the enjoyment of theatre … no one can take that from you.

In a world where we hear the word ‘pressure… stress’ and we see a constant change of education – you will see a child that dances, achieve it all and triumph.
Their confidence in themselves and their own abilities will grow, they increase memory, they learn to be part of a team and most importantly they learn about the competitive world which they will enter as young adults.

Miss Yvonne Plester

 

A bit of history!

Origins of the school

Originally opened in 1945 as the ‘Sargent School of Dancing’, the school was run by the Sargent family with Miss Yvette, Miss Daphne and Miss Wendy; the latter being twins.

My early days at the school

I first attended the school in 1971 when it had just moved to Berkhampstead Road, Chesham where the health centre now stands. The school boasted barres, a small dressing room and an outside toilet! During the mid-70s Miss Mavis Butler joined Miss Yvette to run the prestigious ‘Sargent and Butler School of Dancing’. Miss Butler lived in Portsmouth and commuted weekly bringing to the school a wealth of tap and modern dance. This gave me and many other pupils a very strong training in Ballet, Modern, Tap and National and also an inside toilet!

1980s

Miss Butler retired from the school in the early 80s to spend more time in Portsmouth. Miss Yvette’s niece had no wish to teach, her nephew Guy Niblett was already dancing with the Royal Ballet. By 1985 and now qualified in four branches of dance, I had shown enough care and strength to be handed the school to continue running it on the same guidelines – so the school became the Sargent and Plester school. I always kept the name in respect for Yvette Sargent, who with Miss Butler gave me the best training I could have wanted.

21st century!

Several years ago I moved the school to Newtown School and then with Samantha Vale by my side (as an ex-pupil). Then looking to have more space and to start street dance, I secured our move to White Hill Centre where we are today.

With strong and loyal staff I hope to continue the school onwards and upwards. Miss Mavis Butler has sadly died but I am sure looks down on us checking the tap and modern dance.

Miss Yvette Sargent sadly died in 2019 but the name of the School will always remain. Many of your parents and grandparents may have attended the school and remember her training! Not what would happen today!

The school continues to provide the pupils with all the tools of the trade.

  • Life skill

    I just wanted to say thank you so much for everything you have given me through dancing. It is a life skill that I am so glad to have and hope to continue building on. You have always given me confidence and encouragement to do my best.

    Kate Butterworth

  • Foundations for life

    We would like to say thank you for all you have done over the years for Jessica. We know she has benefitted from it, giving her great foundations for her life.

    Jason Summerlin

  • Fantastic opportunities

    I started at Sargent and Plester at the age of 4 and Miss Yvonne taught me a huge amount. The school is extremely friendly, professional and full of fantastic opportunities. The knowledge and experience of the teachers is second to none and I couldn’t imagine training anywhere else, mainly because it caters for all!

    -Niamh Connor-Wheatley, studies at Bird College Dance, Music and Theatre Performance

  • An important part of my life

    Sargent and Plester has been truly amazing and such an important part of my life. It has taught me so many valuable life lessons and skills; to be self competitive, determined, persistent and aim high to achieve what you wish to accomplish. Experiences such as the pantomime and the choreographic are unique and so valuable, not only for those who wish to dance in the future.

    Verity Biggs

  • 15 years of memories

    My time at Sargent and Plester was the most amazing experience and one that I will never forget! I am so grateful to have had Miss Yvonne and Sam as my teachers, they are the most supportive teachers I could have hoped for and I couldn't thank them enough! I am so sad to leave after15 years of memories and will miss everyone greatly!

    - Charlotte Gilbert