S.T.A.G | THE HISTORY | 1963




STAG was opened before I was born I believe it to be 1963.  When it opened it offered dance classes in Ballet Tap and Modern dance. I believe it also offered drama classes which is the reason for it being named Stevenage Theatre Arts Group. When I began my classes in 1988 it still offered Ballet Tap and Modern and in 1992 Jazz was introduced to the school, however at that time it was only available to students of 9 years and over.

Speech and Drama classes were available to all students until 1995. When unfortunately due to lack of demand by students classes ceased to be available when the then teacher left and a replacement was never found. 

All dance classes have always followed the ISTD (imperial society of teachers dance) syllabus as this is the most recognised dance faculty. Exams have always been offered to all students when the teacher feels they have reached the necessary standard to pass the chosen exam.

STAG have always put on a large show at the Gordon Craig Theatre every 3 years. Every student attending STAG are invited to participate in the show. This gives the students the opportunity to dance on a stage in front of a large audience and show the standard of the work they have achieved.  Shows are always a great success but because of the intense amount of work required to get a show to the necessary standard it would be very difficult to have them any more frequently than 3 yearly, much to the disappointment of the students and the teachers. All students that participate in the shows take lifelong memories with them and eagerly await the next one. 

From Kizzi-Beth Sewell