Our Team
Sandra Danby
Founder
Sandra embarked on her professional dance journey at the age of eleven with contracts at the Scala Theatre and the Derby Hippodrome. Her early successes led her to the Carol Levis "Junior Discoveries" Talent Show and Pantomime, where she played Girl Babe in "Babes in the Wood" alongside Marti Wild. She continued in pantomime with roles in "Goodie Two Shoes" and "Robinson Crusoe."
At 16, Sandra entered the world of "Billy Smart's Circus," showcasing her talents in aerial ballet, performing forty feet up without a net. She returned to dancing in the touring West End cabaret "Limelight," visiting Eastbourne, the Isle of Wight, and Pier Pavilion, Cromer.
While still pursuing her passion for dance, Sandra took on a new role at 18 by opening the Miss Sandra School of Dance in Brentwood, Doddinghurst, and Ingatestone. The three schools later merged to become the San-Marie Stage School.
In 1994, Sandra retired from teaching, passing the torch to her daughter Lisa-Marie to carry on the legacy of the school. Her journey is a testament to a lifelong dedication to dance and the arts.
Lisa-Marie Jobson
Principal - ISTD DDE, UTD examiner (degree status), AIDTA
Lisa's journey in the world of performance began at a tender age, making her professional stage debut at six in "Hans Christian Andersen" alongside Tommy Steele at the iconic London Palladium. By eleven, she secured a full-time place at Italia Conti and later at the Sylvia Young Theatre School, immersing herself in Dance, Drama, and Singing.
Her career flourished in films such as "P’Tang Y’ang Kipperbang" and "Secret Places," and on TV in shows like "Grange Hill," "Razzmatazz," "All American Amusement Arcade," and "Jury." Lisa landed a notable role as Daisy in "A Woman of Substance" alongside Deborah Kerr and Jenny Seagrove.
At 17, Lisa joined the cast of "42nd Street" at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, followed by "Ziegfeld" at the London Palladium. She danced as a Bluebell Girl in the "Royal Variety Performance," attended by the Queen Mother and the Duchess of York.
Lisa's career took her abroad as she danced on a Caribbean cruise ship. Upon her return, she assumed the roles of dance captain and assistant choreographer in the UK tour of "Underneath the Arches" starring Bernie Winters.
At 21, Lisa completed her final teaching exams with honors. In 1994, she became the principal of the San-Marie Stage School, overseeing its growth and development. In 2001, Lisa joined the council for the United Teachers of Dance, contributing significantly by writing syllabi for Major Tap exams and the Adult Tap program.
After forty years in the business, the San-Marie Stage School consolidated its three schools into The San-Marie Studios in Billericay. In 2005, Lisa received the Valerie Anne Harris Award for her contributions to the U.T.D. at their thirtieth-anniversary celebrations in Blackpool.
Lisa's proudest moment came in July 2007 when her seven-year-old daughter, Luisa, performed on a West End stage in the opening night of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicoloured Dream Coat" at the Adelphi Theatre.
In 2008, Lisa opened Smartypants Agency, and in 2012, she achieved her Level 4 Diploma in Dance Education from the ISTD. Lisa has served as an examiner with the United Teachers of Dance and, in addition to teaching and running the stage school, works as a talent agent for The Talent Beam. Her journey is a testament to a lifelong dedication to the arts and nurturing the talents of others.
Julie Flint
Head of Ballet, Contemporary and Modern
ISTD DDE, UTD examiner (degree status), MRAD, AIDTA
Julie's journey with dance began at San-Marie Stage School when she was just 8 years old. There, she cultivated a passion for performing, participating in a myriad of exams, medal tests, and competitions spanning various disciplines such as tap, ballet, modern jazz, song and dance, acro, character, national, and musical theatre.
At 16, Julie transitioned into the realm of professional dancing, gracing the stages of London's West End. Her performances extended to charity shows attended by the Royal Family, MPs, and the annual Policeman's Ball at prestigious venues including The Dorchester Hotel, The Park Lane Hotel, The Savoy Hotel, The Hilton Hotel, and The Cafe Royal on Regent Street.
Julie's theatrical credits expanded to include the Norman Wisdom Jubilee show at The Gaiety Theatre in Douglas, Isle of Man, a summer season in Great Yarmouth (Wellington Pier with Jimmy Cricket), Aladdin at Theatre Royal Norwich (with Richard O'Sullivan and Tessa Wyatt), and Fantasia at The Cockney Club in London.
Her love for the Can-Can and Pas de Deux flourished during her time in Hello Hollywood Hello at the MGM Grand Hotel in Nevada, USA. After returning, Julie honed these skills further by working with a can-can specialist in Paris. This dedication led her to become a can-can soloist at 22, Second Principle dancer at 23, and Principal dancer at 24.
Throughout her illustrious career, Julie graced stages worldwide, performing in countries such as France, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Iraq, USA, Indonesia, Malaysia, Gabon in West Africa, The Mandarin Theatre in Singapore, Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, and Australia.
Julie retired from professional dancing at the age of 39 and returned to the UK, where she embarked on a teaching career at San-Marie. Over the years, Julie expanded her teaching qualifications to include ballet, tap, modern theatre, acro, and contemporary, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the students at San-Marie Stage School.
Rosie Unwin
Head of Tap - ISTD DDE.
Rosie embarked on her dance journey at the age of 3 at Junior Performers in Corringham. Throughout her time there, she accomplished significant milestones by passing all her ISTD examinations with high achievements in Ballet, Tap, Modern Theatre, and Jazz.
In her teenage years, Rosie had the privilege of dancing in the London 2012 Olympic Closing Ceremony, a rare and prestigious honor. She also participated in a dance project with the English National Ballet, leading to her performance in 'Ballet Russes Encounters' at the Sadler’s Wells Peacock Theatre in London.
Driven by her early passion for dance, Rosie knew she wanted to build a career in the field. After completing three years of study at Masters Performing Arts College, she earned a diploma in Dance and Musical Theatre. It was during her time at Masters that Rosie initiated her teaching career, obtaining her ISTD teaching qualifications.
Rosie's deep passion for dance and the performing arts fuels her desire to impart her knowledge and creativity to students who share her love for dance. Her ultimate goal is to inspire the younger generation to become expressive and confident dancers, nurturing a new wave of talent in the world of dance.
