From its very beginning, Chelmsford Dance Centre has been built on a simple yet powerful foundation: a lifelong love of dance.

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Phil Meacham began dancing at just four years of age. By the time he was seven, he already knew his future lay in teaching. His journey took him through all levels of examinations—juvenile, junior, and adult—whilst simultaneously competing at the highest level. As a professional dancer, Phil achieved outstanding success, placing fifth in the prestigious Professional Ten Dance Championships on three separate occasions.

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After retiring from competition at his peak, Phil dedicated himself fully to teaching, training under the guidance of the late, great Robert Barber, as well as studying with renowned dance champions over many years, including John Delroy, Len Goodman, Michael Barr, John Wood, Hans Laxholm, and Marcel de Rijk. A brief move to Letmathe in West Germany in 1990 only reinforced what he already knew—dance teaching was his true calling.

 

The Beginning of Something Special

In 1991, guided by both ambition and integrity—and adhering to the long-standing professional principle that one should not teach in close proximity to those who nurtured and developed their talent—Phil chose to establish his school in mid-Essex, in Chelmsford.

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We were trying to pinpoint exactly where the initial concept for what would become Chelmsford Dance Centre first began to take shape. After some reflection, Phil recalls a attending ameeting in early 1991 at the superb RAC Club in Pall Mall, London, which was entirely unrelated at the time. It was there, in that setting, that the first spark of the idea began to emerge and the “light bulb” moment first started to flicker.

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At that time, Chelmsford had a population of approximately 156,000 and was, perhaps surprisingly, underserved by dance teachers. The response was immediate. Demand for Ballroom and Latin American dancing grew rapidly, leading to the appointment of the studio’s first teacher, Heather Bury, who remained with the studio until her retirement due to historic knee injuries sustained during her earlier athletic career. This marked the beginning of a steadily expanding teaching team.

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A Permanent Home

By February 1997, Phil’s vision had evolved into a purpose-built studio at the Old Coachworks in Great Baddow. Transformed from an empty industrial unit, the space became a professional dance environment featuring a world-class sprung maple floor, along with full sound and lighting systems—standards that remain central to the studio today.

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Shortly after opening, a new teacher joined the team—Miss Zara Shaw.

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A Partnership in Life and Dance

What began as a professional relationship soon blossomed into something more. Phil and Zara began their relationship in October 1997, and within just ten days, Phil proposed. They married in June 1998, forming a partnership that has been instrumental in the studio’s continued success.

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Together, they have built not only a thriving business but a family, with their son Christopher born and their daughter Elise.

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Zara’s role quickly expanded beyond teaching as she became Company Secretary, helping to guide the business through its continued growth. Having benefited from a prestigious Public School education and then spending ten years working on City of London Money Markets, Zara brought a fresh, commercial, and innovative approach to the dance industry.

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Together with Phil’s ambition, she helped establish a unique operational structure in which dance teachers focus entirely on teaching, while a dedicated office team manages bookings, enquiries, and administration. This forward-thinking approach has become one of the defining features of Chelmsford Dance Centre, ensuring a seamless experience for clients and allowing teachers to dedicate their full attention to delivering the highest standard of tuition.

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Growing a Dance Family

Chelmsford Dance Centre is more than a studio—it is a community.

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Many members of today’s teaching team began as students themselves. Studio Manager Hannah Marson first joined as a 14-year-old pupil, while teacher Jo was once taught by Phil in her early teens. This tradition of nurturing talent from within has played a vital role in preserving the studio’s unique culture and values.

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Over the years, the CDC Group has expanded to include three standalone theatre schools, involvement in major studio developments in London, and ventures abroad.

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The CDC Group Today

Today, Chelmsford Dance Centre sits at the heart of a wider group that provides facilities and support across a range of ventures, including:

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• Chelmsford Dance Academy

• Meacham Dance Academy

• CDC Events

• Heartbeeps Essex

• And others

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With Phil and Zara’s children now working behind the scenes and playing an active role in shaping the direction of the business, the future of the organisation is firmly secured.

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The CDC Difference

Across the dance world—both in the UK and internationally—Chelmsford Dance Centre is recognised for:

• Exceptional standards of teaching

• Impeccable manners and conduct of its pupils

• A warm, supportive, family atmosphere

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Many (including other dance teachers and schools) have asked what makes the studio so special. The answer is simple—it’s something you feel the moment you walk through the door. A unique blend of dedication, pride, and what can only be described as a little extra “magic.”

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Looking Ahead

With strong foundations, careful planning, and a passionate team, Chelmsford Dance Centre is perfectly positioned to continue thriving for many years to come.

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Phil and Zara’s vision has always been centred on evolution—both within the studio and in the people who are part of it. As such, there is a strong focus on investing in, nurturing, and developing younger dancers, with a view to them becoming actively involved in the future of the studio. Anyone familiar with Chelmsford Dance Centre will recognise clear evidence of this every day.

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Many dancers and teachers go on to develop their skills further, moving into larger arenas or professional performing careers. This is something the studio is immensely proud of, fully recognising the role it has played in their journey.

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Evolution remains key. Just as Phil recognised his calling at a young age, the studio actively supports and develops those who show a passion for teaching, helping to shape the next generation.

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Over 35 years in the making, this is more than a dance school—it is a legacy.

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And the story is still being written!