Performing Arts School
OUR STAFF
Gloria Dyer - Principal F.M.I.D.A F.B.T.D.A
Gloria opened the school in 1962 while she was still at school herself. Although she trained as a nursery nurse, her passion was always dance. She has performed in many prestigious venues, with one of her biggest highlights being the London Palladium, where she choreographed a large tap number to Fascinating Rhythm featuring 200 children. Gloria also performed in Junior Showtime alongside Bonnie Langford on TV (a show very similar to Britain’s Got Talent today) and appeared in many pantomimes with stars such as Jimmy Tarbuck and the late Tommy Trinder.
Over the years, Lenvon students have performed at The Grosvenor Hotel, charity events supporting underprivileged children, and danced with Roy Castle as part of his Make A Wish Foundation. Lenvon has raised thousands of pounds for charity, including sending a local incurable child and her family to Disneyland, supporting Sunshine Babies for the Blind, and funding incubators in local hospitals.
The happiness and welfare of each child is Gloria’s top priority. If a star emerges along the way — and many have — it is a wonderful bonus, but never the main goal.
Gloria is a licensed Chaperone.
Erica Janes - Head Teacher F.D.T.F B.T.Q.D. M.M.I.D.A
As one of Gloria’s daughters, Erica has been dancing at Lenvon since the age of three, taking part in examinations, shows, and charity events. She is qualified in all dance subjects, holding fellowships in Tap, Modern, Ballet, and Lyrical. Erica has performed at the London Palladium, Royal Albert Hall, Sadlers Wells, and Her Majesty’s Theatre, and has also appeared in pantomimes. She has taken part in a Disney workshop in Disneyworld Florida and performed at Disneyland Paris.
Erica is also a qualified gymnastics and trampolining coach, lifeguard, and trained in sports and leisure. She recently qualified as a dance examiner and has quickly become popular for her fair and nurturing approach. Her passion for performing has passed on to one of her sons, who now attends Lenvon.
Erica works in a school supporting children and young adults with severe special needs and learning difficulties. She is trained in Makaton Signing and loves teaching dance and movement to students with all disabilities.
Erica is a Fully Qualified First Aider and licensed Chaperone.
Hayley Miller - Ballet & Musical Theatre Teacher F.I.S.T.D M.D.T.F
Hayley has been with Lenvon for over 30 years as a ballet teacher. She trained at Arts Educational School in London, and from ages 9 to 13 she played the roles of Orphan Molly, Duffy, and July in the West End production of Annie, even understudying the role of Annie herself. At 17, she performed in Gypsy, followed by West End productions of Me and My Girl, 42nd Street, and Annie Get Your Gun.
Hayley is a qualified Ballet and Lyrical teacher but also teaches Tap and Musical Theatre. Her love for the children shines through her years of experience in the theatre world.
Hayley is a qualified first aider and licensed Chaperone.
Yvonne Wharfe - Assistant Teacher F.M.I.D.A. M.A.A.D M.M.I.D.A
Yvonne opened the school with Gloria in 1962. Before this, she taught at Gloria’s aunt’s school, The Crest School of Dancing, before the two branched out to create Lenvon.
Yvonne performed in many pantomimes and excelled in acrobatics at a time when it was in high demand. She and Gloria performed together in numerous events alongside well-known stars, building a lifelong friendship.
After a long break from teaching, Yvonne’s passion returned, and she re-joined Lenvon. She is known for being the school’s costume maker, creating thousands of colourful and beautiful costumes over the years.
Yvonne is a licensed Chaperone.
Hayley Funnell - Assistant Teacher M.D.T.F B.Q.T.D
As another daughter of Gloria's, Hayley has been a student at Lenvon from the age of 3 and is now part of the teaching staff.
Hayley’s strongest subject was Tap, which earned her many awards and medals. She has performed at Her Majesty's Theatre, Sadler’s Wells, the London Palladium, the Royal Albert Hall, Disneyland Paris and Disneyworld Florida.
Hayley is on hand to organise uniform and festivals and is a licensed Chaperone.
Felicity Funnell - Assistant Teacher
Flick has been a part of Lenvon Stars of Tomorrow since the age of 2 and is also a member of the family. Growing up, she trained through competitions, shows, and graded examinations, developing a strong foundation and a real love for performing. Her proudest moment was representing England in a production of Coppélia with the English Youth Ballet, after successfully auditioning against hundreds of other dancers.
She began teaching at the age of 16 and continues to do so today, helping with both competition and show routines, while supporting students in all areas of their training and development.
Flick holds an enhanced DBS, is a licensed chaperone and is first aid trained.
Harry Janes - Assistant Teacher & Administration
Harry has grown up with Lenvon Stars of Tomorrow, being part of the school from the age of four as a member of the family. In 2022, he began teaching at Lenvon, and from 2025 took on responsibility for the school’s administration, supporting the smooth running of the school behind the scenes.
Alongside teaching, he handles enquiries and emails, manages administration and social media, and supports the organisation of festivals, shows, and productions. Harry also contributes creative ideas and effects for performances, helping bring Lenvon’s shows to life.
Looking ahead, Harry hopes to develop his own production company, building on the experience gained at Lenvon and continuing to be inspired by the school’s long-standing commitment to performance, creativity, and opportunity.
Harry is First Aid trained and holds an enhanced DBS.
Olga Da Silva - Assistant Teacher
Olga has been part of Lenvon Stars of Tomorrow since a young age, growing up within the school and developing a strong passion for dance and performing. During her time at Lenvon, she has taken part in many classes, shows, and performances, including performing on West End stages with the school.
She now supports Lenvon as an Assistant Teacher, where she enjoys helping with classes and encouraging younger pupils in their training. Olga is passionate about supporting students as they grow in confidence and develop their love for the performing arts.
