Superarts Academy of Performing Arts was founded by Irene Hayes BEM in 1962. With her late husband Michael always at her side, organising the financial aspects of the business and helping her manage the school, Irene has worked tirelessly and with great passion, for the children of the local community. She has seen thousands of young children enter through the doors to take their first dance class, some tentatively, whilst others run in eager to start. Returning as adults, either to say hello or bring their own children to join the school, the students of the past speak with great fondness of their memories of Superarts. Each person further confirming the contribution Irene has made to their lives. In July 2013 many of our ex-students participated in the bi-annual Superarts production to celebrate Irene’s 50 years plus, as dance teacher, mentor and inspiration.

What began as a hobby thrived for over 55 years. The academy was run with a clear intention of care and of instilling the love of dance and the performing arts into all the children who walked through its doors. Superarts Academy gave them all an experience we hope they remember with fond memories. 

Superarts began as a family run Performance Arts school. Irene and Michael worked tirelessly to build and maintain the reputation of Superarts as a centre of excellence for young people in Central London, and now the Managing Director is their daughter Susan Hayes, with plenty of input still from Irene. Susan has a long and solid platform of decades of experience in the industry; agency work, auditions, performance, choreography, international show productions, dance, and working with, teaching, preparing and supporting young people.  

Susan began her dance training at the age of 5 with her mother Irene Hayes,  went to the Dance Centre, Pineapple, The Place studying with Gregg Mayer, Matt Mattox, Roger Tully and many more. Finishing her full time training at the Andrew Hardy College, Susan began her professional career as a dancer working with Dougie Squires, Nigel Lythgoe, Kenny Warwick, Alan Harding, Norman Maen, Paddy Stone and others. For over 40 years has taught dance, choreographed and directed/produced shows & events all over the world, performed in four Royal Command performances, was in the original cast of 'EVITA' and appeared in numerous TV shows with the stars of the day. Her choreographic work took her all over the world with the biggest brands from Burberrys in Tokyo, Converse in America, Levis in Europe and HSBC in Hong Kong. She has also worked extensively with young people, taught in UK vocational colleges and teaches and manages Superarts Academy and Agency. 

Susan, a qualified psychotherapist for over 20 years, has a private in London, and continues her CPD with various trauma modalities, and somatic psychology. 

Her passion of the body's wisdom combines with her ongoing study of Taiji and Qigong, offering adults classes with writing for self-enquiry.

Susan devises programs for schools promoting physical, emotional and mental wellbeing, and creating workshops for Toddlers aged 2-5 years with their primary caregiver. 

Part of our family Karen Willis, began her training with Irene at the tender age of 5 years old and who has taught at Superarts, for over 30 years. Karen has much experience in performance work as well as working with SEND children in an educational setting. Her contribution and support of Superarts is invaluable.

Irene has watched the school develop into a community base of great importance to not only those who attend but also by making a difference to the local community with the help of the following people:

Her late husband Michael Hayes, who managed the administration and financial aspects of the business, plus being Irene’s constant support; her daughter Susan Hayes, a professional dancer, (appearing in the original production of ‘EVITA’ and four Royal Command Performances), turned choreographer and body worker; Karen Willis who joined the school aged three, and has now been teaching for Irene for over 25 years; James Owen, who joined Superarts aged four who has now being teaching at the school for over 15 years; plus various parents/carers, mainly Sandra and Janet plus others, who have given their time and total support to all the children. 

Examinations were taken annually with the British Association of Teachers of Dancing, helping to assess each student’s development, and the young people love the big theatrical productions held bi-annually to promote their creative talent and development.

After The Manor Place Baths, and needing a bigger venue, Irene had to move the annual school production to The Broadway Theatre, Catford. As the school grew and the shows became more and more accomplished, Irene took the decision to produce the shows bi-annually, and for many years they have taken place at The Greenwood Theatre, near London Bridge. Originally built for the local community, this is the only venue local to the school that has adequate stage space and can hold over 120 children backstage. Performing in a professional theatre gives the children a rewarding and affirming experience they never forget.