As author Vicki Baum once remarked, "There are shortcuts to happiness, and dancing is one of them."
And this is more true than you might think - research has shown that dancing and performing can be good for the mind as well as the body.
For children, learning to dance can become a treasured lifelong skill. So, should your daughter or son be in need of a musical outlet, here is our pick of some Surrey’s most popular dance schools.
1. Pointers Dance Studio and Gymnastics Academy
Classes: Tap, ballet, modern, tap, jazz, disco, street, contemporary, musical theatre, commercial and gymnastics
Established in 1994, this small, family-run friendly studio offers children all manner of performance opportunities – a group has just performed at Disneyland Paris – including the annual show and at completions across the South East. Children are welcome from the age of two and the school prides itself on its inclusive nature, offering a buddy system or tailored classes for youngsters with additional needs.
2. Julie Sianne Theatre Arts
Catherine Ferris
Classes: Tap, ballet, modern, jazz, musical theatre, adult ballet, singing
Celebrating 35 years in the business, West Byfleet-based JSTA has seen thousands of budding dancers pass through its doors – many of which have gone on to enjoy professional careers on the national and international stage. Children can study for examinations in ballet, modern and tap and LAMDA. Alongside these are classes in theatre, jazz and hip hop and a selection of adult dance classes too.
3. Danceforce
Classes: Tap, ballet, contemporary, drama, adult classes
With more than 300 pupils, this school run by Carol Winter and based in Kingston-upon-Thames caters for pre-school children and above, offering examinations in ballet (RAD syllabus), tap and modern (ISTD syllabus). There are additional classes in pointe, contemporary and drama, as well as a Teenage Ballet & Modern Dance Course aimed at those who want to gain dance skills or simply stay fit and have fun! Pupils are encouraged to take part in festivals and to audition for the stage or full-time vocational schools.
4. Reigate School of Ballet
Classes: Tap, ballet, contemporary, drama, acro, street, modern, musical theatre, singing, adult classes
Owned by principal and ISTD examiner Joanne Evans, The Reigate School of Ballet is East Surrey’s premier dance school and was named Dance School of the Year 2018. Offering myriad classes in everything from baby ballet to adult fitness, the school provides comprehensive dance training for those looking for a career on the stage and also to those who enjoy dance as a hobby. There are numerous performance opportunities with full-school shows held bi-annually, annual musical theatre shows and appearances at local public events. Students from the school have been invited to dance with Strictly star Pasha Kovalev and also at the Royal Albert Hall, as well as with ballet companies across the country.
5. Guildford Dance/Farnham Dance
Classes: Tap, ballet, modern
Celebrating 10 years in Guildford this year, the school is under the guidance of principal Fiona Barnard offering classes in Onslow Village Hall and All Saints Church Hall. Ballet is the main focus with tuition available to girls and boys aged 2+. The school follows the RAD (Royal Academy of Dancing) syllabus and some young dancers are encouraged to audition for the Royal Ballet School’s Associate Programme. Its sister school, Farnham Dance has centres in St Joan’s Centre, Farnham Leisure Centre, Wrecclesham Community Centre and Farnham Memorial Hall and has classes in tap and modern alongside ballet.
6. Ambition School of Dance
Classes: Tap, ballet, modern, disco, Pop Star, singing, gymnastic dance, contemporary, adult tap and ballet
Based in Epsom, this school offers classes in contemporary and lyrical dance and disco, as well as the traditional subjects of ballet, tap and modern. It has a strong musical theatre offer with sessions available for children aged 4-12 in singing, dancing and acting on Sunday mornings. Gymnastic dance is also very popular and students follow the IDTA syllabus, learning how to achieve moves from a basic cartwheel to complex tumbling. The school also holds holiday workshops and students are given the chance to perform in the school’s show which takes place at Epsom Playhouse.
7. Richmond Academy of Dance
Classes: Tap, ballet, contemporary
Celebrating over 65 years of classes in south-west London, Richmond Academy of Dance was founded in 1952 by the late Eileen Meacock, who was awarded an MBE for services to dance in 2011. The school is now managed by former pupil and an NATD examiner Harita Stavrou. Classes run six days a week at Parkshot in classical ballet, tap and contemporary and are available for children aged from two-and-a-half.
8. Studio K
Classes: Ballet, jazz, hip hop, Waacking, contemporary, street
This vibrant school in Kew Road, Richmond definitely aims to put the fun in funky with a range of high-energy classes designed to boost fitness and confidence. Both children and adults are catered for in areas including street, acro and contemporary (children) and hip hop, ballet, jazz and Waacking (adults). The studio is owned by professional dancer Sarah, Ginger and Paola and classes run seven days a week. The school is also home to K-lectic a London-based dance group which competes nationally and regularly appears at events.
9. The Susan Roberts Academy of Performing Arts
Classes: Ballet, modern, tap, commercial jazz, hip hop, drama, GCSE drama, GCSE dance, singing
Billing itself as “a part-time pathway to professional excellence”, SRA is a performing arts school for young people aged 2-19 in Cobham. It appeals to those looking for a career on the stage as well as “serious hobbyists” and offers RAD, ISTD, LCM and LAMDA exams as well as GCSE dance. It also has its own Foundation to raise bursaries for stage tuition and several pupils who have gone on to full-time performance training and professional contracts.
10. Wimbledon Dance Academy
Classes: Ballet, jazz, street, drama, latin, ballroom
Based in Woodside, Wimbledon, the school caters for everyone interested in everything from ballroom to ballet. The studio opened its doors in 2006 and is owned by professional dance duo Nick and Olga (ballroom & Latin) with support from Karina (ballet & modern) and Maks (jazz & contemporary). There are also classes in urban and street and children’s ballet. Private lessons are available as well as wedding dance lessons and workshops.
11. Esher Ballet School
Classes: Ballet
Esher Ballet School aims to provide “in-depth ballet training for young individuals who aspire to be professional ballet dancers”. The school is owned by principal Rebecca Howell (RADRTS), who has previously taught at White Lodge (Royal Ballet School) and on the Royal Ballet School’s Associates Programme. Classes take place at Sandown Sports Club and take place mostly on Sundays during term time. Private lessons are also available.
12. Cremona School of Dance
Classes: Ballet, tap, jazz, modern
Established in 1990, this Woking-based school offers dance lessons for children and young adults. Classes in ballet (following the Cecchetti Method), ISTD modern, tap and jazz are available and taught over six days at centres in Horsell, Sythwood and Mayford Green. The school also runs a GCSE dance programme and is available for youngsters aged 13+. Alongside the school shows, pupils are encouraged to audition for local theatre (Yvonne Arnaud, New Victoria, G Live), as well as professional schools including the Royal Ballet.
For a list of the best independent schools in Surrey click here.
