Performing Arts in Devon

All forms of performing art offer enormous opportunities to children. Through music, dance or drama children are able to pursue a journey that helps them to develop imagination, gain expressive qualities and ultimately grow in confidence. Who knows it may also awaken a performing star of the future too!
If your child would like to pursue a performing art, you may be interested to know what is available in your locality – take a look here...
Buckingham Dance Studios
Buckingham Dance Studios is in the heart of Paignton and has been established for over 60 years. Classes are held daily for children as young as 2 up to 21 years by fully qualified teachers in ballet, modern, tap, jazz, street dance, musical theatre, singing and acting. The school enters children in local dance festivals, exams and the annual show at The Princess Theatre Torquay. Private lessons and adult classes are also available. For more details call 01803 666983 or visit www.buckinghamdancestudios.com
The Dawlish and Teignmouth Academy of Dance
The Dawlish and Teignmouth Academy of Dance offer a wide range of dancing to anyone, as a hobby or with a view to a career. Classes are held in ballet, modern tap, musical theatre, drama and jazz with the option to take exams and take part in the annual show. Other classes include: Pre-school dance, musical theatre and drama. For details call Louise on 01803 557545.
Deborah Bond Dance Academy
The Deborah Bond Dance Academy offers superb training in ballet, tap, modern, jazz, hip hop and cheerleading. They welcome children aged 3-18 at its schools in Newton Abbot, Ivybridge, Plymouth and Saltash. All its teachers are fully qualified and Deborah holds the very highest qualification of Fellowship in ISTD modern and tap. Students have the opportunity to study for ISTD exams, perform in biennial shows and train to teach dance. See www.deborahbonddanceacademy.co.uk or call 01626 367010
The Exeter Academy of Dance
The Exeter Academy of Dance has branches in Exeter and Okehampton. It offers ballet, modern, street dance, cheerleading and tap classes for children of all abilities and welcomes both girls and boys. Students have the opportunity to take part in shows, workshops, festivals and exams. All lessons are taught by fully qualified and CRB checked teachers. Call Suzie Amiet for more information and to book a free trial session on 01392 824453 or go to www.exeteracademyofdance.co.uk
Helen O'Grady Drama Academy Exeter
Helen O’Grady classes help build creative thinking and literacy skills while also teaching children positive social skills including effective team interaction, leadership, confidence and public speaking. All classes are highly developmental and fun!! Helen O'Grady Drama Academy Exeter is offering a free drama lesson to all Primary Times readers! Phone Abbe to book your free trial on 07531 002894 or email Exeter@helenogrady.co.uk or take a look at www.helenogrady.co.uk
June Bealey School of Dancing
Would you like your child to have more exercise and fun? If so, why not try a dance class at the June Bealey School of Dancing in Exeter who offer classes for beginners to professionals. There are classes for all ages in ballet, tap, cheerleading, traditional, Irish, ballroom, latin and Musical Theatre. There are classes for adults too. Plus: There are no bills – you can simply pay as you go! Ring June Bealey on 01392 274493 or visit www.junebealeyschoolofdancing.co.uk
Just Dance! SW
Just Dance! SW teaches freestyle/hip-hop classes in Exeter for all ages and abilities (classes divided accordingly) and by a fully qualified IDTA dance teacher. They also provide fun dance parties for all ages, with props, tailored to suit the occasion you’re celebrating. So if you fancy learning to dance and having fun, contact Alice on 07790 333363 or email alice@justdancesw.co.uk or visit www.justdancesw.co.uk The first class is free so why not have a go?
Katherine Mitchell School of Dance
The Katherine Mitchell School of Dance offers lessons in ballet, modern, jazz, street dance, tap, musical theatre and adult tap. Sessions are held during the week and on Saturdays at the Lords Meadow Leisure Centre and the Methodist Hall in Crediton. Classes are for children 2 ½ years up. Free trial lesson available. For details go to www.kmitchelldance.co.uk or email school@kmitchelldance.co.uk or call 01392 276526 or 07969 669315.
Monkey Music
Monkey Music, the music group for babies and young children, has opened in Torquay and Newton Abbot! Jacqui Henwood decided to start her Monkey Music classes after attending her local classes with her daughter for the last 3 years. Jacqui has worked with young children for over 18 years. Classes are held on Thursday’s at the Play Cafe Torquay and on Friday’s at Bear Feet, Newton Abbot. For a free complimentary session contact Jacqui on 01392 204088 or email torbay@monkeymusic.co.uk or go to www.monkeymusic.com
Music for Schools Foundation
Music for Schools Foundation gives children in many Devon Primary Schools the opportunity to learn a musical instrument. This national Charitable Trust teaches children all over the UK and is one of the biggest providers of top class tuition. Instruments available to play are flute, clarinet, alto sax, cornet, trombone, guitar and keyboard/piano. Teachers are very skilled in matching pupils to instruments. Schools and parents can ring 01404 45649 for more information or go to www.mfsf.org.uk
Stage by Stage Academy
Stage by Stage Academy is the performing arts school based in the heart of Exeter since 1994. It’s practical and progressive training prepares young performers to become confident all-rounders in singing, dancing and acting, either as a preparation for further vocational training, or simply for the fun of it!! Recent acclaimed shows include ‘The Tempest’ and ‘Disney’s Beauty and the Beast’. Why not try a free taster session? For more details call 01392 211 244 or go to www.stagebystage.co.uk
Stagecoach Theatre Arts School Devon
Stagecoach is where children learn to act, sing and dance with quality teachers helping them to grow in confidence as they learn new skills and make new friends.
Small classes and caring teachers nurture each child to feel valued and free to truly express themselves. Twice yearly presentations give children a chance to show off their skills, while twice yearly reports and termly inspections assure parents of their progress. Visit www.stagecoach.co.uk or call 0808 0878243 to find your local school.
The Suella Dance Centre
The Suella Dance Centre in Torquay holds an annual show which its patron Miss Angela Rippon attends. Not only does the show give the children stage experience it also enables charities to benefit from the proceeds. The Torbay Eczema Support Group is also run from the dance centre so all sufferers are welcome. There are no membership fees to attend the dance centre – clients and children only pay for classes they attend. Car parking is free and unrestricted. For details call 01803 605469.
Totnes School of Dance
Totnes School of Dance offer a full range of classes for children from age 18 months to young adults with levels from beginner to advanced. Having moved into its current purpose built facilities in 2003 the Totnes School of Dance continues to thrive and grow with its emphasis on quality of provision and experience for all. Its hand-picked teaching team is fully qualified through the RAD and/or ISTD. For details phone 01803 866066or go to www.totnesdance.com