We Offer Classes For Children 3 Years & Upwards Including Adult Classes.

All Our Classes Are Suitable For Boys/Girls.

We Welcome Pupils from All Multi-Ethnicities & Diverse Physical Aptitudes.

We are a school that offers all the diverse disciplines that are needed for students to become all rounded performers.

We pride ourselves on having qualified teachers & professionals. We are not a school that considers taking on numerous young children & just letting them 'bop around!'

We here at Hertsmere Academy aim to supply quality training because we ourselves are professionals who have gone on to study for many years to become teachers with recognised society’s world wide. We look at improving students through fun/enjoyment & achieving progress. This is why the timetable will be structured according to age/ability.

We offer classes 6 days a week & in the holidays we run workshops, to allow students to have fun learning new & exciting aspects of performing that they might not have done before.

Students are given the opportunity to perform in our school productions & we also feel it is important for pupils to take part in charity shows & community events throughout the year. We regularly have guest teachers and agents from all forms of the profession, teach at the school and visit our school productions. We are also contacted by companies looking for talented students, for their productions or for Television/screen work etc..

The majority of pupils within the school come mainly for enjoyment & exercise, but we try to ensure every child reaches their full potential.

Many past pupils have gained places at professional theatre schools/colleges and have gone on to have very successful careers in the business. For students wishing to take Performing Arts as a career, ISTD and RAD examinations are essential and are the main recognised Examination Boards.

Until government legislation comes into effect, that all those in charge of teaching must have the appropriate qualifications required, children are vulnerable to inadequate and unsafe teaching. That is why here at Hertsmere Academy, we have teachers that have up-to-date training and qualifications and are suitable for working with children due to the CRB checks that are made. They are highly trained in their area of expertise with experience behind them and we do not have ‘imitating’ dance teachers.

WHEN CAN TRAINING START?

We welcome students to start at any age and will try to accommodate.

We start teaching children at the age of 3, when we introduce Ballet and 'Funky Feet'. Both are creative dance disciplines that teach the most important skills for a child of this age. As a child’s development does not fully begin to progress rapidly until 4/5years there is no need to introduce too many dance styles all at once, as it will more than likely destroy there enthusiasm than create it or can even cause them damage. This is why from the age of 4 we begin to introduce other dance styles that need adequate levels of discipline and concentration along with technical understanding and basic co-ordination,　like.... tap, singing, jazz　etc..

I HAVE A BOY WHO IS INTERESTED, WHAT CAN HE DO?

Until the 'stigma' towards boys doing dance diminishes,　teachers will only get a handful of boys in their school.　Which really is a shame because dancing and Performing has so many wonderful benefits for any child of any age. For boys, It can help their football/rugby skills for example and makes them strong & physically fit, with which they can take that confidence into the wide world.

Things are getting better and with the help of reality TV shows etc, we are seeing more boys attending classes. Our Hip-hop, Musical Theatre and Saturday ‘Theatre School’ classes seem very popular with the boys. For very young children Ballet is made unisex, so they enjoy the fun & Imagery and our new Funky Feet class explores many up-beat dance styles and rhythms.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE A DANCER, SINGER OR ACTOR?

It is easier for students who begin training from an early age to become successful in this business and it is highly advised but it is not a rule. The earlier students start training the more accomplished in all the different genres, they will become. If children have a passion or flare for dancing and performing, they should be encouraged to study as many different genres as possible. Then their strengths in particular areas can be identified and pushed.

This career required dedication, hard work and a lot of self discipline. Professional colleges and stage schools expect an Intermediate level of drama, acting and dance, mainly in Ballet, Modern/Jazz and Tap. Strength, Flexibility and good technique in all disciplines are a must!

The more that you are trained in all areas, the more chance you have in impressing at an audition for instance and this is just as important, even if you only wish to further your career in just one discipline. Showing competency in as many areas as possible will get you picked above the rest.

Even for children wishing to study for enjoyment, the more they study the better skilled they will become. Which can go towards helping them in their future. All disciplines give different positive physical and mental strengths. Whether the discipline corrects posture, makes their co-ordination or rhythm better, makes their memory quicker or even if it keeps them fit etc.. all put together makes a versatile dancer, performer and person.

Office hours : Monday to Friday 10am – 1pm and Saturdays 2pm – 5pm