Dance education in the UK offers an exciting and dynamic path for aspiring performers, blending thorough practical training with rich theoretical knowledge. There are various options available for those interested in pursuing a career in dance, from vocational schools and colleges to universities. Students can choose to specialise in dance or progress on the musical theatre path.
With the right education and training, aspiring performers can achieve their career goals and become successful professionals in the dance industry.
🔹 Sign up for our FREE Dance & Performing Arts Events Guide! 🔹
🎭 Get exclusive access to:
✔ Regularly updated college open days & application deadlines 📅
✔ The latest dance competitions, intensives, and auditions 🎟
✔ A one-stop hub for everything happening in the UK dance industry 💃
📩 Don’t miss a dream opportunity—Sign up here!
Choosing the right performing arts college can shape your future career in dance, musical theatre, and beyond. With so many incredible institutions across the UK, how do you find the perfect fit?
We’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to the top performing arts colleges, highlighting what each school is best for, the courses they offer, and where to find more details. Whether you’re looking for a triple-threat program, commercial dance training, or a pathway to the West End, this guide has you covered.”
💬 Attended Bird College? Help future students!
👉 Leave a review in our Dance Directory & share your experience!
💬 Attended London Studio Centre? Help future students!
👉 Leave a review in our Dance Directory & share your experience!
London Studio Centre offers exemplary Dance and Musical Theatre training for aspiring professionals who are dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of the theatre. In the supportive atmosphere at London Studio Centre all students are treated as individual creative artists.
💃 Best for: Versatile training with strong industry connections
📍 Location: London
📜 Courses Offered: BA (Hons) Theatre Dance; MA Dance Producing and Management; Postgraduate Diploma in Dance Performance
📅 Next Open Day: 28 March 2025
🔗 Website: London Studio Centre
📱 Instagram: @ldnstudiocentre (26.2K)
🎓 Notable Alumni: Dane Bates (renowned dancer and choreographer); Lucy Alexander (TV Presenter, Homes Under the Hammer)
💬 Attended Addict Dance Academy? Help future students!
👉 Leave a review in our Dance Directory & share your experience!
Addict Dance Academy offers specialised training in dance and performing arts, focusing on developing technical skills and artistic expression. Founded by award winning choreographer Gareth Chown, the academy’s programs are designed to prepare students for professional careers, with graduates working in top dance companies and theatre productions.
🎭 Best for: Commercial dance styles and industry-focused training
📍 Location: Leicester
📜 Courses Offered: BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts; Professional Development Programme
📅 Next Open Day: Check Open Day Page
🔗 Website: Addict Dance Academy
📱 Instagram: @addictdanceacademy (78K)
💬 Attended Birmingham Ormiston Academy? Help future students!
👉 Leave a review in our Dance Directory & share your experience!
Birmingham Ormiston Academy offers a unique blend of academic and vocational training in dance and performing arts. With strong ties to Birmingham theatres and local arts organisations, students benefit from numerous performance opportunities and industry connections.
🎭 Best for: Combining academic study with professional arts training
📍 Location: Birmingham
📜 Courses Offered: Creative, Digital, and Performing Arts for 14-19-year-olds
📅 Next Open Day: 16th January 2025
🔗 Website: BOA
📱 Instagram: @imagine_boa (6K)
💬 Attended Italia Conti? Help future students!
👉 Leave a review in our Dance Directory & share your experience!
Italia Conti is one of the oldest performing arts colleges in the UK, offering a rich history of excellence in dance and theatre training since its establishment in 1911. Notable alumni include Naomi Campbell and Pixie Lott, showcasing the college’s ability to produce versatile and successful performers.
🎭 Best for: Long-established excellence in musical theatre & acting
📍 Location: London
📜 Courses Offered: BA (Hons) Musical Theatre Arts; Diploma in Professional Dance; Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre
📅 Next Open Day: 13th & 20th March 2025
🔗 Website: Italia Conti
📱 Instagram: @italia.conti (33K)
🎓 Notable Alumni: Pixie Lott (singer and actress)
📢 Don’t forget to grab our FREE guide with all upcoming performing arts college open days & deadlines! → Get it here.
💬 Attended Jelli Studios? Help future students!
👉 Leave a review in our Dance Directory & share your experience!
Jelli Studios is known for its comprehensive dance and performing arts programs. Founded by renowned actress, dancer and singer Jane Ellison, the studio provides intensive training in various dance styles and musical theatre, preparing students for successful careers in the performing arts industry.
🎭 Best for: Intensive, hands-on performance training
📍 Location: Liverpool
📜 Courses Offered: BTEC; HND; BA (Hons) in Theatre Arts
📅 Next Open Day: Contact directly for details
🔗 Website: Jelli Studios
📱 Instagram: @jellistudiosofficial (39K)
🎓 Notable Names: Jennifer Ellison (founder and actress)
💬 Attended Laine Theatre Arts? Help future students!
👉 Leave a review in our Dance Directory & share your experience!
Laine Theatre Arts is renowned for its excellent training program in musical theatre. Founded by Betty Laine, the school has produced many successful performers, including Victoria Beckham and Ruthie Henshall, reflecting its commitment to excellence in the performing arts.
🎭 Best for: High-level technical dance and musical theatre training
📍 Location: Epsom, Surrey
📜 Courses Offered: Level 6 Diploma & BA (Hons) Degree (3-Year); BA (Hons) (Top-Up) (1-Year); Foundation Diploma (28 Weeks)
📅 Next Open Day: Check Website
🔗 Website: Laine Theatre Arts
📱 Instagram: @lainetheatreart (35K)
🎓 Notable Alumni: Victoria Beckham (Spice Girls) and Ruthie Henshall (actress and singer)
💬 Attended Performers College? Help future students!
👉 Leave a review in our Dance Directory & share your experience!
Performers College offers comprehensive training programs in dance and musical theatre, focusing on both performance and academic excellence. The college boasts an impressive faculty of industry professionals and has a strong track record of graduates securing roles in major West End shows and international productions.
🎭 Best for: Career-focused education in musical theatre and performance
📍 Location: Essex & Birmingham
📜 Courses Offered: BA (Hons) Musical Theatre; Level 3 Extended Diploma
📅 Next Open Day: March 2025 Open Days
🔗 Website: Performers College
📱 Instagram: @performerscollege (44K)
🎓 Notable Alumni: Katie Dunsden (West End performer)
💬 Attended Stella Mann College of Performing Arts? Help future students!
👉 Leave a review in our Dance Directory & share your experience!
Stella Mann College, founded in 1946 by dance pioneer Stella Mann, provides an extensive curriculum covering dance, acting, and musical theatre. The college prides itself on nurturing talent and creativity in a supportive environment, with alumni performing in West End productions and international tours.
🎭 Best for: Personalised training with diverse industry opportunities
📍 Location: Bedford
📜 Courses Offered: BA (Hons) in Performing Arts; Trinity College London Diplomas in Professional Dance and Musical Theatre
📅 Next Open Day: Check Website
🔗 Website: Stella Mann College
📱 Instagram: @stellamanncollege (13K)
💬 Attended Urdang Academy? Help future students!
👉 Leave a review in our Dance Directory & share your experience!
Urdang Academy, founded by renowned dance educator Leonie Urdang, provides top-tier training in dance and musical theatre, with a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion. Their state-of-the-art facilities and connections to the industry help students gain valuable experience and exposure.
🎭 Best for: Urban and contemporary dance styles with strong industry ties
📍 Location: London
📜 Courses Offered: BA (Hons) Professional Dance and Musical Theatre; Postgraduate Degree; Short Courses
📅 Next Open Day: Online Open Sessions: 21st May & 16th July 2025
🔗 Website: Urdang
📱 Instagram: @theurdang (53K)
💬 Attended Wilkes Academy? Help future students!
👉 Leave a review in our Dance Directory & share your experience!
Wilkes Academy offers specialised training in dance and performing arts, aiming to develop versatile and skilled performers. Founded by Jonathan Wilkes, a close friend of Robbie Williams, the academy’s programs are designed to meet the demands of the contemporary performing arts industry, with alumni working in high-profile productions.
🎭 Best for: Performance-ready training with commercial industry links
📍 Location: Swindon
📜 Courses Offered: BA (Hons) Musical Theatre; Level 3 Extended Diploma
📅 Next Open Day: Check Website
🔗 Website: Wilkes Academy
📱 Instagram: @wilkesacademy (34K)
🎓 Notable Names: Jonathan Wilkes (founder and tv presenter/ singer)
Choosing the right performing arts college is a crucial step for anyone aspiring to a career in dance and musical theatre. These top ten colleges in the UK offer exceptional training, resources, and opportunities to help students achieve their dreams – but they are by no means the only options. Whether you are looking to refine your technical skills, expand your creative horizons, or gain practical experience, these institutions – along with those found in our comprehensive directory of colleges and universities – provide the perfect environment to nurture and develop your talents.
Explore their programs and find the best fit for your journey in the performing arts. Good luck!
🔹 Sign up for our FREE Dance & Performing Arts Events Guide! 🔹
🎭 Get exclusive access to:
✔ Regularly updated college open days & application deadlines 📅
✔ The latest dance competitions, intensives, and auditions 🎟
✔ A one-stop hub for everything happening in the UK dance industry 💃
📩 Don’t miss a dream opportunity—Sign up here!
Get in touch...
Find Dance Education, Businesses and Events in the UK
© 2024 danceDad Ltd. All rights reserved
Site Links