Dance for Everyone at Dancing Academy
At Dancing Academy, we offer exceptional dance and performing arts training for dancers of all ages and abilities. Whether you're new to dance or looking to take your skills to the next level, we provide a welcoming environment where you can grow, learn, and achieve your potential.
Our Classes
We offer a diverse range of classes designed to inspire and challenge dancers of all levels. Whether you’re passionate about the elegance of Classical Ballet, the energy of Street Dance, or the creativity of Contemporary, our curriculum is tailored to build technique, confidence, and artistry.
Our classes include:
Classical Ballet - Tap - Modern & Jazz - Commercial - Contemporary - Acrobatics - Street - Singing & Drama
Our Facilities
Located in the heart of Chippenham, Wiltshire, Dancing Academy is housed in purpose-built facilities designed to provide the perfect environment for both learning and creativity. Our three spacious dance studios are fully equipped with:
Sprung floors for safety and comfort
Barres and mirrors for focused technique development
Changing rooms for convenience
Ample free parking, with easy access to Chippenham train station and the M4
Quality Training & Achievements
At Dancing Academy, we are committed to offering the highest standards of dance education. Our students benefit from expert instruction in a range of dance styles, helping them develop strong technical skills and artistic expression.
In addition to our regular classes, we offer students the opportunity to train as dance teachers or dance teaching assistants, with government-approved qualifications that open doors to careers in dance education.
Enriching Student Lives and Experiences
We believe that dance is more than just technique — it's about enriching the lives of our students. That’s why we offer a variety of opportunities that go beyond the classroom, including exams, competitions, shows, awards, and community dance events. These experiences help build confidence, foster creativity, and offer students the chance to showcase their talents in a supportive environment.
A Supportive Environment
We pride ourselves on creating a nurturing and supportive space where students feel encouraged and motivated. Our experienced instructors are dedicated to helping each dancer grow, whether they are preparing for exams, performances, or simply enjoying the joy of movement.
Join Us Today
Ready to take the next step in your dance journey? Book your free trial class today and experience the welcoming and professional atmosphere of Dancing Academy.
We look forward to welcoming you into our community!
BOOK YOUR FREE TRIAL NOW!
TEACHERS
TEACHERS
THE TEAM
At Dancing Academy, our highly qualified teachers are committed to nurturing every dancer with expert guidance and genuine care. Combining extensive professional experience with regular ongoing CPD, our team delivers high-quality, supportive training that builds confidence, creativity, and strong technical foundations.
We also welcome inspiring guest teachers from the current industry, offering workshops, private coaching, choreography, and specialist dance, drama, and vocal sessions — giving our students exceptional opportunities to learn from today’s working professionals.
Meet the dedicated team who make Dancing Academy a vibrant, forward-thinking place to train.
SAMANTHA REED LISTD, DDP, DDE RAD RTS
Dance School Principal
Samantha began dancing at the age of three and quickly discovered her passion for ballet, tap, and modern. At sixteen she secured a place at the prestigious London Studio Centre, completing their three-year performer’s course.
She later gained her teaching qualifications with the Royal Academy of Dance and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, holding RAD CBTS and ISTD Licentiate status in Ballet and Cecchetti. Her expertise extends to advanced and higher level training in ballet.
Samantha is also experienced in teaching pre-school and primary-aged children, having worked across many Wiltshire primary schools delivering dance, PE, and subjects such as phonics. Her teaching reflects a commitment to high-quality training combined with a nurturing approach supported by ongoing CPD.
MIRANDA BURTON LISTD
Dance Teacher & ISTD DDE Tutor
Miranda began dancing at the age of three before completing her ISTD teacher training at Bristol College of Dancing, gaining full qualifications across all genres. She later achieved Licentiate status in Ballet, Tap, and Modern.
As Principal of Bristol College of Dancing and an approved ISTD tutor, she delivers all units of the DDE qualification. Her expertise extends to advanced and higher-level dance training in ballet. tap and modern.
Miranda combines exceptional technical knowledge with a warm, supportive approach. Her teaching is underpinned by extensive qualifications and regular ongoing CPD.
AMY VAN MARIS (Dip Musical Theatre)
Dance Teacher
Amy has been performing since the age of three and began teaching professionally at eighteen. She developed a passion for Latin American dance as a teenager, training under the legendary Len Goodman.
She studied Musical Theatre at Reynolds Performing Arts, performing for West End producers in The Diary of Anne Frank. Amy then spent three years in Greece choreographing and performing in musicals and entertainment shows.
With credits including Hair the Musical and Joseph, Amy brings vibrant industry experience to her classes. Her nurturing, enthusiastic teaching style is supported by ongoing CPD and strong professional foundations.
DARCIE JOYCE BA (Hons) Musical Theatre & Dance
Dance Teacher
Darcie trained at Performers College Essex, completing her BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre and Dance. She is also a former Dancing Academy student (2006–2021), gaining performance experience with Regional Youth Ballet, Bootcamp UK open classes, and associate programmes with Urdang and Wilkes.
Darcie has taught and choreographed for shows and exams and now teaches a variety of dance styles and competition classes at Dancing Academy. Her lessons blend creativity, professionalism, and a supportive, student-focused approach.
LAURA KELMAN - ACROBATIC ARTS CERTIFIED
ACROBATICS TEACHER
Laura began gymnastics at the age of 4, and at age 6 was selected for the competition squad. Laura joined Swindon school of gymnastics squad and trained 6 days a week and competed for the South West in national competitions. Later Laura qualified as a general gymnastics coach and taught for several years across 4 of North Wiltshire's leisure centres. Laura is now also qualified with Acrobatics for Dance.
LILY MATTHIESON
Trainee Teacher
Lily began ballet at three and later trained at an Italian dance school before joining Dancing Academy at age eight. She expanded her training across multiple dance genres and graduated from the Academy in 2025.
She now trains full-time at Wilkes Academy while working towards her ISTD Diploma in Dance Education. Lily also teaches at Dancing Academy under Miss Sam’s guidance. Her enthusiasm, dedication, and love of dance shine through in every class.
GUEST TEACHERS
Dancing Academy also hosts regular guest teachers with current industry experience, offering workshops, private lessons, choreography, and specialist dance, drama, and vocal coaching — giving students valuable exposure to up-to-date professional practice.
JODIE JOYCE
Administrator
Jodie works alongside Rachel to provide an efficient, friendly, and fully supportive administration service. As a long-standing dance mum, she understands the needs of both parents and students.
Jodie helps to organise shows, class registers, ambassador events, competition teams, new trials, waiting lists, and day-to-day enquiries, ensuring the Academy runs smoothly.
RACHEL BROWN
Administrator
Rachel works closely with Jodie to deliver a professional and supportive administration service for Dancing Academy. With many years of experience as a dance mum, she brings empathy, understanding, and excellent organisational skills to the role.
Rachel assists with shows, registers, events, competition teams, trials, waiting lists, and general enquiries — helping keep everything running seamlessly behind the scenes.
dance education
At Dancing Academy, we believe in the transformative power of dance. Whether you're a newcomer, a recreational dancer, or someone with a desire to hone your skills, we are dedicated to empowering every student through a personalized learning experience.
Our ethos is simple: every dancer matters. From their very first step to their final performance, we ensure our students feel supported, encouraged, and inspired to achieve their best. We pride ourselves on creating an environment that is both nurturing and challenging, where students can grow in confidence and express themselves fully.
We are committed to providing a student-focused experience, where each dancer is treated as an individual, allowing them to unlock their full potential — whether they aim to perform professionally, pursue dance education, or simply enjoy the joy of movement.
Many of our students have gone on to train at some of the country’s leading vocational colleges and have enjoyed exciting careers in dance and performing arts.
But don’t just take our word for it — hear what our dancers and their families have to say about their experiences with us!
dance education
At Dancing Academy, we believe in the transformative power of dance. Whether you're a newcomer, a recreational dancer, or someone with a desire to hone your skills, we are dedicated to empowering every student through a personalized learning experience.
Our ethos is simple: every dancer matters. From their very first step to their final performance, we ensure our students feel supported, encouraged, and inspired to achieve their best. We pride ourselves on creating an environment that is both nurturing and challenging, where students can grow in confidence and express themselves fully.
We are committed to providing a student-focused experience, where each dancer is treated as an individual, allowing them to unlock their full potential — whether they aim to perform professionally, pursue dance education, or simply enjoy the joy of movement.
Many of our students have gone on to train at some of the country’s leading vocational colleges and have enjoyed exciting careers in dance and performing arts.
But don’t just take our word for it — hear what our dancers and their families have to say about their experiences with us!
WHERE DO OUR STUDENTS GO?
PROVEN SUCCESS!
ROYAL BALLET SCHOOL ASSOCIATES, TRING PARK, HAMMOND, PERFORMERS COLLEGE, BATH DANCE COLLEGE, TRING CLASSICAL BALLET ACADEMY, CECCHETTI BALLET ASSOCIATES, LONDON STUDIO CENTRE, LABAN AND MANY MORE!
whAT ARE PEOPLE SAYING ABOUT US?
“I will never forget my first ballet lesson with Miss Samantha, she wore purple tights, a pretty long ballet skirt. Miss Samantha inspired me from the moment I walked in and still does today. The training I have received at DA was outstanding, the professional environment is truly inspiring with an incredible teaching faculty. While training at Dancing academy, I gained 1 scholarship to Primo Balletto, 3 Scholarships to English Youth Ballet, Competed at the All England Dance Final, been invited to perform at the Molly Lake awards at Elmhurst, gained all gold medals at the Weston Super Mare Competition in 9 categories, then successfully auditioned at Performers, Laine, Bird, Urdang, Tring and The Northern Ballet school - all on fully funded 100% scholarships. DA has given me a portal to the real working world and I can confidently say I am more than prepared, ready and hungry to succeed because of DA.”
“My daughter has been going to Dancing Academy for over 4 years and the team has been really supportive and welcoming. They are somehow able to conjure a wonderfully supportive and family like atmosphere whilst maintaining terrific standards of dance with the utmost professionalism. The owner Sam always goes the extra mile and always without doubt puts your child’s best interests first every time. Absolutely brilliant dance school for all ages and an absolute asset to the local and wider communities! Thanks DA!”
“May 2017 - Brilliant Dance school with Amazing Teachers and such a high standard of teaching! So many dance classes to choose from and something for both young and old to try. My daughter loves it here so much and her confidence just grows every week.”
“My daughter has danced here for 7 years and the support we’ve had has been beyond the call of duty. My daughter has been encouraged when she’s lacked confidence, praised all the time, and when she was off dance for 6 months with an injury (not caused by dance!), she still felt welcomed at every class. I find Dancing Academy so inclusive, and the teachers are always happy to discuss anything with parents. Amazingly they’ve enabled my daughter to win a place at full time dance school now she’s 11!”
“Amazing show! What happy, talented children you have there! I thoroughly enjoyed it. Well done!”
... And many more reviews on our Facebook page.
DANCE TOGETHER
Offering a range of classes for everyone from toddlers to adults & seniors.
DANCE TOGETHER
Offering a range of classes for everyone from toddlers to adults & seniors.
SOCIAL
EXAMS
SHOWS
COMPETITIONS
EVENTS
Dancing Academy strive to provide students with not only the highest level of dance training but also very importantly we aim to provide students with many other life skills that hopefully leads to success in whatever their chosen vocation maybe. Dance or not.
We provide wonderful friendships, great memories and a fantastic work ethic which is useful in all vocations in life. Our students make goals and with good work habits achieve those goals. Many of which carry educational value that can be useful in educational settings such as applying for University. Students learn values such as teamwork, punctuality, responsibility and respect. These skills are useful in every aspect of life.
At Dancing Academy we have high expectations and as such our students experience great success.
We have opportunities for students to take part in exams, performance, local and national events, competitions and much more. Our students learn that hard work pays off and in return they gain life skills, confidence and self esteem.
It’s a wonderful place to be!
See what we are all up to on Instagram.
See what we are all up to on Instagram.
