South London Dance School

South London Dance School Location

About South London Dance School

South London Dance School is located in the centre of Herne Hill and has operated from its own air-conditioned studios since 2009. The school was founded by Zoe Dawson, who established it as Grafton Dance Academy in Dulwich in 2002. The school now serves over 750 students and is registered as a Community Interest Company.

The school offers classes for children from 18 months and adults of all abilities. Dance styles include ballet, tap, modern, contemporary, commercial/street, jazz, and national dance. Classes range from Melody Movement for toddlers to ISTD-graded ballet, tap, and modern classes for children aged 4 and above. Additional offerings include PBT training, specialist boys training with some boys-only classes, and elite training for competition teams. Adult classes are available at varying levels in ballet, tap, modern, street, and jazz.

Students following the ISTD curriculum can take examinations, with annual examination sessions held at the studios in spring term. The school presents a biennial dance show in odd years during summer term. The 2023 production involved 120 upper school students performing at the Albany Theatre in Deptford. Teachers are ISTD-qualified and/or former performers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is South London Dance School?

South London Dance School is a dance school founded by Zoe Dawson that offers ballet, tap, modern, national, jazz and street dance classes for children and adults. The school started as Grafton Dance Academy in Dulwich and became South London Dance School after securing its own air conditioned studios. It has over 750 students and is taught by ex-performers and ISTD-qualified teachers.

Where is South London Dance School located?

The school is located in the centre of Herne Hill at 130 Herne Hill, SE24 9QL, London.

What does South London Dance School offer?

The school offers ballet, tap, modern, contemporary, commercial and street dance, national dance, jazz, musical theatre, Melody Movement classes, Progressing Ballet Technique training, Radar Technique conditioning, stretch and technique classes, power and skills classes, specialist boys training including boys-only classes, and elite training and competition team classes.

Who is South London Dance School for?

Children and adults of all ages and abilities can join. The school caters for those aiming to become professional dancers and those dancing for fitness and fun.

What ages, levels, or audiences does South London Dance School cater for?

The school caters for children from 18 months through Melody Movement classes, nursery and preparatory classes for 2.5 to 4 year olds, ISTD classes for children aged 4 plus, and adult classes for beginners and those with experience at varying levels.

What opportunities does South London Dance School offer?

The school offers elite training and competition team classes. Teachers have trained children who became associates of the Royal Ballet School, performers with London Children's Ballet, and scholarship recipients for full-time training at top vocational performing arts schools.

What teaching methods or syllabus does South London Dance School follow?

The school follows ISTD teaching methods and offers ISTD examinations throughout training for children attending recommended classes. Teachers are ex-performers and ISTD-qualified. The school also uses Progressing Ballet Technique and Radar Technique conditioning methods.

Does South London Dance School offer performances, competitions, or events?

The school presents a dance show biennially and offers elite training and competition team classes.

How can I contact South London Dance School?

Phone: 020 7978 8624 or email: redacted@example.com. Prospective students can submit an enquiry form and the school will respond with suitable days and times.

South London Dance School