Willson Academy of Performing Arts

Willson Academy of Performing Arts is a dance and theatre school that opened in September 2005, providing a structured theatrical curriculum in a caring atmosphere where young children and students can develop their love of dance and theatre, whether for enjoyment or as the basis for a professional career. The academy has over 200 children participating in classes and offers instruction in Ballet, Modern, Tap, Street, Cheer, Acting, Show Class, and Musical Theatre. All teachers are fully qualified and have enhanced CRB/DBS checks. The academy has completed 18 exam sessions with 100% pass rates and follows the International Dance Teachers Association syllabus.

The academy holds classes at two locations in New Malden, Surrey. Classes take place at Corpus Christi Catholic Primary School on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, and at Richard Challoner School on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.

The academy offers classes in Ballet, Modern, Tap, Street, Cheer, Acting, Musical Theatre, and Show Class. Ballet classes range from Melody Bear First Ballet for very young dancers through preparatory ballet, formal classes, and graded levels from Primary through Grade 5 and Classical Award. Modern classes include Groovy Moves Modern for younger children and graded levels from Bronze through Intermediate. Tap classes include Tip Tap Toe/Prep Tap through Grade 5. The academy also offers Junior and Intermediate Musical Theatre classes.

Children of all ages can join the academy. Free trial classes of any genre are available.

The academy offers a varied timetable for children of all ages. Classes for young children are specifically geared towards developing a natural love of dance and movement, starting with Melody Bear First Ballet, Tip Tap Toe/Prep Tap, and Groovy Moves Modern classes. The curriculum includes formal progression from beginner classes into preparatory and graded classes.

Yes, performance opportunities are integral to the curriculum. The whole school participates in shows every three years, and the academy showcases production numbers at Her Majesty's Theatre and The O2 with West End Dreams. Students are encouraged to audition for other professional productions and can continue training to progress further to established drama schools such as GSA/PPA.

The academy follows the International Dance Teachers Association syllabus. The curriculum is theatrical and structured, with ballet as the strong foundation for all dance genres.

Yes, the whole school participates in shows every three years. The academy showcases production numbers at Her Majesty's Theatre and The O2 with West End Dreams.

Phone: 07956 297 609. The website provides an email contact option.