Choosing a dance school in Stourbridge is a personal decision. You want your child to enjoy their lessons, feel comfortable with their teacher and come home proud of something they have learned. You also want to know there is room for them to progress if dance becomes a lasting interest.
At Stourbridge Dance Academy, we bring together the warmth of a family-run school, experienced teaching and opportunities that reach beyond the weekly lesson. Children can begin from age three, explore different styles and grow into more advanced training within the same academy.
Here is what that can mean for your family.
A family-run dance school with roots in Stourbridge
Our story began in 1981, when Beverley Hadley opened the Beverley Scott School of Dance with just five pupils. Today, Stourbridge Dance Academy is led by Principal Katie Langford alongside founder Beverley, with a teaching team supporting dancers at different stages.
That history gives our school a strong sense of continuity. We have supported beginners taking their first steps, students preparing for examinations and dancers moving into further training and professional performance.
Throughout that journey, our approach has remained grounded in enjoyment, commitment and care. We want children to feel welcome while learning the value of practice and responding to encouragement.
You can meet our teaching team and read the SDA story before arranging your child’s first visit.
Teaching experience you can look into
When you are choosing someone to teach your child, it helps to understand the experience behind the school.
Our founder Beverley Hadley is listed by the National Association of Teachers of Dancing as a Theatrical Branch Examiner and Senior Examiner for Gymnastic Dance. Her official NATD examiner profile records that she became an examiner in 2005 and a senior examiner in 2016.
This is a substantial part of the academy’s teaching background. It reflects experience in assessing dance standards as well as preparing students to reach them.
In our classes, we combine attention to technique with patient correction and encouragement. The aim is to help dancers understand what they are learning, recognise their progress and feel ready to try the next step.
A choice of styles as your child’s interests develop
Some children are drawn to ballet from the start. Others love making rhythms with their feet or learning energetic routines to music they recognise.
At SDA, your child has a choice of styles within one academy:
- Our ballet classes in Stourbridge develop classical technique, posture, musicality and expressive movement.
- Our tap classes explore rhythm, timing and clear footwork.
- Our street and commercial dance classes introduce choreography, performance skills and opportunities for individual expression.
We also offer modern, contemporary, freestyle, disco, musical theatre and gymnastics. Having that variety means children can explore new interests as they grow.
You do not need to arrive knowing which style to choose. Browse our full range of dance classes and tell us your child’s age, experience and interests. We can help you find an appropriate starting point.
Clear progression at the right pace
For a young beginner, remembering a short sequence or joining in with the group can be an achievement worth celebrating. As dancers develop, they may want a more structured goal.
Our NATD examination training gives eligible pupils a route to work towards dance qualifications. Teachers assess readiness through technique, knowledge, attendance and preparation, and discuss suitable opportunities with families. Examinations are optional.
For an independent explanation of the wider pathway, the NATD’s guide to dance genres, examinations and awards outlines its graded syllabi, awards and professional qualifications.
You can also see examples of progress within SDA. Kendra Guest, Maddison Rubery, Molly Jo Price and Eloise Knight all passed their Intermediate Ballet examinations. Two further students achieved 90% and highly commended results in their Student Freestyle Teachers examinations.
These achievements show some of the routes available as a dancer’s interests and commitment develop. A child joining their first class can take things one stage at a time.
Opportunities to experience the stage
Performing gives dancers a chance to put their learning into practice, prepare a routine with others and share it with an audience.
Over the years, SDA dancers have performed at venues and destinations including Disney, the NEC Birmingham, Blackpool Winter Gardens, London theatres, Birmingham Hippodrome and Alton Towers.
Our dedicated performance team, the SD Squad, has Junior and Senior troupes and takes part in selected events and performances. Families interested in this route can speak to us about the training and commitment involved.
For dancers who later want to pursue dance further, there are inspiring examples in our student success stories, including graduates of performing arts colleges and performers with professional credits.
Every dancer’s journey is their own. We value the child who enjoys a weekly class alongside those who develop ambitions for the stage.
A first class that helps you decide
You can learn a lot from a website, but attending a class helps you and your child get a feel for the academy.
We teach from our studios at 120 High Street, Stourbridge, DY8 1DT, and your child’s first trial class is free.
Before you visit, we can recommend a suitable session and explain what to wear. If your child feels nervous or you have a question about taking part, tell us when you enquire so we can discuss it with you.
Our guide to your child’s first dance class explains what to expect, while the current class timetable helps you see how lessons could fit into your week.
Find your child’s place at SDA
Whether your child loves dancing around the living room or is asking to try something new, we would love to help them get started.
Contact Stourbridge Dance Academy to arrange a free trial class. Tell us your child’s age, any previous experience and the styles they are interested in, and we will help you choose a class.
Dance for pleasure, love it forever.