Business Details
17 Years
experience
Dance & Performing Arts Classes for Children & Teens in St Albans
Founded in 2009, Excel Performing Arts is a St Albans-based dance school dedicated to nurturing young talent through high-quality instruction in dance, drama, and singing. Led by West End actor Steven Houghton and former professional dancer Sam Payton, our team of experienced instructors delivers structured training for children and young adults aged 3-18+. With over 250 students and a curriculum aligned with IDTA standards, we combine technical excellence with creative expression. Our term-time classes at Bowmansgreen School include Ballet, Tap, Street Jazz, and Contemporary Dance, complemented by optional Ofqual-regulated examinations.We prioritise individual growth within a supportive environment that fosters confidence, teamwork, and artistic development. Our track record of successful student placements in professional dance colleges demonstrates our commitment to cultivating future performers while maintaining accessibility through competitive pricing and free trial classes.
Services
Ballet
Tap Dance
Street Jazz
Contemporary Dance
Drama & Singing
IDTA Exams
Performance Classes
Adult Dance
Online Singing
Hip Hop
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- Led by West End professionals with 25+ years industry experience
- Ofqual-regulated IDTA examinations available for structured progression
- Free trial classes for all new students
- Performance opportunities at major local events and annual theatre productions
- DBS-checked instructors with specialist insurance coverage
Associations and certifications
- International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA)
Services
Ballet Classes
Structured ballet training develops core strength, flexibility, and musicality for ages 3-18+. Progress through IDTA grade exams with expert tuition focusing on posture, coordination, and creative expression through storytelling techniques. Classes build foundational skills applicable to all dance styles while nurturing artistic confidence in a supportive environment.
Tap Dance
Dynamic tap classes teach rhythm, timing, and musicality through percussive footwork. Metal-shod shoes create sound patterns while developing coordination and performance skills. Suitable for ages 6-18+ with progression pathways through IDTA medal tests and examinations, combining technical precision with creative improvisation in a high-energy setting.
Contemporary Dance
Contemporary dance classes blend ballet, jazz, and lyrical techniques to develop expressive movement vocabulary. Focus on floor work, improvisation, and emotional storytelling builds strength, flexibility, and artistic individuality. Age-specific instruction for 7-25 year olds enhances performance skills through grounded, fluid choreography.
Drama & Singing
Creative drama sessions develop confidence through role-play, improvisation, and script work. Complementary singing lessons focus on breath control, vocal technique, and performance delivery. Integrated training prepares students for stage performances while building communication skills and collaborative creativity in age-appropriate group settings.
Performance Classes
Specialist performance classes prepare dancers for public shows through ensemble jazz routines. Participants gain stage experience at events like St Albans Christmas Lights Switch-On, requiring commitment to additional weekly classes. Structured in three age groups with biannual audition-based entry for dedicated performers seeking professional development opportunities.
People
Steven Houghton
Artistic Director
West End actor with 25+ years experience, including 15 major theatre roles and Olivier nomination. Teaches performance technique, choreography, and musical theatre. Adjudicates national dance competitions and lectures at professional performing arts schools.
Sam Payton
Principal
Former professional dancer trained at Northern School of Contemporary Dance. National Youth Dance Company alumni with extensive performance and teaching experience. Oversees curriculum development and daily operations, specialising in ballet and contemporary technique instruction.
Claire Mummery
Dance Instructor
Qualified ISTD teacher with 25 years experience, including West End and international choreography credits. Specialises in classical ballet and modern theatre dance, bringing professional industry standards to student training programmes.
Katie Franklin
Contemporary Dance Teacher
Graduate of De Montfort University with first-class honours in dance. Professional performer with Company Apidae, specialising in contemporary techniques combining breaking and African dance principles for innovative movement instruction.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We offer classes for children aged 3-18+ across all disciplines, with specific adult classes available for ballet and street jazz dance.
Do you provide examination opportunities?
Yes, we offer IDTA graded exams in ballet, tap, and musical theatre, with medal tests available for younger students seeking structured progression.
Can new students try classes before committing?
We provide free trial classes for all new students, with booking available through our website or direct contact.
What performance opportunities exist?
Annual theatre productions plus community events like St Albans Christmas Lights Switch-On, with performance class students gaining regular stage experience.
Are classes held during school holidays?
Our timetable follows standard school terms, with classes running Monday-Saturday during term time only at Bowmansgreen School.
Reviews (5)
Olga Kurakina
Mar 22, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Value
My daughter absolutely loves her dancing lessons. Her teacher Samantha is amazing! Her classes are so much fun ! It makes my daughter feel great and happy. I would give Excel Performing Arts a 5 star rating!
My daughter absolutely loves her dancing lessons. Her teacher Samantha is amazing! Her classes are so much fun ! It makes my daughter feel great and happy. I would give Excel Performing Arts a 5 star rating!
Helen Martin
Oct 30, 2020
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Excel is really special. Both my daughters have gained so much from its classes. It is extremely professionally run but also very friendly and caring. It holds the most amazing annual show which is incredible especially the choreography, costumes and staging, but also the inclusivity is very inspiring. Excel also gives much to the community including performances at Christmas and May fairs. Cant recommend highly enough.
Donna Lambe
Oct 15, 2020
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My daughter has been attending Excel since she was 5 years old. She now is 16 and is a very confident dancer and still loves all her classes.
Sam and Steven are fantastic teachers, both very professional, kind and caring. They manage to bring out the best in all children and help build their confidence whilst learning and having fun. The yearly show is amazing and gives all the children the opportunity to perform on stage. Its always a spectacular event and nothing short of a west end show. I would highly recommend Excel Performing Arts.
Sam and Steven are fantastic teachers, both very professional, kind and caring. They manage to bring out the best in all children and help build their confidence whilst learning and having fun. The yearly show is amazing and gives all the children the opportunity to perform on stage. Its always a spectacular event and nothing short of a west end show. I would highly recommend Excel Performing Arts.
Hazel McLaughlin
Sep 29, 2020
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My daughter has been with Excel Performing Arts since they began, some 11 years ago. She has excelled in jazz, ballet and tap during this time. The classes are well structured and push the students to excel. Over the years she has taken examinations and her results have always been of a high standard. This is solely down to the teaching and guidance of Excel. Additionally they care about their students and their wellbeing, always showing support and care and guidance. Their organisation of lessons and the annual show is very professional whilst remaining accessible and a lot of fun fir students
Yvonne Cole
Sep 06, 2020
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
My daughter has been with Excel Performing Arts since she was 4 years old. She is now 12 and still dancing and enjoying every minute of it. Excel have been amazing with virtual classes through lockdown. Sam and Steven are professional and treat each student as though they are the only one! I couldnt recommend highly enough x
My daughter has been with Excel Performing Arts since she was 4 years old. She is now 12 and still dancing and enjoying every minute of it. Excel have been amazing with virtual classes through lockdown. Sam and Steven are professional and treat each student as though they are the only one! I couldnt recommend highly enough x
