Business Details
14 Years
experience
Carlisle Dance Academy - Dance Classes in Carlisle for All Ages
Established in 2012, Carlisle Dance Academy has grown from a small school hall operation to Cumbria's largest dance school, serving over 800 students aged 16 months to 85 years across Carlisle, Wigton, and Penrith. Our purpose-built facility in Denton Holme features four studios with sprung flooring and full-length mirrors, complemented by satellite locations. We offer 15+ dance styles including ballet, hip hop, contemporary, cheerleading, and street dance, taught by ten qualified instructors with DBS clearance and first-aid training.Our curriculum combines technical excellence with character development, focusing on building confidence, social skills, and physical fitness through structured classes and performance opportunities. With public liability insurance and affiliations to NCDTA, IDTA, and the British Cheerleading Association, we maintain rigorous safety and quality standards while fostering a supportive community environment.
Services
Ballet Classes
Hip Hop Dance
Cheerleading Training
Contemporary Dance
Street Dance
Tap Classes
Musical Theatre
Acrobatic Classes
Pensioner Dance
Wedding First Dance
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We offer 15+ dance styles including exclusive pensioner classes and boys-only sessions
- Our ten qualified instructors maintain DBS clearance and first-aid certification
- Purpose-built facility with four sprung-floor studios and full-length mirrors
- Public liability insurance and affiliations with three professional dance organisations
- Proven track record of competition success and annual performances at The Sands Centre
Associations and certifications
- NCDTA
- IDTA
- British Cheerleading Association
What people say
Best dance school ever
Significant confidence improvement
Fantastic performance opportunities
Supportive family environment
Excellent teacher dedication
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet programme develops technical precision and grace through structured training from beginner to advanced levels. Students learn traditional techniques while building core strength and posture control. Classes follow IDTA examination standards with performance opportunities in annual productions.
Cheerleading Training
British Cheerleading Association-affiliated programme focusing on stunts, tumbling, and team coordination. Classes prepare students for competitions while emphasizing safety and teamwork through progressive skill development.
Contemporary Dance
Expressive movement classes combining technical skill with emotional storytelling. Students explore improvisation and choreography while developing flexibility and spatial awareness in a creative environment.
Pensioner Dance
Social dance sessions designed for older adults, combining gentle exercise with cognitive stimulation. Classes include warm-up routines, choreographed sequences, and post-class social interaction to enhance physical and mental wellbeing.
Wedding First Dance
Personalised dance instruction for couples preparing their wedding performance. Tailored lessons accommodate all skill levels, focusing on confidence-building and creating memorable routines for special occasions.
People
Laura Irwin
Founder & Director
Established CDA in 2012 after identifying a need for quality dance education in Cumbria. Oversees curriculum development and maintains teaching standards across all locations.
Leony
Senior Instructor
Qualified dance teacher specialising in contemporary and acrobatic styles. Leads pensioner classes and contributes to choreography for major productions.
Joanna
Ballet Specialist
IDTA-certified ballet instructor with 8 years' experience developing young dancers. Manages examination preparation and performance coaching.
Emily
Cheerleading Coach
British Cheerleading Association-registered coach leading squad development and competition preparation. Focuses on safety and team-building in training sessions.
Abbie
Junior Instructor
Recent addition to the team specialising in toddler and mini classes. Brings fresh energy to early years dance education with innovative teaching methods.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We offer classes from toddlers aged 16 months through to pensioner sessions, with specific programmes for children, teens, and adults.
Are your instructors qualified?
All ten instructors hold dance teaching qualifications with DBS clearance and first-aid certification, including affiliations with NCDTA and IDTA.
What performance opportunities exist?
Students participate in annual shows at The Sands Centre, regional competitions, community events, and themed dance days throughout the year.
Do you offer holiday programmes?
We run summer, Easter, Christmas, and half-term dance camps with special themed activities and intensive training sessions.
What dance styles are available?
15+ styles including ballet, hip hop, contemporary, cheerleading, street dance, tap, musical theatre, acrobatics, and pensioner fitness classes.
How are parents kept informed?
Regular termly newsletters, Facebook updates, Instagram posts, and direct email communication keep parents informed about schedules and events.
Videos
Reviews (2)
K. Nave
Oct 22, 2021
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It didn't look very good, a bit rusty, but otherwise the teaching is great, especially tap-dance. It does seem that they teach a little bit fast when you join halfway through term, but otherwise it's awesome!! Not particularly welcoming when you first come in as people ignore you but you get used to it.
Darren Ogilvie
Nov 04, 2017
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It's great for the kids but there is not enough seating, I either have to stand or sit on the floor for 45 minutes, not ideal.