Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Premier Dance & Performing Arts Training in Northampton
Founded in 1941, Mayhew School Of Dance has established itself as a premier institution for dance and performing arts education in Northamptonshire. Our highly experienced team of tutors delivers expert training in classical and contemporary disciplines, preparing pupils for examinations with the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD), LAMDA, and ESB. With a 100% pass rate across all examination boards, we prioritise tailored instruction for students of all ages and abilities, fostering confidence, technical precision, and artistic expression.Our alumni have gained admission to prestigious institutions such as The Royal Ballet School and English National Ballet School, while our biannual performances and festival participation showcase students' progress. Our modern facilities in Far Cotton, operational since 2019, accommodate three dedicated dance studios. We combine traditional excellence with innovative teaching methods, ensuring each student receives comprehensive support for their artistic development.
Services
Ballet Training
Modern Dance
Drama & Singing
Acrobatics
Street Dance
National Dance
Musical Theatre
Tap Dance
Group Productions
Examinations Preparation
Details
- Year established: 1941
Highlights and features
- Established for over 75 years with a 100% pass rate in RAD and ISTD examinations
- Faculty includes examiners for leading dance institutions worldwide
- Alumni accepted into prestigious institutions including The Royal Ballet School
- Modern facilities with three dedicated dance studios in Far Cotton
- Tailored instruction for students aged 3 to adults across 10+ disciplines
Associations and certifications
- Royal Academy of Dance
- Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing
- London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art
- English Speaking Board
Services
Ballet Training
Our RAD-certified ballet programme develops core strength and musicality from primary to advanced levels. Students benefit from tailored instruction by examiners for the Royal Academy of Dance, combining technical precision with artistic expression. Graduates have progressed to prestigious institutions including The Royal Ballet School and Elmhurst Ballet School.
Modern Dance
Covering jazz, contemporary, and commercial styles, our ISTD-accredited modern dance curriculum builds versatility and creativity. Classes incorporate isolations, leaps, and choreography across multiple genres, supported by regular performance opportunities in biannual school shows and external festivals throughout the year.
Drama & Singing
LAMDA and ESB examination preparation focuses on vocal technique, character development, and stagecraft. Students aged 4+ develop confidence through scripted performances and improvisation exercises, with advanced learners participating in full-scale musical theatre productions and community performances.
Acrobatics
Specialised acrobatics classes develop flexibility, balance, and strength through progressive exercises. Qualified instructors guide students from basic rolls to advanced tumbling sequences, ensuring safe technique development while complementing regular dance training with enhanced physical capabilities.
Street Dance
High-energy street dance classes teach current pop culture styles and freestyle techniques for ages 6+. Curriculum includes hip-hop, breakdancing, and commercial dance forms, culminating in ensemble performances at regional competitions and the biannual school showcase.
People
Fiona Sheehan
Principal
Royal Academy of Dance graduate with a postgraduate degree from Trinity Laban. Has examined internationally for the RAD since 2003 and contributes to syllabus development for both RAD and ISTD through committee roles.
Hannah Connor
Contemporary Dance Tutor
First-class graduate from Trinity Laban, former Phoenix Dance Theatre apprentice, and BBC Young Dancer finalist. Holds a Master of Arts with Distinction, delivering contemporary dance instruction and choreography for professional development programmes.
Emma Festa
Musical Theatre Tutor
Trained at Performers Performing Arts College with extensive teaching experience. Former performer at London venues including the Dorchester, combining practical stage experience with structured instruction in musical theatre disciplines.
Viccy Foulks
Acrobatics Coach
Fully qualified gymnastics coach with 15+ years' teaching experience. Specialises in floor and vault techniques, delivering acrobatic instruction to students aged 3 through advanced levels at Gymnastricks and Mayhew.
Helen Furniss
Drama & Vocal Tutor
Queen Mary University drama graduate with 15+ years' experience preparing students for LAMDA and ESB examinations. Combines theatre industry experience with tailored vocal coaching to develop students' performance confidence and technical ability.
Questions
What age groups do your dance classes cater for?
Our classes start from age 3 with toddler sessions through to adult classes, ensuring appropriate technical development at every stage.
Do you prepare students for dance examinations?
We actively prepare pupils for RAD, ISTD, LAMDA, and ESB examinations from primary to advanced levels, maintaining a 100% pass rate.
Are performance opportunities available for students?
All students participate in our biannual school show, with advanced dancers performing at regional festivals and prestigious venues like the Royal Albert Hall.
What dance styles are offered besides ballet?
We provide modern jazz, contemporary, commercial, street dance, tap, national dance, classical Greek, acrobatics, and musical theatre instruction.
Are group discounts available for dance classes?
Payment structures are tailored to individual requirements - please contact our office directly to discuss specific arrangements.
How do you support students' progression to professional dance careers?
Through specialist coaching, examination preparation, industry networking opportunities, and partnerships with leading dance institutions nationwide.
Reviews (3)
Ionela Ciuca
May 26, 2021
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My girl was so enthusiastic on her first day back to ballet classes after lockdown, as she couldn't stop talking about each step/move she did. I love to see her so happy, and I am pretty sure that her ballet teacher -Fiona, has had a huge impact on her happiness. She's the kindest person that we've met since Monica started all her leisure/sport activities. I have previously recommended her and the School dance, to all my friends and family, and definitely will encourage all the pupils to join this school as they get very good quality service and training classes.
Rob Lyon
Nov 17, 2017
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Went to see A New Dawn as a family surprise and this is exactly what we got; surprised at how fantastic the performance was. The dancers were superb - professional, accomplished, so talented, and full of personality. We loved every second of this enthralling performance and I can only commend the choreographer, as well as the performers, for putting such great effort into something they clearly love. Thank you. I'd happily watch this again and again.
Andrea Carpenter
Aug 15, 2016
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A fantastic school with a family feel. Dedicated, professional teaching staff who give children a renewed confidence in themselves.
