Business Details
Your Premier Dance School in Reading
Established in the Thames Valley over 50 years ago, J G Dance has nurtured generations of students, many of whom have pursued successful careers in the performing arts. Our comprehensive curriculum introduces children aged 2.5 to 18 to Ballet, Modern Jazz, Tap, National Dance, and Acrobatics, with additional Drama, Singing, and Street Jazz classes available. We pride ourselves on our 100% success rate in RAD and ISTD examinations, achieved through tailored instruction by qualified, CRB-checked teachers, many of whom are former pupils.Our Theatre College offers advanced training for students with exceptional potential, while our affiliation with a Pinewood Studios-based theatrical agency provides unique opportunities for professional work in film and television. We maintain a strong focus on individual attention, ensuring shy children build confidence and energetic students develop disciplined artistry. All prospective pupils benefit from a free trial lesson before enrollment, and our costume service supports students' performance needs across all dance styles.
Services
Ballet Classes
Modern Jazz
Tap Dance
Acrobatics
Drama Training
Singing Lessons
Street Jazz
RAD Exams
ISTD Exams
Theatre College
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of proven expertise in dance education
- Our teachers are qualified, CRB-checked, and include former pupils
- We maintain a 100% success rate in RAD examinations
- Our theatrical agency partnership provides professional performance opportunities
- We provide individual attention to nurture both confidence and discipline
Services
Ballet Classes
Our Ballet program follows the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) syllabus, with scholarship opportunities for promising students. We maintain a 100% success rate in RAD examinations over 50 years, training approximately 180 candidates annually. Classes develop technical precision, musicality, and performance skills through graded instruction from beginner to vocational levels.
Modern Jazz
Modern Jazz instruction follows the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) framework, with students progressing from Grade 3 to Advanced 2 levels. Our 100% examination success rate reflects our focus on technical development and creative expression. Approximately 150 students annually benefit from this structured training program.
Acrobatics
Acrobatic training develops flexibility, strength, and coordination through graded levels 1-10. All students participate in body conditioning and limbering sessions, with advanced students receiving specialized coaching. This discipline enhances core dance abilities while preparing students for performance demands.
Drama Training
LAMDA-certified Drama classes focus on poetry, prose, and acting examinations. Students gain stage experience through solo, duo, and group performances, developing confidence and audience engagement skills. The curriculum emphasizes vocal technique and character interpretation for theatrical productions.
Theatre College
Our Theatre College provides intensive Saturday training for students showing exceptional potential. Entry requires biannual auditions, ensuring appropriate skill development. The program combines dance, drama, and performance preparation, with opportunities for professional work through our theatrical agency affiliation.
People
Raquel Ashton
Head of Classical Ballet Faculty
Former Soloist with Ballet de I'Europe and Royal Academy of Dance registered teacher with extensive experience in classical ballet instruction.
Sarah Robinson
RAD Advanced Instructor
Advanced RAD-certified instructor with dual qualifications in Modern and Tap dance, bringing decades of professional teaching experience to our faculty.
Matt Whitelock
Drama Faculty Head
LAMDA-certified drama specialist with extensive experience in theatrical performance and examination preparation, fostering student confidence through practical training.
Aimee Palethorpe
ISTD Teacher
ISTD-qualified instructor specialising in Modern and Tap dance, bringing contemporary teaching methods to our expanding dance education programs.
Roman Chovanec
RAD Instructor
Slovak Conservatorium-trained RAD instructor with several years' experience delivering classical ballet instruction to advanced students.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We teach Ballet, Modern Jazz, Tap, National Dance, Acrobatics, Drama, Singing, and Street Jazz at various locations.
Do you offer exam preparation?
Yes, we prepare students for RAD, ISTD, and LAMDA examinations with a 100% success rate in recent decades.
Are teachers qualified?
All instructors are CRB-checked with professional qualifications, including former Royal Ballet performers and RAD-certified teachers.
Can students pursue professional careers?
Our theatrical agency partnership provides opportunities for film and television work, with many alumni in West End productions.
Is there a trial lesson available?
Yes, all prospective pupils receive a free trial lesson before committing to enrollment.
What age groups do you accept?
We accept children aged 2.5 to 18 years across our nine teaching locations.
Reviews (6)
Sarah Watson
Sep 25, 2018
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My daughter danced from 2.5 years and went on to be a student teacher until 19, JG taught her so much, built her confidence, she made loads of friends and passed all her exams, as a mother I loved my daughter dancing and competing and also have made some life long friends, I would strongly recommend JG
Ailsa Toolin
Sep 12, 2018
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My daughter has attended JGDance since she was 3, now 17. She has been nurtured by fantastic teachers and made lifelong friends, all of which she will always treasure. Through the experience she has developed into a rounded young lady who likes to keep fit. Thank you to all who have encouraged her.
Heather Stephens
Sep 12, 2018
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My daughter has been dancing with JG dance in Basingstoke for nearly 3 years now-she absolutely loves the classes and all the performance opportunities that they provide. It is incredibly friendly and very supportive dance “family”.
Ella Boo
Dec 01, 2016
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My daughter has been dancing with JG dance since aged 3 and now at nearly 7 still loves it. She enjoys being able to do ballet, tap and acro all in one evening and has made some lovely friends.
Helen Fueggle-Palmer
Dec 01, 2016
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My two daughters go on a Thursday in Tilehurst to JG Dance and they love it. They enjoy the different types of Dance and this has given them a lot of confidence in themselves to try different things. Great teachers and a good dance school.
Andi Marment
Dec 01, 2016
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My daughter has been going to JG dance in basingstoke for 2 years and absolutely loves, it, she has learned not just dance, but also control and confidence and life skills that have helped her in other aspects of her life. ITs not just a school but more of an extended family. Ruby and myself have made so many new friends. I could not rate this school high enough
