Footworks Dance Academy

Business Details

16 Years

experience

Your Premier Dance Academy in North London

Founded in 2010 by Melina Stylli, Footworks Dance Academy has established itself as a leading dance institution in North London. Our academy offers comprehensive training in ballet, tap, contemporary, street dance, acro gymnastics, and musical theatre, catering to students aged 2.5 to adults. We adhere to the I-PATH (International Performing Arts & Theatre) syllabus in ballet and tap, delivered by fully qualified, DBS-checked instructors with extensive industry experience. Our structured yet engaging classes foster confidence, creativity, and technical proficiency, complemented by performance opportunities at local festivals, competitions, and bi-annual dance shows.

With a focus on inclusivity, we welcome dancers of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced, ensuring a supportive environment where every student thrives. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our students' achievements, many of whom have progressed to prestigious vocational schools. Footworks Dance Academy combines professional instruction with a nurturing ethos, making us a trusted choice for families seeking quality dance education in North London.

Services

Ballet Tap Street Dance Contemporary Acro Gymnastics Musical Theatre Cheerleading Commercial Dance Lyrical Pointe

Details

Year established: 2010

Highlights and features

Our fully qualified, DBS-checked instructors bring decades of professional dance experience.
We follow the internationally recognized I-PATH syllabus for structured ballet and tap training.
Performance opportunities include local festivals, competitions, and bi-annual dance shows.
Classes cater to all skill levels from beginner toddlers to advanced adult dancers.
Nurturing environment prioritizes confidence-building and creative expression alongside technical development.

Associations and certifications

I-PATH (International Performing Arts & Theatre)

What people say

Fantastic, professional, and fun Thrived under Melina's guidance Confidence and posture improved Sensitive and careful teaching Amazing organisation and dedication

Website

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Services

Ballet

Our ballet classes follow the ISTD syllabus with qualified instructors. Students develop grace, strength, and technique through structured lessons incorporating fun imagery for younger children. From baby ballet to advanced grades, we provide progressive training that builds foundational skills while fostering artistic expression in a supportive environment.

Tap

Tap dance instruction focuses on rhythm, sound, and technical development. Classes follow the ISTD syllabus with graded progression from age 2.5 upwards. Students learn traditional techniques while enjoying modern tempo songs, building coordination and musicality through engaging lessons that combine technical precision with creative expression.

Acro Gymnastics

Acro classes develop flexibility, strength, and balance through balances, lifts, and splits. Combining elements of jazz, ballet, and gymnastics, our sessions use safety mats for skill development. From beginner to advanced levels, students progress through technical challenges while learning to integrate dance movements with acrobatic feats in a supportive environment.

Musical Theatre

This interdisciplinary class combines singing, acting, and dance from West End and Broadway productions. Students learn performance techniques that integrate multiple artistic disciplines, developing stage presence and versatility. Ideal for those interested in theatrical performance, the class builds confidence and expressive capabilities through engaging, age-appropriate repertoire.

Street Dance

Our street dance classes teach rhythm, coordination, and expressive movement to contemporary music. Students learn foundational and advanced moves in energetic sessions that build confidence and individual style. The curriculum focuses on authentic urban dance techniques while encouraging creative self-expression through dynamic choreography and freestyle opportunities.

People

Melina Stylli

Principal

Founder of Footworks Dance Academy with ISTD qualifications in Ballet, Tap, and Modern. Trained at DS Performing Arts, Melina has decades of teaching experience and choreographed numerous dance productions. She nurtures confidence in students through patient, structured instruction while maintaining strong community connections.

Rimini Trainor

Dance Instructor

Graduated with First-Class Honours in Musical Theatre from Italia Conti Academy. Former competitive dancer and World Champion soloist. Specializes in creating engaging, confidence-building lessons that combine technical precision with creative expression for North London students.

Sasha Jenkins

Dance Teacher

Trained at London Studio Centre and English National Ballet's Youth Company. Brings professional performance experience to classes, focusing on technical excellence and artistic development. Committed to sharing expertise with students through engaging, progressive dance instruction.

Jen Henry

Acro Specialist

World-class contortionist with 15+ years performing experience in film and television. Holds IDTA Ballet teaching qualification. Combines technical expertise with creative instruction to help students master movement and performance skills in acro gymnastics classes.

Questions

What dance styles do you offer for children?

We offer ballet, tap, contemporary, street dance, acro gymnastics, musical theatre, cheerleading, and commercial dance classes for ages 2.5 to adults.

Are your instructors qualified?

All classes are taught by fully qualified, DBS-checked instructors with professional dance training and industry experience in their respective disciplines.

Do you have performance opportunities?

Yes! Students participate in local festivals, competitions, awards nights, and our bi-annual dance show for showcasing their progress.

What are your class sizes?

Class sizes vary by age and discipline but maintain appropriate student-teacher ratios to ensure individual attention and safe instruction.

Can beginners join your classes?

Absolutely! We welcome all skill levels from complete beginners to advanced dancers in age-appropriate classes with progressive instruction.

Do you offer trial sessions?

Yes, we offer free trial sessions to help children experience our classes before committing to regular enrollment.

Reviews (3)

Write a Review

Tina Marsh

Mar 28, 2021 Report

Positive:Communication,Professionalism
My daughter is 3 years old and attends baby ballet, tap and mini acro at Footworks. She's always showing us at home what she's learnt in class. The staff are all really welcoming and friendly.

Emma Telford

Mar 02, 2021 Report

My two children have been attending Footworks Dance Academy for the last 8 years. They absolutely love all their classes! They can't wait to go each week. Melina and all the team are so lovely and really inspire my girls. They've done dance shows, exams and other performances and have even offered Zoom classes over the pandemic. We can't wait to get back hopefully in a few weeks time.

Joe Hodgins

May 04, 2020 Report

On paper the classes offered were great for my daughter, but unfortunately the team head, Melina refused to offer any refunds for missed classes during the pandemic. Updates were lacking and calls and emails left unanswered. Was still owed two sessions which I never received my money back for as it was a direct payment, if it were a larger amount I'd have chased through the county courts so had no other option but to pull my daughter from these classes given it would likely happen again if further government restrictions stopped classes.