Business Details
43 Years
experience
Your Trusted Dance School in Derby for All Ages
Established in 1983, Littleover School of Dance has been dedicated to nurturing dance talent across generations. Our curriculum spans ballet, tap, modern stage, freestyle, and gymnastic dance, with structured examination pathways through the National Association of Teachers of Dancing (NATD). We prioritise a supportive environment where students develop technical proficiency, confidence, and lifelong friendships. Our instructors, including Licentiate and Fellow members of NATD, maintain a 100% pass rate in examinations, with many students achieving distinctions.We adhere to NATDs Code of Good Practice for child protection, ensuring all staff undergo rigorous DBS checks. Our annual school show at Derby Theatre and participation in professional productions like the English Youth Ballet provide invaluable performance experience. With classes for ages 3+ and flexible scheduling across two venues, we remain committed to accessible, high-quality dance education.
Services
Ballet
Tap
Modern Stage
Freestyle
Gymnastic Dance
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience in dance education.
- Our students achieve a 100% pass rate in NATD exams.
- We offer professional teacher training and vocational pathways.
- Our inclusive environment welcomes boys and girls equally.
- We provide performance opportunities at Derby Theatre and beyond.
Associations and certifications
- NATD
- Due Diligence Checking Ltd
What people say
Boosted confidence
Made lifelong friends
Excellent exam results
Inclusive environment
Enjoyable performances
Services
Ballet
Ballet forms the foundation of all dance disciplines, focusing on grace, posture, and technical precision. Students progress from creative movement to formal grades up to Advanced 2 level. Classes develop strength, flexibility, and musicality while preparing pupils for NATD examinations and vocational training.
Tap
Tap classes combine rhythm and music through footwork, starting with playful steps for young children and advancing to complex techniques. Students learn to create percussive sounds, progressing through grades to vocational levels while enhancing coordination and musical awareness.
Modern Stage
Modern Stage integrates ballet foundations with dynamic, evolving styles seen in musical theatre. Classes build strength and flexibility through kicks, leaps, and turns, preparing students for graded exams and performances that reflect contemporary dance trends in West End and Broadway productions.
Freestyle
Freestyle/Commercial dance incorporates hip-hop, jazz, and street styles performed in music videos and films. These energetic classes allow students to express themselves to popular music, fostering creativity and confidence through choreography and performance opportunities.
Gymnastic Dance
Gymnastic Dance blends dance technique with acrobatic skills, focusing on strength, flexibility, and coordination. Students train in tricks and movements while preparing for NATD examinations up to Intermediate level, enhancing agility and stage presence through dynamic routines.
People
Leanne McFarlane
Principal/Teacher
Licentiate member of NATD with decades of experience in dance education. Specialises in ballet and modern dance instruction, committed to nurturing student confidence and technical excellence.
Lindsey Stewart
Founder/Teacher
Fellow and Examiner of NATD, with over 40 years in dance education. Focuses on vocational training and exam preparation, fostering student progression to professional dance careers.
Lucy Nahal
Teacher
Experienced dance instructor specialising in freestyle and gymnastic dance. Dedicated to creating engaging classes that develop students' creativity and physical abilities in a supportive environment.
Jodie Byrd
Teacher
Passionate dance educator teaching modern and gymnastic styles. Committed to helping students of all ages achieve technical proficiency while maintaining a fun and inclusive classroom atmosphere.
Lisa Byrd
Admin
Manages class registration, exams, and uniform orders with a focus on ensuring smooth operations and excellent parent communication.
Questions
When do classes restart for the new term?
Classes restart on Monday 8th September 2025. Term dates are regularly updated on our website for planning convenience.
Is there a free introductory session available?
Yes, we offer a free introductory session for all classes to allow new students to experience our teaching environment before committing.
What dance styles do you teach?
We teach Ballet, Tap, Modern Stage, Freestyle, and Gymnastic Dance for ages 3+ with structured examination pathways available.
How do you support child safety and development?
We follow NATD’s Code of Good Practice with DBS-checked staff. Classes focus on technical growth, confidence-building, and creating a safe, supportive environment.
Where can I purchase dance uniforms?
Uniforms can be purchased through the school. Visit St. Peter’s Hall on Saturdays during term-time between 9am–1pm to place orders.
Do you offer performance opportunities?
Yes, students participate in our biennial school show at Derby Theatre and some join professional productions like the English Youth Ballet.
