Business Details
20 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Premier Dance School in Chepstow
Established in 2006, Dance Academy 1 is a CDET-recognised dance school based in Chepstow, Monmouthshire, offering dedicated instruction in Ballroom, Latin, Street, Salsa, and other styles. Our mission is to help dancers of all ages and abilities achieve their full potential through structured tuition, competitive training, and social engagement. With over four decades of combined teaching experience, our team delivers personalized lessons, medal test preparation, and specialized wedding dance choreography.We actively participate in regional and national competitions, maintaining a 100% pass rate in medal tests while fostering a supportive community through social events and UK dance weekends. Our instructors hold prestigious qualifications from the UKA and have adjudicated major competitions, ensuring expertise across classical and contemporary dance forms.
Services
Ballroom Dancing
Latin Dancing
Wedding Dance Tuition
Medal Test Preparation
Competitive Training
Social Dance Events
Cruise Dance Lessons
Cheer Dance
Ballet
Tap
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- Established in 2006 with CDET recognition and 40+ years of combined teaching experience
- Personalized wedding dance tuition with 100% medal test pass rate success
- Competitive training with regional/national championship participation
- Guest masterclasses led by industry-qualified instructors
- Social dance events fostering community engagement
Associations and certifications
- CDET
What people say
Personalized wedding tuition
100% medal pass rate
Supportive community
Championship success
Expert instructors
Services
Wedding Dance Tuition
We offer tailored wedding dance packages (Pearl, Silver, Gold) with private lessons to choreograph your first dance. Our instructors create personalized routines to your chosen music, from waltzes to hip-hop. Couples receive expert guidance to build confidence and create memorable performances, with emergency booking options available for last-minute preparations.
Competitive Training
Our competitive training program prepares dancers for regional and national championships, including Blackpool's prestigious events. Students receive technical coaching in Ballroom, Latin, and Sequence styles, with opportunities to join formation teams. We emphasize performance precision, stage presence, and competition strategy to help dancers achieve podium finishes.
Medal Test Preparation
Structured medal test programs evaluate progress in Ballroom, Latin, and Classical styles twice yearly. Our 100% pass rate reflects systematic training in technique, timing, and styling. Students gain confidence through graded assessments while celebrating achievements with family and peers at annual award ceremonies.
Social Dance Events
We organize social evenings, theatre trips, and UK dance weekends to build community among dancers. These events provide informal practice opportunities, friendship-building, and exposure to different dance environments. Participants enjoy themed weekends combining dance tuition with leisure activities at various UK destinations.
Cheer Dance
Our cheer dance classes combine energetic choreography with technical precision for group performances. Instructors focus on synchronization, acrobatic elements, and audience engagement. This style appeals to dancers seeking dynamic routines suitable for competitions or entertainment showcases.
People
Lawrance Blatchly
Founder & Lead Instructor
With 40+ years of dance experience, Lawrance holds UKA Fellowships in multiple styles. He has adjudicated national competitions, appeared on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, and trained pupils to championship levels since establishing the academy in 2006.
Paula Hoggarth
Instructor
Paula brings international competition experience from Australia, including Pan Pacific Championship wins. She specializes in Ballroom and Latin styles, combining competitive expertise with accessible teaching methods for dancers of all ages.
Elle Harris-Thomas
Cheer Dance Instructor
Elle returned to dance after a 13-year break, reigniting her passion through our medal tests. She now teaches cheer dance while completing her paediatric nursing qualification, bringing enthusiasm and technical precision to her classes.
Questions
What dance styles do you teach?
We offer Ballroom, Latin, Street, Salsa, American Smooth, Classical Old Time, Modern Sequence, Rock and Roll, Ballet, Tap, and Cheer Dance.
Do you provide wedding dance instruction?
Yes, we offer tailored packages (Pearl, Silver, Gold) with private lessons to choreograph your first dance to your chosen music.
Can adults learn to dance?
Absolutely! We cater to all ages with beginner classes, social events, and competitive opportunities for adult learners.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes, we participate in local/national competitions, organize social events, and offer formation team experiences for group performances.
How do medal tests work?
Twice-yearly assessments evaluate technical proficiency across dance styles. We maintain a 100% pass rate with structured preparation and annual celebration events.
Reviews (2)
Louise Lercier
Oct 07, 2021
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Amazing father and daughter dance classes. So friendly, relaxed yet talented and professional at all levels. Couldnt find better.
Bryina Rumbold
Dec 25, 2016
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In Christmas 2015, my now husband and I were gifted with a dance voucher allowing us a one-to-one dance class with Lawrance. We needed lessons for our first dance and it was a pleasure dancing with Lawrance and co. He taught us a brilliant and uncomplicated dance to a tee. He was patient and a fabulous teacher. We would highly recommend to anyone that wants to learn a first dance! Thank you all at Dance Academy 1 - Bryan and Sarina xx
