Business Details
31 Years
experience
Your Trusted Dance School in North Devon
Established in 1995, Dancing Feet Academy of Dance has become a cornerstone of dance education in North Devon. Our purpose-built studio in Braunton and branch in Barnstaple provide a nurturing environment where over 300 students annually develop technical excellence and artistic expression. We offer structured training in RAD Ballet, ISTD Tap, Modern, Jazz, Contemporary, and Musical Theatre, alongside innovative programmes like Silver Swans for seniors and Mummy n Me classes for toddlers. Our faculty comprises industry professionals with global experience, including former cruise line dance captains and West End performers. The academy maintains a 100% pass rate in examinations, with students regularly achieving distinctions at advanced levels.We produce biennial full-scale theatre productions at the Queens Theatre, Barnstaple, and have sent graduates to prestigious institutions like the Central School of Ballet and Urdang Academy. Our teaching team holds qualifications from the Royal Academy of Dance and Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, with Principal Nadine Morrish serving as a RAD mentor. Through performance opportunities at venues including London's Shaftesbury Theatre and The Palladium, we prepare students for both professional careers and lifelong appreciation of dance. Our commitment to excellence has earned recognition as the first CDMT-registered school in North Devon, ensuring industry-standard training for all participants.
Services
Ballet Classes
Tap Dance
Modern Dance
Musical Theatre
Contemporary Dance
Adult Dance
Budding Ballerinas
Line Dancing
Silver Swans Ballet
Acrobatic Arts
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- 100% pass rate in dance examinations with advanced distinction achievements
- Biennial full-scale theatre productions at Queens Theatre, Barnstaple
- Faculty includes former West End performers and cruise line dance captains
- CDMT-registered institution ensuring industry-standard training
- Silver Swans classes for mature dancers developed with Royal Academy of Dance
Associations and certifications
- Council for Dance Education and Training (CDMT)
Services
Ballet Classes
Our RAD Ballet programme develops technical precision and artistic expression from age 3 to advanced levels. Students train in purpose-built studios with sprung floors, following Royal Academy of Dance syllabi. Graduates have secured places at top vocational schools including Central School of Ballet.
Tap Dance
ISTD-certified Tap classes combine technical training with performance opportunities. Students learn diverse styles from traditional hoofing to contemporary rhythm tap, with annual showcase performances at regional arts festivals and professional theatres.
Musical Theatre
This programme integrates dance, singing, and acting techniques with West End-style choreography. Participants perform full-scale productions at Queens Theatre, featuring alumni from London's theatre industry and professional touring companies.
Contemporary Dance
Contemporary classes focus on expressive movement and technical versatility, preparing students for vocational training and professional auditions. The curriculum includes Graham and Cunningham techniques, with guest workshops from industry choreographers.
Adult Dance Classes
Social dance programmes for adults include Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Contemporary styles. These non-exam classes emphasize fitness, coordination, and creative expression in a supportive environment for all skill levels.
People
Nadine Morrish
Principal
Former professional dancer with Carnival Cruise Lines, RAD-certified teacher and mentor, established Dancing Feet Academy in 1995, holds RSA and dance teaching diplomas, choreographs biennial theatre productions.
Natasha Jade
Vice Principal
CDMT-registered teacher, trained at Millennium Performing Arts, former cruise ship performer, choreographed West End-style productions, teaches musical theatre and advanced dance techniques, CDMT-registered instructor.
Damien Poole
Patron
West End performer with credits in Grease, Shrek, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, contributed to Mary Poppins Returns soundtrack, awarded British Empire Medal in 2022 for musical theatre services.
Karen Kenshole
Dance Instructor
ISTD-qualified teacher with Middle East performance experience, specialises in adult tap and Zumba, VeraFlow instructor, teaches special needs dance classes, pursuing ISTD Diploma in Dance Education.
Helena Farr
Dance Faculty
Former cruise ship performer, ISTD-certified instructor, choreographs award-winning routines for local festivals, contributes to annual theatre productions, pursuing professional development through ISTD qualifications.
Questions
What dance styles do you teach?
We offer RAD Ballet, ISTD Tap, Modern, Jazz, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Acrobatic Arts, and Silver Swans Ballet classes for ages 2 to adult.
Do you offer dance examinations?
Yes, we provide RAD and ISTD examinations with a 100% pass rate, though participation is optional. Our students regularly achieve distinctions at advanced levels.
Are there performance opportunities?
We produce full-scale theatre shows biennially at Queens Theatre, Barnstaple, and participate in North Devon Performing Arts Festival, with West End showcase opportunities.
What qualifications do your teachers hold?
Our faculty includes Royal Academy of Dance examiners, ISTD-certified instructors, and CDMT-registered teachers with professional performance backgrounds in West End and cruise ship productions.
Do you have classes for adults?
Yes, we offer Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Contemporary classes for adults at all skill levels, focusing on fitness, technique, and performance enjoyment.
How do you prepare students for professional careers?
Through advanced examinations, West End performance opportunities, audition preparation, and mentorship from industry professionals, with graduates attending top vocational schools like Urdang Academy.
Reviews (4)
Natalie Wyeth
Feb 27, 2021
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Dancing Feet Academy is so much more than just an AMAZING dance school. My 2 girls both have dance classes with Dancing Feet the teachers are professional and also act as mentors, teaching them valuable life skills. During lockdown Dancing Feet continued to bring dance classes and workshops into our homes via zoom. My girls were not getting a… huge amount of support from their school but Dancing Feet continued to give encouragement and praise which has really helped my girls physically as well as mentally through this difficult time. My girls are looking forward to meeting up with their
Deana Morgan
Nov 03, 2020
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Without a doubt the best children’s dance and performing arts training in North Devon. Nadine and the entire faculty care so deeply about the children and the quality of the tuition is second to none. Beautiful studio, fab performing opportunities.
Debbie Radley
Jul 18, 2020
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AN OUTSTANDING DANCE SCHOOL - Dancing Feet Academy of Dance is an amazing dance school. The teachers are very professional, friendly and very good at their jobs. They offer a wide range of classes to various age groups and go out of their way to teach the pupils. Worthy of 5 stars!
Claire Walter
Jan 13, 2020
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I plucked up the courage to try ballet for the first time in over 30 years. What a lovely class! A proper ballet class with older people in mind. Fabulous teaching by Nadine and a super warm welcome by the other ladies there. Already looking forward to next week but not looking forward to waking up in the morning!!
