Business Details
27 Years
experience
Dance, Drama & Singing Classes for Kids in St Helens
Deborah Lister Academy Of Dance has been nurturing young talent in St Helens since 1999. Our dedicated team of qualified instructors provides expert tuition in ballet, tap, modern, jazz, acro, contemporary, commercial, drama, and musical theatre. Housed in a converted church with a spacious studio, we offer a supportive environment where children develop technical skills, confidence, and performance abilities. Our 100% pass rate in RAD and ISTD examinations demonstrates our commitment to excellence. We host biennial shows at prestigious venues like St Helens Theatre Royal, providing students with valuable stage experience.With over two decades of experience, we combine structured syllabi with creative teaching methods to cater to all ability levels. Our teachers hold advanced qualifications from the Royal Academy of Dance and Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing. We prioritise individual development while fostering lifelong friendships through dance education. Our studio maintains strict safety standards and offers flexible class options for children aged 3 and above. This combination of expertise, facilities, and dedication to student growth has established us as a trusted institution in Merseyside's performing arts community.
Services
Ballet Classes
Modern Dance
Tap Dance
Jazz Classes
Contemporary Dance
Commercial Dance
Drama Classes
Singing Lessons
Acro Dance
Musical Theatre
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- Established in 1999 with over 20 years of dance education experience
- Offer 10+ dance styles including RAD ballet and ISTD syllabi
- 100% pass rate in professional dance examinations
- Purpose-built studio in converted church with full facilities
- Qualified teachers with advanced industry certifications
Associations and certifications
- Royal Academy of Dance (RAD)
- Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD)
What people say
Amazing opportunities
Supportive teachers
Confidence growth
Professional exam success
Lifelong friendships
Services
Ballet Classes
Our Royal Academy of Dance syllabus classes develop technical excellence in ballet from age 3. Students progress through graded levels with focus on posture, turnout, and musicality. Pointe work is introduced at Grade 4 level with specialist training. Regular assessments ensure proper technique development.
Modern Dance
ISTD-certified modern dance classes combine lyrical and jazz elements with creative expression. Students learn isolations, complex rhythms, and choreography from Primary level upwards. Classes include improvisation and performance skills development.
Drama Classes
Practical drama sessions develop acting techniques, improvisation skills, and stage presence. Students explore script work, physical theatre, and character development through collaborative exercises and performance projects.
Singing Lessons
Group singing classes focus on breath control, pitch accuracy, and stage performance. Students develop solo and ensemble skills with opportunities to perform in our biennial shows and regular recitals.
Acro Dance
Specialist acro classes develop flexibility, strength, and tumbling skills. Certified instructors teach safe progressions from basic cartwheels to advanced aerials, with emphasis on proper technique and injury prevention.
People
Deborah Clayton
Director
Founder of the academy with 21 years' experience. Holds advanced RAD and ISTD qualifications. Former professional dancer with Syd Lawrence Orchestra and Renaissance Cruise Liners. Approved RAD Mentor for dance teachers.
Rebecca Taylor
Dance Teacher
BA (Hons) Dance graduate with Acrobatic Arts certification. Specialises in children's mental health and special educational needs. Teaches Grade 7 RAD ballet and ISTD modern.
Charlotte Barton
Dance Instructor
RAD Registered Teacher with ISTD DDE qualifications. Progressing Ballet Technique certified. Holds Silver Swans license for mature dancers. Trained at prestigious vocational colleges including The Hammond School.
Nicole
Performing Arts Teacher
BA (Hons) Musical Theatre graduate with PGCE in further education. Former Disney performer at Disneyland Paris. NODA award-winning actress and choreographer with extensive stage experience.
Dominic Gore
Commercial Dance Teacher
Professional dancer with Royal Caribbean and Matthew Bourne's company. Experienced in musical theatre, television commercials, and cruise ship productions. Teaches commercial dance styles with industry insights.
Questions
What dance styles do you teach?
We offer ballet, tap, modern, jazz, contemporary, commercial, acro, and musical theatre classes for children aged 3 and above.
Do you accept beginners?
Yes, we welcome complete beginners with special introductory classes for ages 3-5 and progressive levels for all abilities.
Are your teachers qualified?
All instructors hold advanced dance teaching qualifications from RAD and ISTD, with many having professional performance experience.
Can adults join classes?
While our focus is on children, we occasionally offer adult dance workshops and have some mixed-age classes available.
Do you hold performances?
We stage biennial shows at St Helens Theatre Royal and other venues, with regular smaller performances throughout the year.
What safety measures are in place?
Our studio follows strict safeguarding policies with DBS-checked staff, first aid trained instructors, and regular safety audits.
