Business Details
Your Premier Dance School in Southport for All Ages
Southport Dance Academy has been nurturing talent and fostering a passion for dance for over half a century. Our two state-of-the-art studios provide a welcoming environment where students of all ages and abilities can explore diverse dance styles, from classical ballet to contemporary street dance. With a team of highly qualified instructors, many of whom are former students, we combine technical excellence with creative expression. Our curriculum caters to beginners through to advanced dancers, offering structured classes, examination preparation, and performance opportunities in competitions and annual shows.As a recognised learning destination for the Children's University, we maintain rigorous standards while prioritising individual growth. Our alumni have pursued successful careers in theatre, television, and film, reflecting our commitment to developing both technical proficiency and artistic confidence. We also train aspiring teachers to maintain the academy's legacy of excellence, ensuring every student receives expert guidance in a supportive atmosphere.
Services
Ballet
Tap
Modern
Street Dance
Cheerleading
Riverdance
Musical Theatre
Drama
Lyrical Contemporary
Acro
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years' experience delivering dance education across multiple disciplines
- Our instructors include senior IDTA examiners and former professional performers
- We offer 12 distinct dance genres from classical ballet to contemporary street styles
- Our students regularly achieve distinctions in IDTA and RAD examinations
- We provide performance opportunities in annual shows and regional competitions
Associations and certifications
- International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA)
- Associated and Diplomated Dance Artists (AADDA)
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet programme follows structured grade levels from first steps at age 2.5 through to advanced training. Students develop technical precision, posture, and grace while preparing for IDTA and RAD examinations. Classes incorporate pointe work and character dance for senior students, with performance opportunities in annual productions.
Street Dance
Contemporary street dance classes teach current urban styles using popular music. Students learn choreography, freestyle techniques, and performance skills. The curriculum includes commercial street, hip hop, and breakdancing elements for ages 5-21, with competition teams and show routines available.
Dance Examinations
We prepare students for internationally recognised dance qualifications through IDTA and RAD examination boards. Our pass rates consistently exceed 95% with distinctions achieved across ballet, tap, modern, and theatre craft disciplines. Examination preparation includes solo performances and group choreography assessments.
Musical Theatre
This interdisciplinary programme combines singing, dancing, and acting techniques. Students develop performance skills through showstoppers and ensemble pieces, with opportunities to perform in our annual theatre productions. The curriculum builds confidence, vocal projection, and stage presence for ages 5-21.
Acrobatic Gymnastics
Our acro classes integrate dance with gymnastic elements including tumbling, flexibility, and strength training. Students progress through graded levels from beginners' rolls and balances to advanced aerials and partner stunts. Safety-certified instructors ensure proper technique development for ages 5-21.
People
Elizabeth Kendrick
Principal
FIDTA and AADDA qualified instructor with 25 years' leadership experience. Former professional dancer and international adjudicator, she has trained multiple award-winning students and teachers while maintaining the academy's high standards.
Heidi Liddle
Dance Teacher
LIDTA certified instructor specialising in ballet and jazz. With professional performance experience and competition choreography expertise, she has taught at SDA since 2004, developing students to distinction level in IDTA examinations.
Kerry
Dance Instructor
BA Dance Studies graduate with professional performance experience in dance, singing, and acting. Specialises in contemporary styles while maintaining focus on technical foundations for students aged 5 to 21.
Emma
Musical Theatre Teacher
Hammond School graduate with IDTA teaching qualifications. Specialises in musical theatre and freestyle jazz, drawing on professional performance experience to develop students' stagecraft and examination techniques.
Matthew
Street Dance Specialist
Osteopathy graduate and street dance expert with professional performance credits including BBC1's 'So You Think You Can Dance'. Teaches hip hop and commercial styles while maintaining technical dance foundations.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We teach 12 dance styles including ballet, tap, modern, street dance, cheerleading, Riverdance, musical theatre, drama, lyrical contemporary, and acro.
What age ranges do your classes cover?
Our classes cater from 2.5 years old through to adult learners, with graded levels from first steps to advanced training for ages 5-21.
Do you offer dance examinations?
Yes, we prepare students for IDTA and RAD dance qualifications with consistently high pass rates and distinction achievements across multiple disciplines.
Are there performance opportunities?
We hold annual theatre productions at Greenbank High School and provide competition opportunities in regional and national dance events throughout the year.
What uniform requirements exist?
Specific uniform requirements vary by discipline with designated colours and styles for ballet, tap, modern, and other dance genres. Full details available on our website.
How experienced are your instructors?
All instructors hold professional dance qualifications with many having performed professionally. Our principal has 25 years' leadership experience and is a senior IDTA examiner.
