Business Details
36 Years
experience
Your Premier Dance School in Brighton
Established in 1990, the Alexandra Dance Academy has been a cornerstone of Brighton's creative community for over three decades. Founded by Denise Ponsonby, a Royal Ballet School graduate with extensive professional experience, we provide structured dance education across multiple disciplines. Our curriculum follows the rigorous Imperial Classical Ballet syllabi, ensuring safe and progressive training for students from preschool to advanced levels. Accredited by the Imperial Society for the Teaching of Dance (ISTD), we prepare students for major examinations while fostering a deep appreciation for musicality and coordination.Our biennial performances showcase student achievements, and our two purpose-built studios feature sprung floors and mirrored walls to support optimal training conditions. With a team of experienced instructors, including specialists in Pilates and contemporary dance forms, we cater to both recreational learners and those pursuing professional careers. Our commitment to quality has made us one of Brighton's leading dance institutions, combining traditional techniques with modern teaching approaches.
Services
Ballet Classes
Modern Dance
Tap Dance
Street Dance
Studio Hire
Adult Classes
Children's Dance
Pilates Sessions
Performance Training
Examination Preparation
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- We offer over 30 years of professional dance instruction in Brighton
- Our academy is accredited by the Imperial Society for the Teaching of Dance
- We provide biennial performance opportunities for student development
- Our studios feature sprung floors and mirrored walls for optimal training
- We have experienced instructors specialising in multiple dance disciplines
Associations and certifications
- Imperial Society for the Teaching of Dance (ISTD)
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet classes follow the Imperial Classical Ballet syllabi, providing structured training from preschool to advanced levels. Students develop technical precision, musicality, and coordination through progressive exercises. The programme prepares dancers for ISTD examinations while fostering artistic expression in a supportive environment.
Tap Dance
Tap dance instruction covers grades 1-6 with experienced tutors like Miss Kerry. Classes focus on rhythm development, footwork precision, and musical interpretation. Students benefit from regular performance opportunities and examination preparation through the ISTD framework.
Studio Hire
Our two professional studios feature sprung floors and mirrored walls for optimal dance training. The small studio accommodates up to 8 dancers at 12.50/hour, while the large studio holds 10 dancers at 16.50/hour. Daily rates available for regular bookings.
Adult Classes
Adult dance classes include Pilates sessions with qualified instructors like Rachel Attmere and Ellie Priest. Evening and morning options available, focusing on core strength, flexibility, and body awareness. Classes cater to recreational dancers seeking fitness and technical improvement.
Performance Training
Biennial performance opportunities allow students to showcase their skills in full productions. Training includes stagecraft, ensemble work, and solo performance techniques. This practical experience complements examination preparation and builds confidence in professional settings.
People
Denise Ponsonby
School Principal
Founder Denise trained at The Royal Ballet School and performed with Vienna Festival Ballet. With over 30 years' teaching experience, she established the academy in 1990, nurturing students from preschool through professional training.
Rachel Mills
Dance Instructor
Experienced teacher specialising in adult dance classes, particularly Pilates instruction. Provides morning and evening sessions focusing on core strength and body conditioning for dancers of all levels.
Kerry Mace
Tap Specialist
Tap dance expert Miss Kerry teaches grades 1-6, offering private lessons and examination preparation. With extensive performance experience, she develops rhythmic precision and musical interpretation in students across all ability levels.
Questions
What dance styles do you teach?
We offer ballet, modern, tap, street dance, and Pilates classes for children and adults, following ISTD syllabi for structured technical development.
Are examinations available?
Yes, we prepare students for ISTD examinations from beginner to advanced levels, including major grades up to Advanced 2 in classical ballet.
Do you have performance opportunities?
We stage full productions every two years, giving students valuable stage experience alongside their technical training and examinations.
Can I hire your dance studios?
Our two professional studios with sprung floors are available for hire at £12.50-£16.50/hour, with daily rates available for regular bookings.
What adult dance classes are available?
We offer Pilates sessions with specialist instructors at various times, focusing on core strength, flexibility, and dance-specific conditioning for mature students.
