Business Details
21 Years
experience
Your Trusted Dance School in East Kilbride
Starlight Dance was founded in 2005 by Jennifer J Connolly, a qualified dance teacher with over 20 years of experience. Our school fosters a community where students of all ages develop technical skills while building confidence, teamwork, and mental well-being. We offer structured classes in tap, modern, freestyle, cheer pom, and street dance, with a 100% exam pass rate and a focus on non-competitive, inclusive learning.Our team of experienced instructors, many of whom trained at Starlight, deliver engaging lessons that align with our core values of commitment, respect, and kindness. We actively support charitable causes through fundraising events and provide a safe, joyful environment where every dancer can shine.
Services
Tap Dance
Modern Dance
Freestyle Dance
Cheer Pom
Street Dance
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- Experienced teachers with B.A.T.D. qualifications
- 20-year anniversary celebrating community engagement
- 100% exam pass rate with non-competitive ethos
- Charity partnerships and themed seasonal events
- Safe, inclusive environment for all abilities
Associations and certifications
- B.A.T.D.
Services
Tap Dance
Tap dance classes focus on creating rhythmic patterns through precise foot movements. Students develop musicality, coordination, and technical skill while enjoying timeless routines. Our curriculum caters to all ages, emphasizing both individual expression and group synchronicity in a supportive environment.
Modern Dance
Modern dance combines ballet, jazz, and lyrical techniques to create emotionally expressive performances. Classes build grace, strength, and storytelling ability through structured choreography. We teach age-appropriate routines that balance technical precision with creative freedom for dancers aged 6 to adults.
Freestyle Dance
Freestyle dance classes blend hip-hop, street, and commercial styles for energetic, self-expressive routines. Students learn dynamic moves while developing confidence and stage presence. Our non-competitive approach encourages personal style development through group and solo opportunities in a fun, high-energy atmosphere.
Cheer Pom
Cheer pom combines dance with pom-pom routines to create vibrant, team-focused performances. Classes emphasize formation work, precision, and audience engagement. Students learn choreography that builds teamwork skills while developing strength and coordination through upbeat, motivational routines for ages 6 to adults.
Street Dance
Street dance classes teach hip-hop and urban styles with emphasis on rhythm, isolation moves, and freestyle expression. Our curriculum develops body control, creativity, and performance confidence. Age-specific classes ensure technical progression while maintaining the style's authentic energy and cultural roots for dancers aged 2.5 to adults.
People
Jennifer Connolly
Principal Teacher and Director
Founder with 20+ years teaching experience, qualified to Member level via B.A.T.D. in multiple dance styles. Passionate about making dance accessible to all ages and abilities while maintaining technical excellence.
Joanne
Assistant Teacher
Qualified A.B.A.T.D. instructor specialising in street dance. Former adult class participant turned teacher, focusing on confidence-building and technical development through B.A.T.D. exams and shows.
Cerys
Class Assistant
Longstanding student turned assistant, specialising in freestyle. Helps develop junior dancers' skills while pursuing her own teaching qualifications and competing in inter-street team events.
Evie
Class Assistant
Experienced assistant teacher with advanced exam qualifications. Focuses on nurturing young dancers' technical skills and enjoyment while maintaining Starlight's supportive community ethos.
Erin
Class Assistant
Tap specialist assisting junior classes. Combines technical expertise with patient instruction to help children improve rhythm and coordination while maintaining Starlight's fun learning environment.
Questions
What age groups do you accept?
We accept confident walkers (2.5 years) to adults. Placement considers age, ability, and prior experience to ensure appropriate class levels for optimal development.
Do you offer competitive dance opportunities?
We focus on non-competitive dance education. However, we participate in B.A.T.D. exams and annual theatre productions for performance experience without competition pressure.
What dance styles are available?
We teach tap, modern, freestyle, cheer pom, and street dance. Each style has age-specific classes maintaining technical standards while encouraging creative expression.
How do I register for classes?
Contact us via email first to discuss class options. We'll send registration details and terms before your first session to ensure proper placement and preparation.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes! We stage annual theatre productions and participate in charity events. All students can perform in our 20th-anniversary show at East Kilbride Village Theatre.
What safety measures do you have?
We maintain DBS-checked staff, first-aid trained assistants, and secure class environments. Our ethos prioritizes emotional safety alongside physical well-being in all dance activities.
