Business Details
26 Years
experience
Expert Dance Classes in Tring for All Ages
The Challis School Of Dance has been dedicated to nurturing dance talent since December 2000, offering comprehensive training in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, and musical theatre. Our team of highly qualified instructors, registered with prestigious institutions like RAD, ISTD, and bbodance, provides personalized guidance to students aged 2.5 to 18. With a 100% pass rate in vocational exams and regular performances at venues such as the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, we combine technical excellence with creative expression. Founded by Jenny Challis, a former Royal Academy of Dance faculty member with decades of industry experience, our school fosters discipline, confidence, and artistic growth.We cater to 300+ pupils annually, offering tailored classes from preschool introduction to advanced vocational training. Our biannual shows and West End performance opportunities showcase students' progress while building stage experience. The curriculum integrates Royal Academy of Dance and ISTD syllabi, ensuring structured progression for those pursuing professional dance careers. Through small class sizes and individualized attention, we create a supportive environment where every dancer's potential is recognized and developed. With flexible class options and competitive pricing, we make high-quality dance education accessible to all aspiring performers in Tring and surrounding areas.
Services
Ballet
Tap
Jazz
Modern
Musical Theatre
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- 20+ years of dance education expertise in Tring
- RAD- and ISTD-registered teaching professionals
- 100% pass rate in vocational dance examinations
- Personalised attention in small class settings
- Regular stage performances at professional venues
Associations and certifications
- RAD
- ISTD
- bbodance
Services
Ballet
Our ballet programme follows Royal Academy of Dance syllabi from Pre-Primary to Vocational levels. Classes develop posture, coordination, and artistic expression through structured technique training. With optional examinations and performance opportunities, we prepare students for both recreational enjoyment and professional dance careers.
Tap
Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance syllabus classes teach percussive footwork techniques. Students learn to create musical rhythms using tap shoes, progressing through graded levels toward vocational exams. Classes focus on timing, precision, and stage performance skills suitable for theatrical productions.
Performance Jazz
Dynamic jazz classes combine lyrical and contemporary styles with theatrical elements. Junior and Senior groups develop choreography skills for live performances at local events and West End showcases. Professional instructors emphasize stage presence, technical precision, and creative expression.
Modern
Modern theatre dance classes integrate jazz, lyrical, and contemporary techniques following ISTD examinations. Students master travelling steps, high kicks, and expressive movements essential for musical theatre performances. Age-specific classes develop strength, flexibility, and performance confidence.
Musical Theatre
Comprehensive training combines dance, drama, and singing in a collaborative environment. Students explore classic and contemporary musical styles while developing acting skills and stagecraft. Programme culminates in regular theatre performances that build confidence and teamwork abilities for aspiring performers.
People
Jenny Challis
Founder & Lead Instructor
Founder of The Challis School Of Dance with 25+ years' experience, former Royal Academy of Dance faculty member, and bbodance syllabus expert. Trained at RAD College (LRAD, BA Hons), with students progressing to top vocational schools including Royal Ballet and Central School of Ballet.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We offer classes for children aged 2.5 to 18 years across all dance styles, with specific programmes tailored to different developmental stages.
Do you offer dance examinations?
Yes, we provide Royal Academy of Dance ballet exams and ISTD modern/tap examinations, with a 100% pass rate in vocational assessments.
Are trial classes available?
We offer exciting free trial sessions to help prospective students experience our teaching environment before committing to regular classes.
What performance opportunities exist?
Students participate in biannual Aylesbury Waterside Theatre shows, West End performances, and local events, with regular stage production experiences.
How are classes structured?
Classes run in 10-week terms with pro-rata pricing for varying durations, offering 30-45 minute sessions at multiple skill levels across different dance genres.
Reviews (2)
Vikki Rehm
Jun 12, 2021
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I've experienced dancing in many schools, but none as welcoming as this one. The students are delightful, the dancing standard is exceptional, and the teachers are truly passionate, committed, and highly skilled. They offer ample performance chances (in normal times) and facilitate progression through RAD and ISTD exams for interested students. My time here was thoroughly enjoyable, and if circumstances allowed, I would have enrolled my child without hesitation once they were old enough, had we still been in the area!
Helen Stevenson
May 27, 2021
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Challis Dance School is truly exceptional, boasting excellent teachers. My daughter studied ballet, jazz, and modern dance there for a decade, and I couldn't recommend it highly enough.
