Business Details
20 Years
experience
Your Trusted Dance & Drama School in Watford & Rickmansworth
Rise Studios has been dedicated to nurturing talent in dance and drama since 2006, offering professional training for children, teens, and adults across Hertfordshire. Our team of experienced instructors, many of whom are former professionals in dance and theatre, provide a supportive environment where students develop technical skills, confidence, and creative expression. With locations in Watford and Rickmansworth, we combine structured classes in ballet, street dance, musical theatre, and more with performance opportunities at local festivals and annual productions at the Watford Palace Theatre. Our DBS-checked staff ensure a safe, inspiring atmosphere, while our alumni have progressed to prestigious institutions like Laine Theatre Arts and Urdang Academy. We prioritise individual growth, community building, and accessibility, offering trial classes at 7.50 to help students find their perfect fit.
Services
Ballet
Musical Theatre
Street Dance
Jazz
Tap Dance
Contemporary
Adult Classes
Holiday Workshops
Performance Training
Drama Classes
Served areas
- Watford, Rickmansworth, Chorleywood, Herts, Hertfordshire, Ricky
Details
- Year established: 2006
- Employees: 8
Highlights and features
- 100% Exam pass rate, majority with Merits and Distinctions! (A's and B's)
- Bi-Annual show at the Watford Colosseum
- Numerous local performances for our Dance Company and Performance Troupe Members
- Highly Qualified, Professional and DBS Checked teachers
Associations and certifications
- ISTD
Payment methods
- Cash
- Mobile payments
- Checks
Services
Ballet
Our ballet classes focus on technique, posture, and grace, taught by instructors with professional theatre and competition experience. Students progress through structured levels, building strength and artistry. Ideal for those seeking foundational skills or advanced performance training.
Street Dance
Dynamic street dance sessions blend hip-hop, breakdancing, and contemporary moves in a high-energy environment. Classes cater to all abilities, fostering creativity and rhythm while preparing students for stage performances and competitions.
Musical Theatre
Combining dance, singing, and acting, our musical theatre classes develop versatile performers. Students rehearse iconic show routines and original pieces, gaining confidence and stagecraft skills for live productions.
Adult Classes
Award-winning adult classes offer fitness, social interaction, and skill development in a welcoming community. Options include tap, ballet, and contemporary styles tailored for recreational learners and returning dancers.
Holiday Workshops
Seasonal workshops provide intensive training in themed formats like musical theatre weeks or professional dance programs. These sessions encourage rapid skill growth and culminate in showcase performances for family and friends.
People
Claire Munday
Principal
Claire founded Rise Studios in 2006, bringing expertise from her career as a professional dancer and choreographer. She oversees curriculum development and ensures the school maintains its commitment to excellence and inclusivity.
Mandy Davies
Studio Manager
Mandy manages daily operations, ensuring smooth class delivery and student support. With a background in arts administration, she coordinates events and maintains the studio's welcoming environment for all families.
Annabel Leach
Instructor
Annabel teaches musical theatre and ballet, drawing on her West End performance experience. She specialises in preparing students for examinations and stage productions, blending technical precision with creative expression.
Sarah Robinson
Instructor
Sarah leads adult tap classes, combining rhythmic precision with fun choreography. Her sessions attract both beginners and experienced dancers seeking to improve coordination and enjoy social learning.
Charlotte Atfield
Instructor
Charlotte teaches street dance, infusing classes with energy and urban flair. As a former professional dancer, she mentors students in competition routines and freestyle techniques to build confidence and individuality.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We offer classes for children aged 3+, teens, and adults, with graded levels from beginner to advanced.
Are trial classes available?
Yes, try any class for £7.50 before committing to a full term.
Do you offer performance opportunities?
Students perform regularly at local festivals and our annual Summer Show at Watford Palace Theatre.
Are instructors qualified?
All staff are DBS-checked and hold professional experience in dance, theatre, or education.
What styles can I learn?
We teach ballet, street dance, musical theatre, jazz, tap, contemporary, and adult recreational classes.
Do you run holiday programs?
Yes, we host summer schools and half-term workshops with themed training and performance focus.
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