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Thorrington Dance Academy

Dance Classes in a fun and engaging environment that create memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.
Thorrington Dance Academy Logo
Sharing the joy of dance
Welcome to Thorrington Dance Academy.

We provide a range of fun and engaging dance classes for children and Adults. From Ballet and Tap to Acrobatics and Musical Theatre, we have something for everyone, no matter their ability.

We are passionate about helping to develop happy and confident dancers from their very first step with us. Our qualified and experienced teachers create a safe environment for our dancers to grow in confidence and ability.

We are committed to creating a wonderful experience that enables every dancer the opportunity to make friendships and memories to last a lifetime.

We look forward to sharing the joy of dance with you!
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About Us

At Thorrington Dance Academy we believe our dance classes are about more than learning steps and routines.

We strive to bring joy to every dancer, build their confidence and develop their skills in a friendly and welcoming environment.

A Message From Our Founder

samantha bearman principal
Hello & welcome, thank you for your interest in our classes. I hope you find all the information you need, but if you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask.
I started dancing myself at 3 years old and knew from a young age that I wanted to become a dance teacher. Dance and teaching has always been my passion. After qualifying as a teacher and teaching for a variety of different schools, I began pursuing my dream of running my own school in 2014. Starting with just a few classes on a Saturday morning. We now have 30 classes across the week which continues to grow.

My primary focus is providing classes that build confidence and are thoroughly enjoyed, where every dancer leaves the class smiling. The teaching team and I strive to create a nurturing and supportive environment for all our dancers to thrive.

Our classes are non competitive and encourage personal progress rather than comparison to others. All dancers, over the age of 3, have the opportunity to perform in our annual show, which is the highlight of the year. There are also holiday workshops for the children to enjoy when classes are not running during the school holidays.

Every dancer is seen as an individual and we take care to get to know each dancer to support them on their dance journey.

I look forward to welcoming you to our dance family.

Best wishes

Why Choose Us?

Fun Classes
All of our classes are designed to bring joy to every child and build their confidence.
Experienced Teachers
Our teachers have over 20 years of teaching experience and are appropriately qualified to teach. They share a passion for helping dancers of all ages grow in confidence and skill.
Fantastic Opportunities
Our dancers have the chance to perform in our annual show at a professional theatre and take part in community events, gaining experience, confidence, and the joy of performing on stage.
Brilliant Reviews
Our children and adults really enjoy our classes - we have lots of 5* reviews on Facebook and Google.

Our Commitment

At Thorrington Dance Academy, we are committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inspiring environment where dancers of all ages can learn, grow, and enjoy the art of dance.
All of our teachers are friendly, passionate, and encouraging, with over 20 years’ teaching experience and appropriately qualified with ISTD, RAD, Acrobatic Arts, and Acrotrix.

They are DBS-checked and first-aid trained, ensuring every class builds confidence, develops technique, and fosters a lifelong love of movement.
thorrington dance academy logos
ISTD Qualified Teacher
RAD Registered Teacher
Acrobatic Arts Certified
Acrotrix Certified
Dance Den Accredited School
DBS Checked
First Aid Trained
Qualified Dance Teachers

Reviews

Freya just loves her Ballet classes at Thorrington Dance Academy so much!

I hear all about it all week until the day and she literally dives into her with excitement!

It is such a great way for all ages to keep fit and healthy and to learn as well!
My daughter absolutely loves going to classes. The teaching is done in such a fun way that the children don’t even realise that they are learning.

It’s so important for children to be active, and dancing is the perfect way to do this. Highly recommended.
Our daughter started two weeks ago. She really enjoys it. Thorrington Dance Academy is the best!

Sam is an outstanding teacher, the classes are fun and brilliantly structured.

I love the smiles on their faces.

Term Dates

Autumn Term (14 weeks)

Saturday 6th September - Friday 19th December

Half Term: No Classes 27th October - 2nd November 2025

Halloween Workshop: Monday 27th October 2025

Christmas Workshop: Monday 22nd December 2025

Spring Term (11 weeks)

Monday 5th January - Saturday 28th March 2026

Half Term: 16th-22nd February 2026

Easter Workshop: Monday 30th March 2026

Summer Term (13 weeks)

Monday 13th April - Monday 20th July 2026

Half Term: 25th-31st May 2026

Bank Holiday: Monday 4th May 2026 - no classes

Photoshoot - Sunday 28th June 2026

Dress rehearsal - Tuesday 30th June 2026 (after school)

Show Day - Sunday 5th July 2026

Summer Workshops

Monday 3rd August & Monday 24th August 2026

 

Find Us

Thorrington Dance Academy

Thorrington Village Hall,
Salmons Lane,
Thorrington,
Colchester,
CO7 8HE
Great Bentley Village Hall,
Hall View Road,
Great Bentley,
Colchester,
CO7 8LW
Brightlingsea YMCA,
High Street, Brightlingsea,
Essex,
CO7 0AQ
Our Dance Classes for Kids are easily reachable from Great Bentley, Frating, Alresford, Hare Green and Brightlingsea.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Do your classes run in School holidays?

Our classes run for 38 weeks per year. Classes do not tend to run during school holidays. We do offer holiday workshops in some of the school holidays.

Do we have to give notice to leave?

We require 4 weeks notice before terminating any classes.

Where do classes take place?

Our dance classes for Children and Adults take place at Thorrington Village Hall, Salmons Lane, Thorrington, CO7 8HE, Great Bentley Village Hall, Hall View Road, Great Bentley, Colchester, CO7 8LW and at Brightlingsea YMCA, High Street, Brightlingsea, Essex, CO7 0AQ

You can reach our classes for kids easily from Alresford, Brightlingsea, Great Bentley, Clacton-on-Sea and Colchester.

Do you offer a trial class?

Yes! We offer a trial class to give you or your child a chance to experience our fantastic classes before enrolling for a full term. 

Payment for the trial class is required at the time of booking to secure your child’s place.

Do you have a uniform?

Yes, all uniform requirements can be found here.
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