Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Academy Arts Studios?

Academy Arts Studios is a dance and performing arts school based in Port Talbot, South Wales. We welcome children and young people from Port Talbot, Neath and surrounding communities.

Our weekly classes take place across our Port Talbot venues at St Paul’s Centre and Western Avenue Presbyterian Church.

What makes Academy Arts Studios different from other dance and performing arts schools?

Academy Arts is about more than learning steps, routines and scripts. We want every child to receive great training while also feeling that they belong, building confidence and discovering what they’re capable of.

We offer dance, drama and musical theatre training for ages 2–17, with everything from fun weekly classes and shows to competition training and opportunities influenced by the professional performing arts industry.

Most importantly, we understand that every child is different. Some dream of competing or working professionally one day, while others want to dance, make friends and have something they look forward to every week. Both are equally valued here.

We’re proud to combine high-quality training with the welcoming, supportive experience that makes Academy Arts feel different.

What age can children start at Academy Arts?

Children can start at Academy Arts from age 2, with classes available through to age 17.

Our youngest students begin with age-appropriate movement, music, creativity and performance before having the opportunity to progress through our wider programme as they grow.

Do you offer classes for teenagers?

Yes. We offer dance and performing arts training for older children and teenagers, including options for both experienced performers and those discovering performing arts for the first time.

Are boys welcome at Academy Arts?

Absolutely. Dance, acting and performing arts are for everyone. Boys are welcome across our programme and we want every child to feel comfortable exploring the styles and areas of performance they enjoy.

⸻

Choosing the Right Class

What classes does Academy Arts Studios offer?

We offer a wide range of dance and performing arts classes in Port Talbot, including:

•⁠ ⁠Street Dance

•⁠ ⁠Commercial Dance

•⁠ ⁠Ballet

•⁠ ⁠Acro

•⁠ ⁠Popping, Animation & Robot

•⁠ ⁠Freestyle

•⁠ ⁠Jazz & Lyrical

•⁠ ⁠Drama & Acting

•⁠ ⁠Musical Theatre

•⁠ ⁠Tots & younger children’s classes

•⁠ ⁠Competition Teams

Our timetable can evolve as Academy Arts grows, so please check our current timetable for the latest classes, ages and availability.

Do you offer dance classes in Port Talbot?

Yes. Academy Arts offers dance classes in Port Talbot for children and young people aged 2–17, from complete beginners through to experienced and competition-level dancers.

We offer a variety of styles so children can find the type of dance they genuinely enjoy.

Do you offer Street Dance?

Yes. Street Dance is a huge part of Academy Arts. Our dancers don’t just learn routines; they develop foundations, musicality, freestyle and an understanding of different Street Dance styles.

Students can train recreationally or, where suitable, progress towards performance and competition opportunities.

Do you offer Commercial Dance?

Yes. Commercial is a high-energy, expressive style influenced by what’s current across music videos, concerts, TV and the professional dance industry.

Our Commercial classes develop performance, musicality, versatility and attack while keeping the atmosphere fun and exciting.

What’s the difference between Street Dance and Commercial Dance?

Both are energetic styles, but the training is different.

Street Dance explores foundations and styles connected to Street Dance culture, with a strong emphasis on musicality, groove, freestyle and individuality.

Commercial Dance reflects the type of dancing commonly seen in music videos, concerts, television and the commercial dance industry, with a strong focus on choreography and performance.

Children who want to become versatile dancers can benefit enormously from experiencing both.

Do you offer Ballet?

Yes. Our Ballet classes provide children with strong foundations that support every area of their dance training.

Students develop technique, posture, coordination, musicality, balance, control and strength in an encouraging and age-appropriate environment.

Ballet is available for ages 2–5 and 6–9 on Saturdays at Western Avenue Presbyterian Church in Port Talbot.

Do you offer Acro?

Yes. Our Acro classes combine dance and acrobatic skills, developing flexibility, strength, balance, control and technique.

Children work individually, with partners and in groups while progressing through skills at an appropriate level. Acro students can also have opportunities to use their skills in Academy Arts shows and performances.

Acro is available for ages 6–14 on Mondays at St Paul’s Centre in Port Talbot.

Do you offer Popping?

Yes — and this is one of our most specialist class offerings.

Students explore Popping alongside Animation and Robot, including the illusion-style movements, robotic movement, waves and visual effects that many parents may recognise from performers such as Michael Jackson.

The training is shaped by direct connections with pioneers of these styles and experience within the international Animation Dance scene, giving young dancers in Wales access to specialist knowledge and training.

Do you offer Drama?

Yes. Our Drama classes in Port Talbot develop acting, character work, improvisation, storytelling, screen acting and performance skills.

Our Drama training also benefits from current professional industry experience across TV, film and theatre, helping students understand both the creative side of acting and the wider industry.

Do you offer Musical Theatre?

Yes. Musical Theatre brings together singing, dancing and acting, helping students become versatile performers.

Students develop vocal skills, acting, movement, stage presence and performance while also having opportunities to take part in shows and full-scale musical productions.

What’s the difference between Drama and Musical Theatre?

Drama focuses primarily on acting, including character development, storytelling, improvisation, communication and performance.

Musical Theatre combines acting with singing and dance.

If your child loves acting but isn’t particularly interested in singing or dancing, Drama may be the better fit. If they love doing all three, Musical Theatre could be perfect.

How do I know which class is right for my child?

You don’t need to work that out alone.

Tell us your child’s age, what they enjoy, whether they have any previous experience and what you’d like them to gain from coming to Academy Arts.

They might want to build confidence, dance for fun, perform without competing, explore acting or be looking for challenging competition training.

We’ll recommend the classes and pathway we think will suit them best.

⸻

Beginners & Confidence

Does my child need previous dance or performing arts experience?

No. Complete beginners are absolutely welcome at Academy Arts, alongside children who already have previous training.

Our teachers help students work at an appropriate level and understand what is expected within their class.

Everyone has a first lesson.

Is my child too old to start dancing or performing?

No.

Children discover performing arts at all different ages. Starting later doesn’t mean your child has missed their opportunity.

Whether they’re 7, 10, 12 or a teenager who has suddenly discovered a love of dance or performance, we can help find an appropriate starting point for their age, experience and interests.

My child is shy or lacks confidence. Would Academy Arts suit them?

Absolutely. Your child does not need to be naturally confident or outgoing to join us.

Many children arrive feeling shy, nervous or unsure of themselves. Dance and performing arts give children opportunities to gradually become more comfortable expressing themselves, working with others and trying new things.

We don’t expect children to walk through our doors already confident. Helping them discover that confidence can be part of their journey with us.

My child is nervous about their first class. What happens?

That’s completely understandable. Starting somewhere new can feel like a big deal.

Our team will welcome your child, introduce them to their teacher and help them understand what’s happening. They aren’t expected to know everything or immediately join in with complete confidence.

If your child is particularly anxious or needs a little extra reassurance, please let us know before their trial so we can help make their first experience as positive as possible.

My child only wants to attend for fun. Is Academy Arts still suitable?

Definitely.

Not every child who attends Academy Arts wants to become a professional performer or competitive dancer.

Some children come because they love music or dancing. Some want to act. Some want to make friends. Others simply want somewhere they feel they belong.

We take the quality of our training seriously, but children are absolutely allowed to do something simply because they love it.

⸻

Performances, Competitions & Training

Do Academy Arts students perform?

Yes. Performance is an important part of the Academy Arts experience.

Depending on their class and pathway, students can have opportunities to take part in shows, musical theatre productions, community performances, creative projects and other events.

Can my child perform without being on a competition team?

Absolutely.

Performance opportunities are not exclusively for competitive dancers. Students can experience the excitement of performing and being part of Academy Arts shows without competitions being part of their journey.

Do students have to compete?

No.

Competition training is available for students who want that experience, but children do not need to compete to be part of Academy Arts.

We believe in different pathways for different children. A student can attend classes, perform in shows and be completely involved in Academy life without ever wanting to compete.

What if my child loves performing but doesn’t want the pressure of competitions?

That’s completely okay.

Some children thrive in competitive environments while others simply don’t enjoy them.

Academy Arts offers plenty beyond competition, including weekly classes, shows, Drama, Musical Theatre, performances and creative projects.

A child can be ambitious about performing without needing to be a competitive dancer.

Do you offer competition dance training?

Yes.

For dancers who want to take their training further, Academy Arts offers competition teams and additional opportunities.

Competition training requires additional commitment and is best suited to dancers who enjoy challenging themselves, developing their performance skills and representing Academy Arts at competitions.

Our team can recommend the appropriate pathway if your child is interested in competing.

Does Academy Arts cater for children who want professional-level training?

Yes.

While many students attend simply because they love performing, we also support children who want to take their training further.

Students can develop technique, versatility, performance skills, creativity and professionalism while benefiting from teachers with specialist knowledge and professional industry experience.

As students get older, we can also help ambitious performers understand the training and commitment involved in pursuing further or professional training.

Do Academy Arts students take exams?

No. Academy Arts is not an exam-focused school.

We believe in developing students through high-quality training, creativity, performance experience and opportunities that allow them to put their skills into practice.

Our focus is on developing capable, versatile performers rather than working towards grades and examinations.

⸻

Trials & Joining Academy Arts

Can my child try a class before joining?

Yes. Where spaces are available, new students can book a trial before becoming an Academy Arts member.

A trial gives your child the opportunity to meet their teacher, experience the class and get a genuine feel for Academy Arts before you decide whether you’d like to continue.

How do I book a trial?

Booking is simple and completed online.

Choose the class you’d like your child to try, book and pay for the trial online and then simply come along to your class.

If you’re unsure which class to choose, contact us with your child’s age, interests and previous experience and we’ll happily recommend a starting point.

Book a Trial

How does payment for a trial work?

We’ve made the whole process as easy as possible. Your trial is booked and paid for online, so there’s no cash to bring, bank details to send or payment to remember on the day.

Once your booking is complete, your child is ready to come along and experience Academy Arts.

What happens after my child’s trial?

After their trial, we’ll check in to see how they got on.

If they loved it and you’d like them to continue, joining Academy Arts is simple. We’ll guide you through setting up their membership and securing their regular class place.

How do I enrol at Academy Arts?

The easiest way to start is by booking a trial.

Once your child has experienced their class and you’re ready to join, we’ll guide you through our simple online membership process. Once everything is set up, their monthly payments are handled automatically and their regular class place is secured.

⸻

Fees & Membership

How much do Academy Arts classes cost?

Our standard classes are generally charged through a monthly membership rather than paying individually each week.

Our standard class membership is £35.99 per class, per month, with fees spread evenly across the year.

This means predictable monthly payments without having to remember to pay every week or rebook your child’s place each term.

Please see our current pricing information for full details.

How do monthly payments work?

We’ve designed our payment system to make things as easy as possible for families.

Think of it a little like Netflix or a gym membership. Once your child’s Academy Arts membership is set up, their payment is taken automatically each month.

There’s no weekly cash, no remembering to make individual payments and no rebooking every term. Their regular class place stays secured while the payment side takes care of itself in the background.

Is there an Academy Arts membership fee?

Yes. Students have an annual Academy Arts membership in addition to their class tuition.

Being part of Academy Arts is about much more than simply attending a weekly class. The membership helps us invest in the wider experience we provide, including the systems, communication, opportunities and environment that support our students and families throughout the year.

We care about the entire experience families have with Academy Arts, from their first enquiry onwards, and our membership helps us continue investing in that standard.

Are there additional costs for shows and competitions?

There can be.

Competitions, shows, costumes, workshops, additional training and some special experiences may have separate costs depending on the opportunity.

We understand families need to plan financially, so we aim to communicate costs with as much notice as possible.

Children do not have to participate in every optional opportunity to be valued members of Academy Arts.

What happens if my child misses a class?

Your child’s regular place remains secured as part of their monthly membership.

Monthly membership fees aren’t calculated according to individual attendance, so missing a class does not normally change your monthly payment.

⸻

Practical Information

What should my child wear to their first class?

For their trial, comfortable clothing that allows them to move freely is perfect.

Once your child becomes an Academy Arts member, some classes have uniform or footwear requirements. We’ll give you the relevant information when they join so you know exactly what they need.

Where are classes held?

Our regular classes take place across our Port Talbot venues at St Paul’s Centre and Western Avenue Presbyterian Church.

The venue for your child’s individual class will be clearly shown when booking.

Who teaches Academy Arts classes?

Our classes are taught by the Academy Arts teaching team, bringing together specialist teachers across dance, drama and musical theatre.

We match teachers to the areas they specialise in so students benefit from genuine knowledge of the styles and disciplines they’re learning.

What qualifications and experience do Academy Arts teachers have?

Our team brings together professional training, teaching experience and specialist knowledge across dance and the performing arts.

Members of our team also bring current and previous professional industry experience across areas including dance, TV, film and theatre, allowing students to learn from people with first-hand understanding of the performing arts industry.

What safeguarding procedures are in place?

Safeguarding is taken seriously at Academy Arts.

We have safeguarding procedures in place to help create a safe, professional and supportive environment for every child, including a designated safeguarding lead and appropriate checks and procedures for our team.

⸻

Schools & Community

Do you provide dance and drama workshops for schools?

Yes.

Academy Arts works beyond our regular Port Talbot classes to provide dance, drama and performing arts activities for schools and community settings.

This can include workshops, enrichment activities, creative projects, taster sessions and after-school provision.

Schools and organisations interested in working with Academy Arts are welcome to contact us directly to discuss what you’re looking for.

⸻

Still Not Sure Where to Start?

Every child’s journey is different.

Whether your child is a confident performer, a complete beginner, incredibly shy, competition-mad, dreaming of performing professionally or simply looking for something they can enjoy each week, we’d love to help you find their place at Academy Arts Studios.

Tell us a little about your child and we’ll help you choose the right class.

Book a Trial at Academy Arts Studios in Port Talbot