OUR STORY, MISSION AND TEAM

Nestled in the heart of the Amber Valley, Ripley Academy of Dance Ltd. is a thriving performing arts school set within its own beautiful grounds at The Beeches. Home to three professionally equipped dance studios, we provide a safe, welcoming and inspiring environment where children can develop confidence, creativity and a lifelong love of the performing arts.

Our experienced and fully qualified teachers are passionate about nurturing every student, helping them to flourish both as performers and as individuals. We believe that every child has unique potential, and our aim is to build not only exceptional technical skills but also confidence, resilience, self-belief and lifelong friendships.

We offer an exciting and varied timetable of classes for all ages and abilities, including Royal Academy of Dance Ballet, Tap, Modern, Jazz, Acro Dance, Contemporary, Hip-Hop Street, Musical Theatre, Drama, Lyrical and LAMDA Speech and Acting exam training. Whether your child dreams of performing professionally or simply wants to enjoy dancing and acting in a fun, supportive environment, there truly is something for everyone.

At Ripley Academy of Dance, we are proud to deliver outstanding tuition from highly qualified professionals whilst keeping our classes accessible and affordable. Every lesson is carefully planned to be engaging, encouraging and enjoyable, allowing each student to progress at their own pace. All members of our teaching team are DBS checked, professionally qualified and licensed Child Chaperones with Derbyshire County Council, giving parents complete peace of mind.

Our unique location, just minutes from Ripley town centre, sets us apart from many other dance schools. Our purpose-built facilities include three spacious studios with Harlequin sprung floors, full-length mirrors and state-of-the-art sound systems. Families also benefit from ample free parking, comfortable waiting areas, an on-site uniform shop and changing facilities, making every visit convenient and enjoyable.

As an approved examination centre for the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD), National Association of Teachers of Dancing (NATD) and LAMDA, students have the opportunity to work towards nationally recognised qualifications should they wish. Equally, many of our students simply attend for the enjoyment, fitness, friendships and confidence that our classes provide.

Ripley Academy of Dance has been a valued part of the local community for over 55 years. Miss Diane Fleming became Principal in 1970 and established the Academy at The Beeches in 1971. In 2010, former student and teacher Miss Felicity Cutting proudly took over as Principal, continuing the Academy's rich tradition while introducing exciting new opportunities and a modern vision for the future. Having trained at the Academy herself from the age of three, Miss Felicity is passionate about preserving its family values whilst ensuring every student receives the very best performing arts education.

Today, our exceptional team of specialist teachers brings a wealth of professional experience across a wide range of disciplines. Their expertise allows our students to receive first-class training, discover new passions and achieve their full potential in every genre of dance, drama and musical theatre.

Above all, Ripley Academy of Dance is more than just a dance school—it's a community where children are encouraged to dream big, work hard, make lifelong friends and create memories that will last a lifetime.