Alta Academy of Dance

Alta Academy of Dance was founded in 2020 by Deborah Mercer, a Royal Academy of Dance Examiner, starting with just 10 students and growing to over 250 dancers. The school teaches Classical Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary and Modern across six locations in Brighton and Hove, serving children from preschool age through to Advanced 2 level and adults at all abilities.

The school follows the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Children's Examination Syllabus from Pre-Primary through Grade 8, as well as vocational levels from Intermediate Foundation through Advanced 2 and Solo Seal. Classes incorporate pointe work, Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT), and exam coaching. All students can take RAD exams at any grade, and the school maintains a 100% pass rate with high merits, distinctions and high distinctions. Beyond the graded syllabus, Alta Academy offers jazz classes covering lyrical to commercial styles, contemporary and ISTD modern theatre dance training.

Students have regular performance opportunities and access to audition workshops. The school's track record for vocational preparation is strong: graduates have been offered places at The Royal Ballet School Associates, English National Ballet School, Central School of Ballet, Rambert School, Elmhurst Ballet School, Tring Park School for the Performing Arts, and other leading institutions. Those achieving Distinctions at Advanced 1 can enter the RAD's Phyllis Bedells Bursary, and Advanced 2 distinctions allow application to the Fonteyn International Competition.

Classes are held across six studio locations: Onslow Studio in Hove (purpose-built with sprung harlequin floor, double barres and mirrors, free off-road parking); Octagon Dance Studio at Cardinal Newman School (purpose-built, fully sprung floor, mirrors, portable barres, toilets and changing facilities); Brighton Girls School Dance Studio (air-conditioned, sprung floor, full-length mirrors, fitted and portable barres); Gate House Studio at the British Engineerium (sprung floor, mirrors, fitted barres, free onsite parking); Church of the Good Shepherd Hall on Dyke Road (wooden floor, portable mirrors and barres, high ceilings); and St Peter's Church Hall in Hove (wooden floor, portable barres, paid parking available).

The school emphasises a nurturing, inclusive environment where students develop technique, musicality and artistry. Safeguarding is taken seriously with all staff holding enhanced DBS certificates and full insurance. Taster classes are available, and the school welcomes beginners of any age into the appropriate grade.

You'll be welcomed for a taster class to experience how the school works. Classes are small enough for individual feedback, taught by highly qualified, experienced staff in a nurturing environment. You can progress from absolute beginner to advanced or pre-professional levels, with options for graded exams, vocational training, and regular performance opportunities.

Deborah Mercer, founder and Royal Academy of Dance Examiner, teaches at the school. The academy employs a team of highly qualified, vocationally trained teachers described as experienced, passionate and dedicated to developing each student's technique and artistry.

The school welcomes beginners of any age into the appropriate grade and offers taster classes; pre-school classes from age 3 introduce dance through play and imagination.