Campbell Dance & Fitness Centre

Campbell Dance and Fitness Centre is a family-run, award-winning dance school established in 1950, with over 70 years of teaching experience. Founded by Noreen Campbell, it is now run by her daughter Gail Mackay (Principal), alongside her daughters Lisa Ternent and Sophie Mackay, and a team of fully qualified teachers. The school specialises in Ballroom, Latin, Ballet, Tap, Stage and yoga, with classes and private tuition available from age 2 upwards.

The teaching team brings exceptional credentials. Gail Mackay is a Fellow of the Northern Counties Dance Teachers Association, fully accredited with UKA and holds advanced qualifications with the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD); she is also a championship adjudicator in Classical Sequence, Ballroom and Latin. Lisa Ternent is a qualified teacher and full scrutineer who has trained numerous champions and serves as a championship judge in Classical Sequence, Ballroom and Latin. Sophie Mackay has won the All-Girl Classical Sequence National Championships three times and claimed the Professional Classical Sequence Championship title; she now focuses on teaching and is a respected championship judge. Other instructors include Emma (competing at national level in Ballroom, Latin and Classical Sequence for over 15 years), Erin (competed for 12 years in Ballroom, Latin and Classical Sequence), Harry (15+ years in Ballroom, Latin and Classical Sequence, currently active competitor), and Lexie (10 years competing in Ballroom, Latin and Classical Sequence). Emily, the current All-Girl British Champion, serves as a class helper while undertaking her student-teacher qualification.

The school offers group classes in Children's Ballet, Children's Tap, Children's Stage/Hip Hop, Children's Cheerdance, Children's All Nations, Group Ballroom, Group Latin and Group Classical Sequence. Group Latin classes are suitable for solo dancers or couples and cover all Latin dances (cha cha, samba, rumba and jive). Adults Yoga and Pilates classes are also available. Private lessons are offered in Ballet, Tap, Ballroom, Latin, Classical Sequence, Wedding Choreography, Children's Cheerdance, Children's All Nations and Children's Street Dancing.

As a UKA accredited school, Campbell Dance and Fitness Centre trains dancers for both competitions and UKA dance exams across various styles. The studio is located on the first floor of St Oswald's Parish Church, Woodhead Road, Walkergate, Newcastle. Opening hours are Monday 9 am–8:15 pm, Tuesday and Wednesday 9 am–8 pm, Thursday 9 am–8:30 pm, Friday 9 am–5 pm, Saturday 9:15 am–3 pm, and Sunday 10 am–11 am. The studio is available for hire on Saturday from 3 pm and Sunday from 11 am. Testimonials consistently highlight the warm, supportive atmosphere, the dedication of the teachers, and the lasting friendships students develop.

You can book classes by calling, emailing, or messaging via Facebook or Instagram. Wear clothes you can easily move in—gym clothes, leggings and a t-shirt are fine—and bring trainers or comfortable shoes if you don't yet have dance shoes. Bring a drink with you. The school can help you order dance shoes and clothing articles.

The teaching team includes Gail Mackay (Principal, RAD-qualified, UKA-accredited, championship adjudicator), Lisa Ternent (qualified teacher and full scrutineer), Sophie Mackay (three-time All-Girl Classical Sequence National Champion, professional champion), Emma (15+ years competing at national level), Erin (12 years competitive experience), Harry (15+ years in Ballroom, Latin and Classical Sequence), and Lexie (10 years competing). Emily, the current All-Girl British Champion, assists in classes.

Anyone with any level of previous experience, or no experience at all, is welcome; lessons can be tailored to suit you.