Dance Craze Academy

Dance Craze Academy has been teaching performing arts in Budapest for over 25 years. The school offers classes in English across two locations—Pest and Buda—specialising in dance, drama, singing, and musical theatre for all ages and abilities.

The dance department teaches Tap, Ballet, Jazz/Modern/Contemporary, Theatre Dance, Pop Dance, Groove Child, Acro-Dance, and Freestyle. Classes start with toddlers as young as 18 months (Baby Combo Dance, ages 1.5–3) and continue through to teens. Dance & Performing Arts classes serve ages 2–4 and 4–6. Pre-Combo Dance (ages 3–5 and 6–8) introduces all dance styles in a playful setting. Ballet begins at age 4–6. Modern classes run for ages 7–12. The flagship Combo Class (ages 6–8 and 9–13) is a three-hour Saturday session where children learn strong basic techniques across freestyle, lyrical, modern, tap, theatre craft, jazz, and street dance, learning a minimum of four routines and performing in the yearly show.

Drama and musical theatre are equally central. Pre-Musical Theatre (ages 4–7) teaches songs, storytelling, costume design, and movement. Musical Theatre (ages 6–17) features a selected popular musical each year, giving students the chance to perform and take IDTA exams and awards. Children can also book private lessons for wedding dances, choreography for talent shows, or exam preparation.

The teaching team includes Sandra Knibbs (DCA Creator, qualified with AIDTA and APTD, trained nursery nurse, background in RAD and ISTD methods), Susie Lerch (dance teacher, choreographer, qualified Pilates teacher, three years teaching at the French School of Budapest), Skylar Herter (dance teacher and singing-songwriting instructor), Brookie Herter (dance teacher and choreographer), and Samantha Kettle (dance teacher and choreographer). The school is a registered member of IDTA and RSL, ensuring students receive recognised performing arts education.

Every year an IDTA examiner from the UK conducts exams. All children enter for Rosettes and Stardance Awards at hobby level; those pursuing dance more seriously can take accredited exams. The school has prepared students for teaching qualifications (diplomas 3 and 4) and professional dance college entry. From age 12, personalised programmes of study are available for students with professional aspirations.

Classes on Thursdays run at Trombitás út 11, 1026 (Buda). Saturday classes are at Rozsnyay utca 3, 1139 (Pest). The school also provides summer camps, birthday parties, and hosts yearly dance and theatre showcases followed by a cinema party where children watch themselves perform. Trial classes are available; the one-class fee is deducted from full term fees if you join.

You and your child will meet the friendly staff, see the welcoming space, and try a class. Trial lessons are offered for one-class fee, which is taken off full term fees if you join. All classes are taught in English, with age-appropriate instruction that balances challenge and fun.

Sandra Knibbs founded the academy over 25 years ago and holds qualifications with AIDTA and APTD, plus training in RAD and ISTD methods and experience teaching in South Africa. Susie Lerch, a choreographer and qualified Pilates teacher, has taught international environments including three years at the French School of Budapest. Skylar Herter brings singing-songwriting expertise and has competed in national songwriting contests. Brookie Herter and Samantha Kettle are dance teachers and choreographers.

Absolutely—all classes are general level; the school has over 20 years' experience building confidence in complete beginners.