Danceworks

Danceworks has been fostering a passion for dance for over 30 years in Moortown, Leeds. Established by Laura Jakes in 1995, the studio began with just 20 pupils and now serves over 150 students. The school welcomes children of all ages into an environment where they can have fun while learning proper dance technique, drawing from students across North Leeds including Roundhay, Chapel Allerton, Horsforth, Meanwood, Shadwell and Headingley.

The studio offers a wide range of classes structured by age and ability. Dancebugs classes introduce dance to ages 3–5 through themed movement and storytelling, building confidence, co-ordination and balance. Ballet classes run from Pre-primary to Advanced (ages 5–18) and follow the Royal Academy of Dance programme, taught worldwide. Classes tailor content to each child's physical ability and age, emphasising safe practice technique and a fun learning environment. The studio also runs adult ballet classes and Silver Swan classes aimed at the over 55s, delivering core ballet basics with a focus on wellbeing and fitness.

Theatre and Tap classes (ages 6–18) follow the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance syllabus and cover styles including lyrical and street, designed as core training for Musical Theatre. Contemporary classes (ages 12–18) deliver core fundamentals of floor and travelling sequences. Daytime adult classes in Ballet and Contemporary are available for beginner and returning adult dancers.

All classes are delivered by highly qualified staff. Laura Jakes trained at London College of Dance and holds qualifications from both I.S.T.D and R.A.D. She has taught in America and mainland Greece, and past students have gone on to train at prestigious UK dance colleges including The Royal Ballet School, English National Ballet School, London Contemporary, Northern Contemporary and London Studio Centre. Christos Chandroulidis, originally from Greece, trained at Kafandari Dance College and has been teaching R.A.D Ballet, Contemporary and commercial for over ten years. Guest teacher Saskia Wilkinson trained at White Lodge Royal Ballet School and finished her training with English National Ballet, where she performed with Northern Ballet in the Corps de Ballet before qualifying on R.A.D's Professional Dancers teaching Diploma.

The studio is deeply embedded in the local community. Danceworks delivers in-house classes to a local Down Syndrome group from Sunshine and Smiles, supported by older student volunteers, and monthly classes to Leeds Rhinos Foundation's Active Life group for those mainly over 65. Since Danceworks was established, biennial shows have raised thousands of pounds for local charities including St Gemma's Hospice, Martin House Childrens' Hospice, Joseph Lilleywhite Child Cancer Trust, Sunshine and Smiles and Street Angels.

Students perform throughout the year at local events, and older students are invited to join 'THE PERFORMERS' performing group. Every two years, all students participate in a major show held at Yeadon Town Hall with two performances to over 800 people. Classes run Monday to Saturday during term time and are paid termly with prices depending on the student's level. Two-week trial classes are available throughout the year and must be booked via email.

Classes are structured by age and ability level, taught by highly qualified staff. Trial classes (two weeks) must be booked via email; you'll learn proper technique in a fun, supportive environment. Classes run Monday to Saturday during term time at the Moortown studio.

Laura Jakes, founder, trained at London College of Dance with I.S.T.D and R.A.D qualifications, and has taught in America and mainland Greece. Christos Chandroulidis trained at Kafandari Dance College and has taught R.A.D Ballet, Contemporary and commercial for over ten years. Guest teacher Saskia Wilkinson trained at White Lodge Royal Ballet School and English National Ballet, and holds R.A.D's Professional Dancers teaching Diploma.

Beginner classes welcome all ages, from Dancebugs (3–5) through to adult beginner ballet and contemporary.