Ducky Shincrackers: Adult Dance Classes Brighton

Ducky Shincrackers runs adult dance classes from their studio on Richmond Parade in central Brighton. The studio was born when Rachel Pittman took over from Drew Wood, who previously taught a tap dancing community that gained recognition on Britain's Got Talent. Rachel is the owner and teaches tap and jazz; Collette Goodwin teaches ballet.

Classes are organised into three tap levels. Beginners Tap (Level 1: The Tap Steps) covers foundational technique including posture, rhythm, foot placement, and steps such as taps, beats, digs, springs, shuffles, paradiddles and ball changes. Improvers Tap (Level 2: The Pick-Ups) builds on mastered basics with more complex combinations including time steps, shuffles, pickups, waltz steps and cramp rolls, taught in slow repetitive bursts to build muscle memory. Intermediate Tap (Level 3: The Suzie Q's) introduces even more complex combinations including Suzie Q's and corner work, for those already familiar with warm-up exercises from Level 2.

Beyond tap, the studio offers Stand Wow Ballet with Collette, which works on familiar ballet exercises and new skills set to non-traditional music including power ballads, Prince and Puccini. Joyous Jazz Hands is an open-level jazz and musical theatre class that teaches a new routine each week with stretches, isolations, arm work, corner work and combinations.

Classes run on weekday evenings only, organised in term blocks following the school calendar. The studio has male and female changing rooms with shower and WC facilities. The building has secure gated entrances and Brighton Station is within walking distance; the area is well served by buses and has paid on-street parking, with two dedicated spaces available for hire outside the studio. Water is the only beverage allowed in classes, and the entire premises is a nut-free zone.

You'll join a welcoming, sociable atmosphere with an eclectic range of music. Beginners can try a class for £10 per session. Expect clear instruction on technique, step-by-step building of skills, and a community of adult dancers of all ages and backgrounds.

Rachel Pittman is the owner and teaches tap and jazz. She is described by students as a fun, energetic and super-supportive teacher. Collette Goodwin teaches ballet classes.

Beginners tap classes are designed for those new to tap dancing or with little previous alternative dance training; all classes are suitable for all ages and no previous experience is needed.