Marina Studios

Marina Studios is the public-facing name for Brighton Marina Studios Foundation, a Charitable Incorporated Organisation founded in 2013. Based at 11 Mermaid Walk in Brighton Marina, the studio runs adult classes (ages 14+) and junior classes (ages 6–16). Their mission is to change lives through the power of dance and movement.

The studio offers a diverse range of dance styles taught by experienced instructors. Adult classes span Latin Dance Fit, Commercial, Contemporary, Ballet, Jazz, Sensual, Heels, Tap, Pilates, HIIT, Afro House, Street Dance, GrooveFit 360, and KPOP. Junior classes follow a no-exam approach designed to foster joyful learning and build confidence. Classes are available at Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and All Levels, with an Intro To Dance 4-week course offered for those completely new to dance and movement.

The facilities include three studios, each equipped with sprung oak wooden flooring, bluetooth speakers, and mirrors. Studios 2 and 3 have ballet barres. Two of the three studios have wheelchair-friendly floors. The studio has invested in accessibility: five gender-neutral changing/WC cubicles, wheelchair-accessible doorways, an artist/student breakout room, adapted reception area with lower desk, and accessible sign-in tablets with accessible fonts and colours. A water refill station is available in reception, and cubby holes are provided in each studio for belongings.

Bookings are made online and can be made 7 days in advance. Classes can be cancelled up to 8 hours before the start time for credit or refund; for people with long-term illness or disabilities, the cancellation policy can be adjusted on discussion. The studio opens Monday to Sunday, 8.30am to 10.00pm (subject to bookings).

Beyond drop-in classes, Marina Studios runs Siren Collective, a sensual dance performance group led by Tabitha (membership £40/month, or £20/month for Unlimited subscribers), and Tap Crew, led by choreographer Simeon Weedall (£40/month, or £20/month for Unlimited members). The studio also hosts the International Salsa, Bachata & Kizomba Festival (21–24 May), featuring 33 classes, social dancing, and performances. Studio hire is available for workshops, events, parties, and corporate team-building activities.

Classes begin with a warm-up, floor routines, and progress to choreographed dance. Instructors provide modifications and support to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. You can arrive early and sit in reception before your class starts. Bring water, comfortable clothes (t-shirt, leggings, joggers, or shorts) and comfortable shoes such as trainers; specialist shoes like tap, ballet, or heels are optional. A small towel, fan, spare change of clothes, and knee pads are also recommended.

The teaching team includes Marta Scott (Latin Dance Fit), Ellie Bishop-Williams (Commercial), Mike Ashurst (Commercial, Inter Contemporary), Gareth Burnell (Pilates), Lottie Soffe (All Jazz Styles, Beginner Contemporary & All Ballet Styles), Tabitha Read (Beginner Sensual & Beginner Heels), Simeon Weedall (Inter Tap), Imogen Van Herck (Beginner Tap), Nigel Sayers (HIIT), Kirsty Brewster-Brown (Beginner Commercial), Sassa (Afro House, Beginner & Inter/Adv Street Dance), Adel Clarke (GrooveFit 360), Luke Bates (Junior & Adult KPOP), and Hannah Tinsley-Hope (Pom Pom Performance). Annelies White leads the studio.

Beginner and All Levels classes are designed to accommodate all fitness levels and abilities; anyone can attend, and instructors provide modifications and support.