Previously Brighton & Hove Dance Academy, now Alta Academy of Dance
RAD ballet from preschool to Advanced 2, plus jazz, contemporary and modern i…
Alta Academy of Dance was founded in 2020 by Deborah Mercer, a Royal Academy of Dance Examiner with many years of teaching experience in Brighton and Hove.
Before your first class
Beginners of any age are welcome; you can start at the appropriate grade or level, from Pre-School (age 3+) onwards.
Varies by location. Church of the Good Shepherd Hall has no on-site parking but free and paid parking nearby; Octagon studio (Cardinal Newman) has on-site access via Gate 4; Brighton Girls studio has
About this studio
Alta Academy of Dance was founded in 2020 by Deborah Mercer, a Royal Academy of Dance Examiner with many years of teaching experience in Brighton and Hove. The school has grown from 10 students to over 250 dancers, all taught by highly qualified, experienced and passionate staff in a nurturing, inclusive environment.
The academy teaches Classical Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary and Modern Theatre Dance for ages 3 and up. Ballet classes follow the RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) Children's Examination Syllabus from Pre-Primary through Grade 8, and Vocational levels from Intermediate Foundation through Advanced 2 and Solo Seal. All classes incorporate Pointe work, Progressing Ballet Technique and exam coaching where appropriate. You can take RAD exams at every grade. Jazz classes cover styles from lyrical to commercial and include technique and routine work. The school also offers private one-to-one ballet coaching tailored to individual needs, useful for exam prep, auditions or confidence-building.
Academy students have achieved a 100% RAD exam pass rate with high merits, distinctions and high distinctions. Beyond exam results, the school prepares dancers for vocational training: students have been offered places and scholarships at The Royal Ballet School Associates, English National Ballet School, Central School of Ballet, Rambert School, Elmhurst Ballet School, Tring Park School for the Performing Arts, and others. Male dancers are actively supported and encouraged. The school takes safeguarding seriously: all staff hold enhanced DBS certificates and the school is fully insured.
Classes run at six locations across Brighton and Hove: Church of the Good Shepherd Hall (Dyke Road), Octagon Dance Studio at Cardinal Newman School (The Upper Drive, Hove), Brighton Girls School Dance Studio (Temple Gardens), Gate House Studio at The British Engineerium (The Droveway), St Peter's Church Hall (Portland Road, Hove) and Onslow Studio in Hove (9 Onslow Road), which is based at Deborah's home and equipped with a sprung Harlequin floor, double barres and floor-to-ceiling mirrors, ideal for private coaching.
Tasters are available; lessons are competitively priced. You can book a trial class online or by contacting the school directly.
What to expect
Your first visit
You'll join a class in one of six dedicated studios across Brighton and Hove, taught by fully qualified, experienced teachers in a supportive, inclusive environment. Classes are small enough for individual feedback. Many locations have sprung floors, mirrors and barres. You can try a taster class before committing.
Instructors
Who teaches here
The school is led by Deborah Mercer, a Royal Academy of Dance Examiner and highly experienced teacher. The pool of teachers are all highly experienced, qualified and passionate about dance. Parents consistently praise the care, attention to technique and individual encouragement staff provide.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Beginners of any age are welcome; you can start at the appropriate grade or level, from Pre-School (age 3+) onwards.
Studio history
Deborah Mercer, a Royal Academy of Dance Examiner with many years of teaching experience in Brighton and Hove, founded Alta Academy of Dance in 2020 with just 10 students. The school has since grown to over 250 dancers across six locations.
Styles offered
5 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
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Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Previously Brighton & Hove Dance Academy, now Alta Academy of Dancehasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
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Frequently asked about Previously Brighton & Hove Dance Academy, now Alta Academy of Dance
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Previously Brighton & Hove Dance Academy, now Alta Academy of Dance teach?
Previously Brighton & Hove Dance Academy, now Alta Academy of Dance teaches General, Classical Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Modern Theatre Dance (ISTD). The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Previously Brighton & Hove Dance Academy, now Alta Academy of Dance located?
Previously Brighton & Hove Dance Academy, now Alta Academy of Dance is located in Brighton and Hove. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Previously Brighton & Hove Dance Academy, now Alta Academy of Dance offer private lessons?
Contact Previously Brighton & Hove Dance Academy, now Alta Academy of Dance directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Previously Brighton & Hove Dance Academy, now Alta Academy of Dance teach kids and adults?
Previously Brighton & Hove Dance Academy, now Alta Academy of Dance welcomes students of varied ages and experience levels. Contact the studio to learn which classes fit your age group and level.
How do I sign up for classes at Previously Brighton & Hove Dance Academy, now Alta Academy of Dance?
The fastest path is to visit Previously Brighton & Hove Dance Academy, now Alta Academy of Dance via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.
Is there parking at Previously Brighton & Hove Dance Academy, now Alta Academy of Dance?
Varies by location. Church of the Good Shepherd Hall has no on-site parking but free and paid parking nearby; Octagon studio (Cardinal Newman) has on-site access via Gate 4; Brighton Girls studio has paid parking nearby; Gate House has ample free on-site parking; St Peter's has paid parking; Onslow studio has free off-road parking with restrictions at certain times.
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