The Bath Dancentre
Ballroom, Latin and more, taught by a British Championships competitor since…
The Bath Dancentre has taught dance in the Bath area for over 60 years.
Photo: The Bath Dancentre via Google
Before your first class
Beginners classes are designed for people without any Ballroom or Latin experience and teach you to comfortably get round the dance floor over a period of weeks.
Social dances are formal dress for the January and December events; smart casual for all other months.
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
Paulton Rovers Club, the venue for social dances, has a large car park.
About this studio
The Bath Dancentre has taught dance in the Bath area for over 60 years. Originally founded as The Goodyear School of Dancing in 1960, the studio ran from the Forum above Bath City Free Church until 1997, when it relocated to multiple venues across Bath and the surrounding region. Today classes take place at Hillside Hall, Orchard Hall, Paulton Rovers Club and Chippenham.
Paula Goodyear, the founder, brings exceptional credentials to the studio. She achieved 3rd place in Latin-American and 7th place in Ballroom at the Open British Championships, was a Ten Dance Champion, and represented Britain many times including at The Team Match at The British. She is a Senior Examiner for the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) with Fellowships in Ballroom, Latin-American and Disco Freestyle, plus a Licentiate in Rock n Roll. In 2016 she received the Imperial Dancesport Award for dedication to the society. She taught dance at Bath University for many years, where the student competitive team achieved fifth place in the country. The Inter Varsity Dance Association presented Paula with an award for her devoted service to Student Dancesport. In 2019 the Ballroom Dancers' Federation awarded her The Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2025 she achieved The Carl Alan Dedicated Teachers Award.
Sonia Norris teaches alongside Paula. Sonia trained at the Dancentre from the age of ten and holds Fellowships in the ISTD in Ballroom and Latin-American, plus a Licentiate in Disco Freestyle. She has trained social dancers, medallists, competitors, professionals and wedding couples for their first dance.
Classes run six days a week across all levels. Adults can join Beginners, Improvers, Intermediate or Advanced Ballroom and Latin classes, each lasting one hour. Children's classes in Ballroom, Latin and Disco run on Fridays and Saturdays at three different levels. You will learn dances including Waltz, Quickstep, Foxtrot, Rhythm, Jive and Cha Cha Cha. The studio encourages children to take ISTD medals when ready, and runs medal tests in July and December. Regular social dances happen monthly at Paulton Rovers Club, running from 8:00pm to 10:30pm, with a fully licensed bar and large car park available.
Private lessons can be booked for half an hour or one hour, available on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings, Sunday evenings, and some weekday evening times. The studio specialises in coaching wedding couples for their first dance, and recommends booking lessons early to allow time for practice.
What to expect
Your first visit
Classes are one hour long, run in a friendly atmosphere, and take place at various locations across Bath and Chippenham. You'll work through the fundamentals at your own level, whether you're a complete beginner or building on existing knowledge. Payment is £9 per session by cash or BACS, due before the start of each lesson.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Paula Goodyear, the founder, is a former British Championships competitor and Senior Examiner for the ISTD with Fellowships in Ballroom, Latin-American and Disco Freestyle. Sonia Norris, trained at the studio since age ten, holds ISTD Fellowships in Ballroom and Latin-American and specialises in coaching couples and competitive dancers.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Beginners classes are designed for people without any Ballroom or Latin experience and teach you to comfortably get round the dance floor over a period of weeks.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
Dress code
Social dances are formal dress for the January and December events; smart casual for all other months.
What to bring
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
Studio history
The studio was founded as The Goodyear School of Dancing in 1960 and operated from the Forum above Bath City Free Church until 1997, when the owners relocated to teach in various venues across the Bath area. The list of classes and styles taught has grown each year, with Rock n Roll and Salsa among the additions to the original Ballroom and Latin offerings.
Styles offered
13 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Amenities
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
The Bath Dancentrehasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own The Bath Dancentre, claiming the studio lets you add a public schedule in about 2 minutes. A free Google Calendar is the easiest path — visitors see your class times inline + can add events to their own calendar.
Frequently asked about The Bath Dancentre
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does The Bath Dancentre teach?
The Bath Dancentre teaches General, Ballroom, Latin-American, Waltz, Quickstep, Foxtrot and 7 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is The Bath Dancentre located?
The Bath Dancentre is located in Englishcombe. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does The Bath Dancentre offer private lessons?
Contact The Bath Dancentre directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does The Bath Dancentre teach kids and adults?
The Bath Dancentre 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 The Bath Dancentre?
The fastest path is to visit The Bath Dancentre 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 The Bath Dancentre?
Paulton Rovers Club, the venue for social dances, has a large car park.