Founded in 2007 by Principal Laura Gillham, this performing arts studio in Welling, Kent offers dance and musical theatre training in an encouraging, nurturing environment for children pursuing either professional careers or recreational dance.
Gillham School of Performing Arts is a dance studio in Welling, Kent, founded in 2007 by Principal Laura Gillham. The school offers training in classical ballet, tap dance, commercial street dance, contemporary/lyrical, jazz technique, musical theatre, acting through song, acro dance, and pointe work. Private singing lessons are available. A pre-school program for children aged 3-4 combines ballet, tap, and jazz in 45-minute Saturday morning sessions using props, stories, and movement.
The school runs annual exam sessions with ISTD for ballet and IDTA for tap and jazz. Students may also take graded singing exams with LAMDA. Intake occurs twice yearly in September and March. The school holds annual shows at venues including Langley Theatre in Beckenham and Mick Jagger Centre in Dartford. Two competition teams are auditioned annually for the highest ability students within each age group. Workshops and masterclasses with industry guests are offered periodically.
Past students have continued training at institutions including The Royal Ballet School, Laine Theatre Arts, Urdang, and Bird College. Some have worked professionally in productions such as Matilda the Movie and the Annie UK Tour.
Gillham School of Performing Arts is a dance and performing arts studio founded in 2007 by Principal Laura Gillham. The school provides training in dance and musical theatre within a supportive family environment, with a mission to inspire students and expand their passion and interest in the performing arts. Students are encouraged to pursue either a career as a performer or dance as a hobby.
2-4 Upper Wickham Lane, Welling, Kent, DA16 3HE
The school offers classes in Classical Ballet, Pointe Work, Tap Dance, Commercial Street Dance, Contemporary/Lyrical, Jazz Technique, Musical Theatre, Acting Through Song, Acro Dance, and Private Singing Lessons. A multi-class discount is available, and the school brings in industry guests for workshops and masterclasses.
Children can join the school through an online application process. Intake takes place twice a year in September and March, with new students added to a waiting list for the next intake. The school also has 2 auditioned competition teams for the highest level ability students within their age department, which are not suitable for beginners.
The school caters for children aged 3-4 years through its Pre School Dance Adventure program, which runs Saturday mornings and combines Ballet, Tap and Jazz using props, stories and movement. The school serves students of various levels, from beginners to advanced competitive dancers.
Many students continue their training professionally at top performing arts colleges and schools in the UK, including The Royal Ballet School, Laine Theatre Arts College, Urdang Performing Arts College, and Bird College of Performing Arts. Past students have gone on to professional work including Matilda the Movie, National Youth Ballet, and various TV/Film/Commercials.
The school follows ISTD Ballet, IDTA Tap, and IDTA Jazz syllabi with annual exam sessions. Students can also take graded singing exams with the LAMDA examination board. The school produces strong, technical dancers and all round performers through its curriculum.
The school offers annual shows held at venues including Langley Theatre in Beckenham and the Mick Jagger Centre in Dartford. Annual Competition Team Auditions are held, and the school has 2 competition teams that compete throughout the year.
Phone: 07880 831836, Email: info@gillhamperformingarts.co.uk, Address: 2-4 Upper Wickham Lane, Welling, Kent, DA16 3HE