Further Information
You’ll really enjoy dancing whether it is a class, private lesson or social evening. We’re here to make sure you have fun even if you’ve never danced before. Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz, Gymnastics, Musical Theatre and Street. All different styles of dance, each with its own style and expression. Fun to learn and a lifelong hobby which can even become a profession for some.
You’ll find our staff helpful and very experienced people qualified to teach you all forms of performing arts. You can select the classes you want to attend. We can teach you from your first step right up to the most stylish expressions of dance that will bring you a new found freedom and interest.
Class Fees
Dance fees are paid in terms of 4 weeks.
| Class | Cost per 4 week term |
|---|---|
| Pre-school stage class | £23.00 |
| Beginner/Junior/Inter/Senior Stage Class | £30.00 |
| Ballet only | £30.00 |
| Stage class and ballet class combined (at discounted cost) | Prep/Primary £47, All other £50 |
| Grade Class (if taken in addition to another class | £14.00 |
| Gymnastics | £14.00 |
| Street (ages 6-11 years) | £14.00 |
| Private Lesson – 1 to 1 | £60.00 |
| Private Lesson – 2 children sharing | £30.00 |
| Musical Theatre class (ages 6-12 years) | £24.00 |
CLASS FEES
Find out about how affordable it is to learn to dance.
Our History
The Audrey Spencer School of Dance was established by Audrey Spencer in 1950. After learning to dance at the Nora Bray Dance School in Huddersfield where she trained with the famous Roy Castle OBE, Audrey began teaching at the tender age of 16, opening her new dance school with just one pupil during its first week! The dance school flourished and grew to become extremely successful and Audrey devoted 60 years of her life to a wonderful career in training children to dance.
The thrill of seeing a raw beginner develop through dance training over the years and become professionally successful is the reward Audrey found the most satisfying. One such pupil, David Bintley CBE, trained with Audrey as a youngster and went on to join the Royal Ballet School at the age of 16yrs. Following a successful career as a dancer with the English Ballet Company, David is the current artistic director of the Birmingham Royal Ballet as well as Artistic Director of the National Ballet of Japan. There have been numerous success stories throughout the years and pupils continue to gain careers in the West End, TV and on Cruise Ships.
In 1999 Audrey moved from the small studio space she had at Union Bank Yard into a larger studio on Queen Street South, just off Huddersfield’s ring road in the Bates Mill complex near to the University of Huddersfield.
In 2010 we celebrated the school’s 60th anniversary with a special commemorative show where past and present pupils performed. This was also the year in which Audrey retired as Principal. Audrey continues to support the school and takes a keen interest in the current pupils, some of which have parents and grandparents who were trained by Audrey!
The school is in the next phase of it’s life. Joanne Perkins is now Principal of the dance school. Joanne trained with Audrey from the age of 5 through to her adult years. She has worked in a number of dance schools throughout the UK as well as Germany, gaining an abundance of experience before returning to Huddersfield and teaching alongside Audrey in 2008. Joanne is a Fellow of the IDTA and has a great love of dance teaching. She has introduced a variety of new classes and workshops to the school including street dance, gymnastics, drama and vocal coaching which means alongside the traditional and classical dance training, pupils can keep up with the latest genres.
OUR HISTORY
Learn about Audrey Spencer and how it all began 60 years ago with just one pupil.
Festivals
Festivals and competitions are a great way to showcase the talents of the pupils. Through participating in these dance events, pupils gain confidence in performance skills and their standard of dance can develop further.
Many of our pupils (when teacher decides they are ready) can be involved in the festivals through performing in the dance school troupes (group production numbers). This creates great camaraderie between the pupils through working as a team. The pupils gain valuable experience through rehearsing and performing on a regular basis and have the chance to win medals and awards.
A number of pupils become very involved in the festivals by learning solos, duets and trios. This gives a greater all-round training in both classical and cabaret genres. It requires the commitment and dedication to practice on a regular basis to develop to a high standard and the ability to attend the three school competitions.
We enter three competitions each year as a school (beginning of July, mid/late November and Easter time). Pupils have the opportunity to enter other festivals throughout the year by arrangement with teacher.
Festivals and competitions are not compulsory to those who are not interested in this aspect. Our regular shows/concerts give the pupils a chance to perform in a non-competitive environment.
FESTIVALS
Discover more about how we use festivals as a way to showcase the talents of the pupils and increase their confidence.
Examinations
We hold several examination sessions per year. Examinations give the pupils a sense of achievement. Working through a syllabus aids the development of technique in the various genres. The school enters pupils for IDTA examinations. We are very proud to have 100% pass rate with over 90% of pupils regularly graded at Distinction. Some pupils are honoured to also be nominated by the examiner, for the prestigious IDTA theatre awards. The graded examinations are recognised by Ofqual
Classical Ballet Exams
The pupils who attend ballet class every week (from age 5years) are eligible for IDTA main ballet exams (when teacher advises they have reached the required standard):
Preparatory; Primary; Grade 1; Grade 2; Grade 3; Grade 4; Grade 5
Pupils then go on to the performers syllabus to study for Intermediate, Advanced 1 and Advanced 2 examinations.
Modern & Tap Exams
At junior level an extra class is offered to those children wishing to take Modern and Tap examinations. The pupils work through the grade system and are entered for exams when they have achieved the required standard of work.
Preparatory; Primary; Grade 1; Grade 2; Grade 3; Grade 4; Grade 5
Pupils then go on to the performers syllabus to study for Intermediate, Advanced 1 and Advanced 2 examinations.
The following IDTA graded and vocational graded qualifications are recognised by the Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator (Ofqual) and the Welsh Government Department for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills (DCELLS) and appear on the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF).
Graded qualifications: Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz, Theatre Craft
| Grade | QCF Level | QCF Award/Certificate/Diploma | QCF Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Award | 7 |
| 2 | 1 | Award | 7 |
| 3 | 1 | Award | 7 |
| 4 | 2 | Award | 10 |
| 5 | 2 | Award | 10 |
Vocational graded qualifications: Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz, Theatre Craft
| Grade | QCF Level | QCF Award/Certificate/Diploma | QCF Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intermediate | 3 | Certificate | 28 |
| Advanced 1 | 4 | Certificate | 33 |
| Advanced 2 | 4 | Diploma | 38 |
Attainment bands for all the above examinations are Unsuccessful, Pass, Merit and Distinction.
Theatre Rosettes/Medal Awards
Children attending pre-school, beginners stage classes and street classes (once teacher advises they are at the required level) can be entered for Rosette tests and Medal tests. These tests are fun and a great way to build confidence in an exam situation as the children enter in groups of approx 8 (along with their classmates) and perform rehearsed amalgamations to an IDTA examiner. The teachers will advise when a pupil is ready to take a test. Please note these tests are not compulsory.
Street Dance Medal Tests
Children can work through either solo, duo or crew tests.
Musical Theatre Examinations
Drama/vocal coaching pupils can enter for group Musical Theatre Examinations where they work as a team throughout demonstrating vocal and drama exercises as well as a group performance of dialogue and song with choreography. We teach pupils from their introductory stage, through to Stage 6.
Pupils can also enter for solo musical theatre examinations when ready.
Examinations
Explore how working through the syllabus aids the development of technique in the various genres.
Success Stories
Zahra Jones
Dancer/understudy Fairy Godmother in ‘The Town Hall Theatre, Hartlepool); Dancer/Singer for RJP Entertainment; Dance/understudy Belle and Grimalkin in (Prince’s Theatre, Clacton-on-Sea) and Dance Captain for Live Business and Tui Family Life. Zahra is currently making her West End debut in the Musical ‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’.
Abigail Brodie
Abigail trained at the Audrey Spencer School of Dance from the age of 4 years. She gained a full scholarship to Arts Educational College, London in 2007 and completed a BA Honours Degree in Musical Theatre in 2010. Her professional career has included roles such as: Swing/Assistant Dance Captain in ‘Love Never Dies’, Adelphi Theatre, London; Maggie in ‘A Chorus Line’, Tel Aviv Opera House, Israel; Performer in London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony; Ensemble/Cover Ermengarde in ‘Hello, Dolly’, Curve Theatre, Leicester, Singin’ in the Rain Ensemble UK tour; Guys & Dolls, ensemble UK tour; The Producers, ensemble UK Tour; Wind in the Willows, Swallow/Horse/Mouse Jamie Hendry Productions
Rohan Pinnock
Rohan Pinnock trained at the Audrey Spencer School of Dance from a young age. He gained a full scholarship to ‘Urdang Academy’. His professional career to date has included performing in: “Mary Poppins,” on tour; “Hairspray” as dancer/understudy seaweed; ‘Riverdance’ touring Dublin, Lebanan, China & US; “Joseph and the Technicoloured Dreamcoat”; “Hair” West End and Germany; “Some Like it Hip Hop” tour; “Breaking Convention” with Bird Gang Dance Group; “Scottsboro Boys” (nominated for 6 Olivier Awards).
Scott Armstrong
Scott trained at the Audrey Spencer School of Dance from an early age. He toured with hit shows Spirit Of The Dance and its sister show, Spirit of Broadway, travelling to America, Asia and Europe as well a touring the UK. Scott has now settled back in Huddersfield and regularly stars in local amateur productions.
Samantha Rawles
Samantha Rawles, daughter of Audrey Spencer trained at the school from a very early age. She has had an extensive career in the theatre and has taken many lead roles.
Julian Cannonier
Julian trained from the age of 5 at the Audrey Spencer School of Dance. Julian first appeared in London’s West End as ‘Cagey Joe’ in the original production of “Bugsy Malone”. Other West End appearances include “Porgy and Bess”, “125th Street”, “Annie Get Your Gun”, “A Tribute to Sammy Davis Jnr.”, “Starlight Express”, “Five Guys Named Moe” , “Miss Saigon” and “Dancing in the Streets.” Currently he is appearing at the London Palladium in the hit West End Musical Sister Act.
Annabel Scholey
Actress with extensive theatre and tv/film roles including: Midge Lerner, Personal Affairs 2010; Lauren, Being Human 2011/12; Gemma, Maddie in feature film Walking on Sunshine; Inspector Gently 2015; Amena, Britannia 2018; Nina, The Split 2018
Success Stories
Read about a selection of our dancers, and how they have turned their passion into their career.
School Uniform
All children must have mid/long hair tied back preferably in a bun, no fringes.
Preparatory (tots/pre-school)
Pale pink capped sleeved cotton leotard, pink skirt, ballet socks, ballet shoes.
Pale pink cotton dance wrap (optional)
Lower/Upper Beginners
Royal blue ruched front sleeveless lycra leotard, royal blue short lycra skirt, ballet shoes, tap shoes.
Pale pink cotton dance wrap (optional)
Juniors
Royal blue ruched front sleeveless lycra leotard, black footless tights, ballet shoes, tap shoes.
Black cotton dance wrap (optional)
Intermediates
Black ruched front sleeveless lycra leotard, black convertible tights, black leather ballet shoes, tap shoes.
Black cotton dance wrap (optional)
Seniors
Choice of colour and style leotard for class wear with convertible tights. (Exam wear as required)
Ballet shoes, Tap shoes, Pointe shoes (as appropriate)
Street Classes and Musical Theatre Classes
Baggy clothes (eg. t shirts/hoodies/joggers) may be worn with trainers (no black soles please)
Where do I buy dance wear?
Mr Frog Dancewear: 23 Byram Arcade, Huddersfield, HD1 1ND Tel: 01484 432405
Planet Dance: 2nd floor, Carlinghow Mills, 501 Bradford Rd, Batley, WF17 8LL Tel: 0844 8870224
Contors Dancewear: 80 Huddersfield Rd, Elland, HX5 9AA Tel: 01422 374340
NB: You can also order the above uniform from Mr Frog Direct at a discounted rate.
Please call: Deborah Wills: 07773 218583 or Alexis Badejo: 07894 253145
Hoodies
Dance school hoodies and tshirts are available to order. Order forms can be obtained from the notice board in the main studio. Fill in a form and hand to Miss Jo with payment. Please note hoodies and tshirts are for use to come to and from studio. They are not acceptable in dance classes but are permitted in Street and Musical Theatre Classes.
School Uniform
We ask pupils to wear specific uniform for each class. Check which uniform you will need.
