Dance Classes for Children

Dance and movement at STAMP

Dance and movement are a core part of musical theatre and feature throughout STAMP's weekly classes and production rehearsals.

At our studios in Frederick Street, South Shields, children and young people learn choreography and movement alongside singing, acting and performance skills.

What members work on varies throughout the year and is often connected to the productions they are preparing for.

Some sessions may concentrate on learning new choreography. At other times, members might be rehearsing and polishing a routine they already know or bringing dancing together with singing, acting, characters and staging.

What children learn through dance

Dance at STAMP is about learning how movement works as part of a performance.

Depending on their age, experience and the production they're working towards, members can develop areas including:

• rhythm and timing;
• coordination;
• learning and remembering choreography;
• movement and direction;
• spatial awareness;
• performing as part of an ensemble;
• expression and character through movement;
• confidence;
• combining movement with singing and acting;
• preparing choreography for the stage.

Children don't need to arrive already knowing how to dance.

Learning choreography is part of the experience.

Dance in Minis

Minis is for children aged 3–6.

Movement is introduced in an age-appropriate way alongside singing, acting, creative play and other activities.

At this age, the focus is on getting younger children moving, joining in, following simple movement and becoming increasingly comfortable performing with the group.

When Minis are preparing for a performance, movement and simple choreography can also become part of the material they're learning for the stage.

No previous dance or performing experience is required to join Minis.

Visit the Minis class page for current session times, fees and availability.

Dance in Blue Group

Blue Group is for children aged 7–12.

Dance and movement form part of weekly musical theatre sessions alongside singing, acting, drama and performance skills.

Members learn choreography and develop their ability to remember and perform movement as part of a group.

As a production approaches, dance sessions may focus more heavily on learning, rehearsing and polishing choreography from the show.

Eventually, members may need to combine that choreography with singing, acting, characters, props, costumes and staging as individual sections become complete musical numbers.

Visit the Blue Group class page for current session times, fees and availability.

Dance in Green Group

Green Group is for young people aged 13+.

Dance forms part of Green's performance-focused musical theatre sessions alongside singing, acting, ensemble work and production rehearsals.

Older members can work on more developed choreography and are encouraged to perform movement confidently rather than simply remember the steps.

As with our other groups, the exact balance changes depending on what members are working towards and which production they're currently rehearsing.

Visit the Green Group class page for current session times, fees and availability.

Learning choreography

Children and young people aren't expected to see a complete routine once and immediately be able to perform it.

Choreography is learned during rehearsals and developed through practice.

Members can work on individual sections before putting them together into a complete routine.

As they become more familiar with the choreography, the focus can move from simply remembering what comes next to performing the movement confidently and as part of the wider company.

This process is an important part of rehearsing for musical theatre.

What if my child says they can't dance?

That's not a problem.

Beginners are welcome in STAMP's regular weekly groups and previous dance training isn't required.

A child saying they "can't dance" can sometimes simply mean they've never learned choreography before or feel self-conscious about doing it in front of other people.

They aren't expected to arrive knowing the routines.

Members learn during sessions alongside the rest of their group.

For someone who feels particularly nervous, joining in with a group routine can also provide a way to participate without immediately being individually in the spotlight.

Read our Classes for Shy Children guide if your child is worried about joining.

Dance as part of musical theatre

STAMP's regular weekly groups are musical theatre classes rather than specialist dance schools.

That distinction is important.

Our dance work is connected to performance and sits alongside singing and acting.

Members aren't simply learning movement in isolation. They can also learn how choreography helps create a character, tell part of the story and bring a musical number to life.

A production might require members to sing while performing choreography, move into different formations, interact with other characters or transition from a dance directly into a scene.

Learning how those elements work together is part of the STAMP experience.

Does STAMP offer dance exams?

STAMP's regular weekly groups are not advertised as graded dance examination classes.

Our focus is musical theatre, productions and performance.

If you're specifically looking for graded ballet, tap examinations, competitive dance or a programme focused entirely on technical dance training, STAMP's regular groups may not be the type of class you're looking for.

If your child wants to combine dancing with singing, acting and opportunities to perform in musical theatre productions, STAMP may be a good fit.

Dance and confidence

Learning choreography can also provide members with opportunities to build confidence.

A routine that initially looks difficult can gradually become familiar as it is learned and rehearsed.

For one child, progress might be remembering a complete section without following somebody else.

For another, it might be performing the choreography with greater confidence, volunteering for a particular section or eventually auditioning for a role that involves more dance.

We encourage members to challenge themselves where possible, while respecting what they're comfortable with.

Read more about Building Confidence Through Performing Arts.

Dance in productions

Productions give members the opportunity to take the choreography developed during rehearsals and perform it on stage for a public audience.

As the production gets closer, choreography begins to connect with the other elements of the show.

Members may need to perform in costume, work with scenery or props, remember entrances and exits and maintain their choreography while also singing or staying in character.

That journey from first learning a routine to performing it as part of a fully staged production is an important part of musical theatre training at STAMP.

Read more about Student Performance Opportunities or see our current productions.

Who teaches dance at STAMP?

Dance and movement are delivered as part of the wider teaching and creative teams across STAMP.

Blue Group's current teaching team includes Ruby Bourdiec, whose work at STAMP includes choreography and directing.

Green Group's current teaching team includes Lucy Robson as Group Leader and Choreographer.

Other members of the STAMP team also contribute to movement, choreography and production work where appropriate.

You can see current roles and biographies in our Team Directory.

What should my child wear?

For a child's first STAMP session, there's no need to buy specialist dancewear.

We recommend comfortable clothing that allows them to move around easily and suitable shoes.

They should also bring a snack and a drink for the break.

Any ongoing classwear or production-specific requirements will be communicated separately.

Read Preparing for Your First Class before attending.

What if my child has a mobility or access need?

If your child has a mobility or access need that may affect their participation, please contact STAMP before their first session so we can discuss their requirements with you.

STAMP Studios are on the first floor and do not currently have step-free access.

Visit our Contact page if there's something you'd like to discuss before joining.

Dance classes in South Shields

STAMP has provided performing arts opportunities for children and young people in South Tyneside since 2006.

Our regular weekly musical theatre classes take place at:

STAMP Studios
5 Frederick Street
South Shields
Tyne and Wear
NE33 5DY

Our three regular groups are:

• Minis: ages 3–6
• Blue Group: ages 7–12
• Green Group: ages 13+

All three include dance or movement alongside other areas of musical theatre.

Current session times, fees and availability are available through our Classes page.

Is STAMP right for a child who loves dancing?

If your child enjoys dancing but also wants to sing, act and experience performing in musical theatre productions, STAMP may be a good fit.

They don't need previous dance training to get started.

Our regular classes bring singing, dancing and acting together, with members working towards opportunities to put those skills into practice on stage.

Explore Minis, Blue Group and Green Group to find the appropriate group and check current availability.