The MGA Academy of Performing Arts is an Edinburgh training school for aspiring professionals in dance, acting and musical theatre. It sits at the vocational end of the spectrum, geared to serious students pursuing a career on stage. That focus sets it apart from a casual community class.
Former students speak with real affection about the quality of the training and the friendliness of staff and peers alike. Tutors are praised for their industry credibility, being described as people who either work in the profession or have done, and the atmosphere gets glowing mentions. It comes across as an intense but supportive environment for the committed.
As a performing arts academy, its work covers dance alongside acting and singing, with dance training pitched at a demanding, career-oriented level. This is a different proposition from drop-in adult dance classes in Edinburgh, so anyone browsing dance classes in Edinburgh should know the emphasis here is professional preparation. For casual salsa classes in Edinburgh or a first recreational course, a community studio would be a better match than this vocational school.
Prospective students typically encounter the academy through auditions and open events rather than turning up to a single beginner session. If you are considering training here, contact them directly about entry, requirements and what to prepare, as the process is more involved than a casual class.
The academy is based in Edinburgh and is reachable from across the city and its surrounds. Those travelling in for training or auditions can use the usual local transport links.
The best training you will ever receive here in Edinburgh, I have never been more proud, more privileged to have been trained here. Each and every tutor know's the profession because they are either in it or have been. Top Class Training here in Edinburgh. If you want to be trained professionaly and you can't afford to train in London, this academy is the place to be.
#OnlyAtMGA— L W
Absolutely amazing place! I miss it so much! The staff and all it's pupils are so friendly and the place has an amazing atmosphere 😊— Jay Gardner
"One of the best stage acting schools in the country"— Richard Findlay
Everyones posting 5 stars so why not— kenziewashere
For most people the entry point is a beginner group class at a social dance studio, learning a dance or two from scratch. This academy is a vocational performing arts school, so for recreational ballroom you would look to a dedicated ballroom teacher locally.
The waltz is a popular first dance thanks to its clear, steady rhythm, with the social foxtrot and cha-cha also common starters. Which you begin with often depends on what a beginner class happens to be teaching.
Salsa's basic step is simple enough to grasp on a first evening. Timing, spins and partnering deepen with time, so consistent classes make the difference.
Yes, absolute beginners take up salsa readily, and beginner classes are designed with them in mind. No previous dance experience is expected.
Yes, adults regularly begin ballet for its strength, posture and discipline. Recreational adult classes exist widely; this academy trains people professionally, so a community class may suit a beginner better.
There is no upper limit for recreational ballet, which people enjoy well into later life. A professional path realistically needs an early start, but learning for pleasure is open at any age.