Affinity Dance South Hams is a children's dance school run by Faye, teaching young dancers across styles including acro. It has a strong reputation for encouraging all abilities, including children with additional needs. Families wanting a supportive, inclusive place for their child to dance will find it here.
Parents praise Faye's warmth and patience, particularly with children who have sensory issues, hypermobility or anxiety, describing thoughtful adjustments made from the very first message. Classes are cheerful and professional, and children look forward to attending each week, often reluctant to miss a session.
The school teaches a range of dance styles suited to children, including acro work that builds strength, flexibility and control. Lessons are pitched to encourage every ability, introducing moves gradually and making each week fun rather than daunting. Faye is known for adapting classes to individual needs, so children of differing confidence levels can all take part. It is worth contacting the school directly to find out which classes and age groups are currently running.
For a first session, comfortable clothing that allows free movement and soft, flexible shoes are all that is needed. Faye is used to welcoming nervous newcomers and adapting to each child, so parents can share any concerns beforehand and expect a reassuring start.
The school serves the South Hams area of Devon, offering classes for local families. Contact the school directly to confirm the venue, timetable and how to get there.
I cannot recommend Faye enough! My 7 year daughter has sensory issues, hyper mobility and anxiety. Faye has just been amazing from the very first message I sent with my worries to suggestions of how make my daughters dance experience happier. When my daughter first started dance classes she was extremely anxious and often cried. Faye went above and beyond to make her feel comfortable, safe and accepted. Dance has massively improved my daughters confidence and she is so much happier overall which I believe is to do with dancing. I asked my daughter what she would say about Faye and her dance c— Toni Gogola – Wedding Hair
My daughter started dancing with Faye during Lockdown via Zoom in 2020. She has loved it ever since, even more now they can attend in person and do all the Acro moves. Faye is great at encouraging all abilities and making the classes fun every week. It's never a struggle to get my daughter to go. Highly recommend.— Clare Poulter
My daughter, who is 5, has been going to Affinity Dance for over a year now and she loves it! She always has such a good time and looks forward to going every week. Faye is always cheery and professional and has worked so hard through the pandemic to carry on doing lessons through video link up!— Hannah Wallis
Faye is a fantastic dance teacher! Affinity Dance South Hams delivers quality tutorage for children of all ages and capabilities. My daughter loves her classes and always looks forward to going. Dance is Faye's passion and it really shines through in everything she does. Definitely recommend!!!— Charlotte Meads
Yes, children's styles here are danced solo or as a group rather than in pairs, so no partner is needed. Partner dancing is a feature of certain social styles but not a requirement of learning to dance.
Comfortable clothing you can move freely in and soft, flexible shoes are ideal to begin. Any specific requirements can be confirmed with the school beforehand.
Prices vary with the style, class length and how sessions are booked. Contact the school directly for their current rates.
For children, playful, movement-based styles are a great start because they build coordination and confidence gradually. The best fit depends on what your child enjoys most.
Adults tend to begin with approachable styles such as ballroom, Latin or line dancing, which are easy to pick up over time. As this school focuses on children, contact them to ask about any adult provision.
Light dancing can provide gentle exercise, but anyone with heart failure should speak to their doctor before starting. A medical professional can advise on a safe level of activity.