The Starlet Dance Studio is a dance school in Shinfield, Reading, offering performance-focused classes for children and young people. It combines dance and singing in a nurturing, family-run atmosphere. Parents looking for a school that knows each child individually will find it a strong fit.
Families describe Starlet as feeling like a family, with children staying for years and staff who take the time to really know each pupil. The school is praised for its inclusive approach, encouraging every level of talent so that all the dancers feel part of it.
Among the dance classes in Reading here you will find performance dance and singing for children from a young age, with pupils developing new skills to share on stage. Sessions are grouped by age and ability, so beginners settle in while more experienced dancers are challenged. While the studio's heart is in children's performance work, its focus on inspiring young people sits alongside the wider mix of dance lessons in Reading available across the town.
New children are welcomed warmly, and the caring, individual attention helps even the youngest settle quickly. Comfortable clothing they can move in is all that is needed at first, and the studio can advise on any uniform or shoes for a particular class.
The studio is based in Shinfield on the edge of Reading, reachable by the area's usual local roads. It is convenient for families from Shinfield and the surrounding parts of Reading.
We have loved being part of Starlet dance for the last few years. Our daughters have enjoyed learning so many new skills and sharing them with family and friends. It’s wonderful to find a dance school that is so focused on inspiring and challenging young people, building their confidence and encouraging them to be the best they can be whilst having fun and making new friends! Even during lockdown we were given amazing new routines to learn remotely and it became a focus for our weeks! We absolutely love seeing our children in the incredible shows, the hard work and dedication that goes into th— Lizzie Seal
Well, where do I start? My little girl who is now 6 has been part of the Starlet family (and it really feels like a family) since she was 2.5 years old. The care and nuture of the children is the focus and they really take the time to 'know' your child. My daughter sings and dances wherever she goes, bolstered by the passion Starlet instills. I see the older Starlets and they are so polite, with a great positive ethic engrained – which is why I would love my daughter to continue (of course her choice). What they learn is not just singing and dancing but being part of something much more, a sen— amanda vice
My daughter started with Starlet when she was 2.5 and is still dancing there now at 12, my youngest also started at 2.5 and is still dancing and singing with starlet at 8. We love the inclusive nature of the school, encouraging all levels of talent in a way that all the dancers and singers feel seen. all the students are encouraging of each other and this great community feel comes from the top with the principle louise and her fab mum. I would highly recommend this fab dance school ( in fact i have,several times).— Ellena Teague
The best decision we ever made was to sign our daughter up to Starlet. She was a late starter to dance, joining when she was 9 years old and had never had any lessons before but she was welcomed with open arms and hasn't looked back. She loves the opportunities to just perform without the restrictions of dance grades and has now found her future calling. Louise, Pauline and the rest of the team are amazing and incredibly supportive, often going above and beyond. I can't recommend them highly enough.— Laura Davies
Salsa takes a little practice for the timing, though the basics come with regular classes. Starlet's own focus is on children's performance dance and singing, so ask locally about adult salsa options.
Yes, salsa is taught from scratch for complete beginners in dedicated classes. For younger dancers, Starlet builds skills gradually from the very beginning too.
Absolutely; many adults take up ballet later in life through beginner classes. Starlet concentrates on younger performers, so ask which local options run adult ballet.
It is never really too late; ballet can be enjoyed at any age with the right beginner class. Progress simply depends on regular practice rather than when you begin.
Line dancing commonly uses the grapevine, step-touch, kicks, turns and forward-and-back steps, learned one at a time. Starlet's own classes focus on performance dance rather than line dancing.
Short, repetitive dances built on a few basic moves are the easiest to start with. A dedicated beginners' line dance session is the place to try one.