South London Dance School

South London Dance School — Dance Classes In London

South London Dance School is a children's and youth dance school based in Herne Hill, close to East Dulwich. It offers a range of styles from baby ballet upwards, guiding pupils through graded work as they grow. It is a well-liked local option for families wanting their children to learn to dance.

About South London Dance School

Parents describe dedicated teachers who give their all, with children progressing through exams and developing a genuine, lasting passion for dance. The school clearly builds long relationships, with some families staying from the earliest toddler classes right through the teenage years.

Classes & Dance Styles

Provision starts with parent-and-child music sessions and baby ballet, then moves into more independent classes across several genres as children are ready. Pupils work towards examinations with strong results, and the breadth of styles lets young dancers find what they most enjoy. This is a school for children rather than adult social dance, so families searching dance classes in London for little ones are well catered for here.

What to Expect on Your First Visit

The gentlest introduction for very young children is a parent-attended music class before they move on to dancing independently. Comfortable dancewear appropriate to the age and style is all that is needed, and staff can guide you on the right first class.

Location & Contact

Herne Hill sits conveniently between neighbouring south London areas, making the school easy to reach for local families.

• Address: 130 Herne Hill, London SE24 9QL
• Phone: +44 20 7978 8624
• Website: https://southlondondanceschool.co.uk/
• Opening hours:
  • Monday: 10:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Tuesday: 10:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Wednesday: 10:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Thursday: 1:30-7 pm
  • Friday: 10:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Saturday: 9 am-2:30 pm

What Dancers Say About South London Dance School

4.2/5 from 22 Google reviews.

Lovely baby ballet class based in Herne Hill but near enough to East Dulwich – we started with melody music where a parent attends the class too and now in nursery 1 where little one attends class without a parent – definitely worth attending Melodie music first to get them used to the school and lessons. Classes seems to be a good balance of fun but also introducing the concept of having to follow instructions and listen to the teacher but all done in a very gentle and caring way. The rest of the older classes seem to be very good and professional – it’s definitely more of an actual dance sch— K S

Both my son and daughter dance at SLDS. My daughter started dancing at SLDS when she was 3 and dancing remains her greatest passion aged 10. She has progressed through her exams with great results thanks to the lovely teachers who give their all to the children. The team show great commitment (and also expect it of the kids) to the exams and results and this can be seen in the grades. My son is about to take his first dance exam (he does ballet, tap and modern) and dancing has helped him develop confidence in himself and his body. Both the kids took part in last years show and I was amazed at — Jemma Glyn-Thomas

SLDS is a wonderful dance school! We enrolled our daughter when she was 5 and there she stayed until now, at the age of 18 (it was at a different venue then, under a different name).

She experienced all genres that were offered and excelled at most. She took part in several of their shows and presentation of class work; as well as competing in some dance festivals, where she won several medals. She wasn't the most outgoing child but these experiences helped her mature into a determined young woman who is responsible and disciplined. It also gave her a life long love of exercise!

Through the— Cecilia Gillott

South London Dance Studios is truly a wonderful dance school, offering an impressive array of dance classes, within a professional and delightful setting. The teaching is of an exceptional standard and this is reflected in the outstanding results the students attain year after year.

The combination of quality management, quality teaching, student dedication and team work, is the ingredient to an excellent dance school where teachers, students and parents are happy.

SLDS has played an important part in our daughter's life for almost 7 years, and her confidence continues to excel, as well as h— Michaela Williams

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is it to learn salsa?

Salsa is easy to begin and harder to perfect, with the basic step coming quickly but timing taking longer. It is generally an adult social dance rather than a children's class.

Can a non-dancer learn salsa?

Yes, complete beginners learn salsa all the time in dedicated introductory classes. The steps are introduced slowly so no experience is required.

Is it possible to learn ballet as an adult?

It is, although this school concentrates on children and young people. Adults elsewhere take up ballet successfully for fitness and enjoyment.

What age is too late to start ballet?

Children benefit from starting young but need not, and recreationally there is no age that is too late. Steady practice matters more than an early start.

What are 5 basic steps in line dancing?

The grapevine, step-touch, kick-ball-change, pivot turn and shuffle are common foundations. They make most beginner routines much easier to follow.

What is the easiest line dance to learn for beginners?

Short repeating four-wall dances are the simplest to learn first. Check which beginner routines are on offer before joining a class.

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