Gifford Dance Academy

Gifford Dance Academy — Dance Classes In Hitchin

Gifford Dance Academy is a well-regarded dance school based in Stotfold, near Hitchin in Hertfordshire. It caters for dancers from their very first steps right through to national competition level, with a strong pathway for those who catch the bug. The academy has grown steadily into a busy, ambitious school that many local families speak highly of. It suits children and young people who want to progress and, in time, perform and compete.

About Gifford Dance Academy

Parents describe taking shy, nervous youngsters along for a trial and watching them blossom into confident competitors. The reviews paint a picture of dedicated coaches and a supportive team ethos where beginners and champions train under the same roof. It is a good fit for families wanting a school their child can grow with over years, not just terms.

Classes & Dance Styles

Teaching spans beginner foundations through to competition-standard routines, with progression built into how the groups are organised. Alongside the styles that feed the competition team, families in the area searching for ballet classes Hitchin, ballroom dancing Hitchin or line dancing Hitchin will find the academy a natural first port of call among dance classes in Hitchin. For dance lessons Hitchin and adult dance classes Hitchin it is worth asking directly, as the timetable spans several age groups and levels.

What to Expect on Your First Visit

A trial class is the usual way in, so children can try before committing. Wear comfortable dancewear and bring appropriate shoes, or ask what is needed for the specific class. Expect a friendly welcome and coaches who are used to settling nervous first-timers.

Location & Contact

The academy is in Stotfold, close to Hitchin, and is most easily reached by car with parking generally available nearby. Check class times and the exact location when you arrange a trial.

• Address: 14 Hazel Grove, Stotfold, Hitchin SG5 4JZ
• Phone: +44 7585 221513
• Website: http://www.gifforddanceacademy.com/
• Opening hours:
  • Monday: 10 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday: 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday: 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday: 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday: 9 am-1:30 pm

What Dancers Say About Gifford Dance Academy

5/5 from 16 Google reviews.

Couldn’t recommend this fantastic dance academy more! We took our shy quiet 5 year old along for a trial and never looked back since. Since then our daughter was included as part of the competition team and now confidently dances in competitions all over the country in both team competitions, solos and duos and dances 9 hours a week and loves every single minute! She loves all the classes she goes to which includes commercial, ballet, technique, acro as well as her competition classes. The opportunities Gifford Dance Academy give to their dancers and dance family is fantastic, from dancing in — Sarah Checketts

We started our journey with Gifford Dance Academy right from the very start and have watched it grow incredibly into the wonderful dance school it is today. From beginners just starting their journey into dance, right up to national champions, the coaches at Gifford have a fantastic ability to be able to coach at lots of different levels. We would thoroughly recommend Gifford Dance Academy for the extremely high standard of dance they offer and the countless opportunities the dance school gives it's dancers, including performing at Disney Paris, filming for Britain's Got Talent, taking part in— joanne King

Gifford dance academy really is a first class dance school and I am so proud that my daughter is a member of their wonderful team of dancers. My daughter joined when she was just 4 and was so nervous when I took her for her first lesson. She is now 8 and I’ve just watched her represent Gifford and perform her first solo dance in a national competition. The amazing progress and fantastic skills she has learned are all credit to the fabulous Gifford team. The elegance of the routines is second to none and the skill level of all the dancers and coaches is phenomenal. My daughter now does 7 lesson— Leah Williams

Our daughter has been doing Gifford Dance since the age of 4 and it’s amazing how much her confidence and her love of dancing has grown since then. The overall environment is one of support and encouragement with older dancers taking younger ones under their wings and becoming excellent role models to them. Rebecca, Lucie and the rest of Team Gifford are professional, committed to their dancers and give parents all the information needed for practice sessions, performances, events and competitions. We feel incredibly lucky to have this amazing school on our doorstep and look forward to many mo— Miranda Johnston

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you start ballroom dancing?

The usual route is a beginners' class or introductory lesson where you learn the basic hold, timing and a couple of simple dances. Starting in a group setting takes the pressure off and lets you progress at a comfortable pace.

What ballroom dance to learn first?

Many beginners start with the waltz for its steady rhythm, or a livelier dance like the quickstep or a Latin style for variety. A good teacher will pick a first dance that matches your confidence.

Is it possible to learn ballet as an adult?

Yes, adult beginner ballet is widely available and welcomes people with no background in dance. It builds strength, posture and poise at whatever pace suits you.

What age is too late to start ballet?

There is no cut-off for enjoying ballet, and adults take it up in every decade of life. For recreational learning, it is never too late to begin.

What are 5 basic steps in line dancing?

The grapevine, step-touch, kick-ball-change, pivot turn and shuffle are common foundations. Once these feel natural, most beginner routines fall into place.

What is the easiest line dance to learn for beginners?

Dances with a short, repeating sequence and a steady beat are the friendliest to start with. A beginners' class will introduce these before anything more involved.

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