Highstone Dance Academy teaches at Hadley Memorial Hall in Barnet, north London, and has built a loyal following among local families over many years. Parents describe children who began as toddlers and have stayed with the school into their teens. Classes span a range of styles and abilities for both children and adults, taught by staff regulars call enthusiastic and encouraging. It is spoken of as a school run to a consistently high standard.
Families praise the breadth of dance on offer and the many chances children get to perform, from pantomimes to seasonal shows. The teaching team is repeatedly described as supportive and skilled, nurturing pupils of all abilities. That mix of quality instruction and genuine warmth is what keeps generations of the same family coming back.
For those weighing up dance classes in Barnet, the academy runs a varied programme across ages and stages. Dance lessons in Barnet cover children from the youngest groups upward, while adults have their own space too. Enquiries about ballroom dancing in Barnet, ballet classes in Barnet and line dancing in Barnet can be matched to the current timetable, as the mix shifts with demand. The school is accustomed to placing each learner in a class that fits.
Children usually need comfortable kit with hair tied back, while adults simply want clothing they can move in. Arriving a little early lets a newcomer settle before the group begins. The staff are happy to talk through where a first-timer best fits.
The academy serves families across Barnet and the neighbouring communities of High Barnet and Hadley Wood in north London.
Daughter has been dancing with the school since she was three (she is now 12).
The school offers a variety of dance classes to suit all abilities for both children and adults. All the staff in the school are enthusiastic about their roles, and highly encouraging towards the pupils. The School also offers extra curricular activities, such as trips to see West End productions.
Pupils from the school are usually chosen by the production team behind the annual Wyllotts pantomime to appear as dancers/extras in the show: this is a fabulous opportunity for all those who take part.
They school pu— Lorna Farthing
Highstone Dance Academy is a fantastic dance school. Both my daughter's, now aged 11 and 13 have attended since the age of 2 1/2 and thoroughly enjoy it.
They have been given a the opportunity to learn many different types of dance and perform at a variety of events such as Panto, dance shows, concerts, festivals and sports matches.
The and teachers are excellent and really care about the children.
I would highly recommend Highstone.— Kate Zerny
Both of my girls dance at this school. My eldest for the last 6 years and most recently my 5 year old for the last year. We love this school and are more than happy with the quality of the dance teachers. The whole school is run with a very high standard and would highly recommend. Best school around…..in our opinion !— Sarah McMahon
My daughter has been attending Highstone for over 8 years now and it has become a major part of her life. The teachers and the students are one big dance family. Great shows are produced every year and many of the girls take part in the Wyllotts panto. Highly recommend.— Jennie Woods
A beginners' class or a short course is the usual entry point, starting with one or two simple dances. No partner or prior experience is required. The first aim is comfort with timing and posture.
The waltz is a common first dance thanks to its slow, even count. The social foxtrot is another early favourite. Beginning slowly helps you settle your frame before the quicker dances.
Yes, adults take up ballet all the time, with beginner classes designed for later starters. The benefits to posture and control hold at any age. Lessons are simply paced for an adult beginning fresh.
No age is too late for ballet, and people begin across every decade. Adult beginner classes work at a pace that suits your body now. Consistency matters more than the age you start.
Common moves include the grapevine, step-touch, kick-ball-change, pivot turn and shuffle. They repeat throughout many routines. Once mastered, they make new dances quicker to learn.
A short routine with one looping sequence, such as the electric slide, is often taught first. The repetition makes it easy to remember. Beginners can usually follow it within a single class.