Dance Lab Devon

Dance Lab Devon

Families in Ivybridge have made Dance Lab Devon a firm favourite, and the school holds a full five-star rating across its reviews. Parents describe teaching that carries children from their very first ballet class through to serious full-time dance training. The tone that comes through is encouraging and personal, with pupils feeling known rather than lost in a crowd. It is a school where long-term progress clearly matters.

About Dance Lab Devon

Run by Deborah and her team, the academy covers several classical and theatre styles under one roof. Reviewers single out the range of technique on offer and the way teachers stay approachable and enthusiastic. Newcomers moving from another school say they were made to feel at home from the first visit.

Classes & Dance Styles

Ballet, tap and modern all feature strongly, with pupils often studying more than one alongside each other as they grow in confidence. The teaching is described as technically thorough, which suits dancers who want to work towards examinations or performance rather than simply drop in. Younger children can begin at around age three, while older students have followed the path all the way to full-time dance courses. Each style is taught with its own focus, so skills build in a joined-up way.

What to Expect on Your First Visit

Come along in comfortable kit you can move in, and bring the relevant shoes if you already dance, though the school will advise if you are unsure. Let the teacher know you are new so they can settle you into the right group. Reviewers repeatedly mention how welcoming both staff and existing pupils are to first-timers.

Location & Contact

Based in Ivybridge, the school is well placed for families across the South Hams and the western edge of Dartmoor. Its reputation locally means it draws pupils who stay for many years.

• Address: 7 The Mews, Ivybridge PL21 0XJ
• Phone: +44 7889 719798
• Opening hours:
  • Monday: 9 am-9 pm
  • Tuesday: 9 am-9 pm
  • Wednesday: 9 am-9 pm
  • Thursday: 9 am-9 pm
  • Friday: 9 am-9 pm
  • Saturday: 9 am-5:30 pm

What Dancers Say About Dance Lab Devon

5/5 from 21 Google reviews.

My daughter has been attending Dance Lab Devon for the past 4 years and has enjoyed every second of her time here! She started with Ballet but has since progressed to additionally learning tap and modern. She loves her teacher, who is supportive, enthusiastic and very approachable, and has made a great network of friends within the dance lab Devon family too. Her lessons are structured but fun and engaging, and she has grown in her technical ability, strength and confidence throughout her time with the dance school. I cannot praise the company and it’s prinicipal high enough, as they provide a— Mark Billman

I started at Dance Lab Devon just over 2 years ago. I came from another dance school so I was really nervous to start again fresh at a new dance school, but from the minute I walked in Mrs Laws and all the girls were so welcoming towards me and made me feel like I had known them all for years. Mrs Laws makes you feel like family, in each lesson you can guarantee a smile and a giggle but also a lot of a hard of work. Mrs Laws pushes you to be the best you can be and also works her very hardest to help you with any issues or struggles that you are facing within that lesson or just overall. When — Beth Michelle

My Daughter continues to have amazing dance experiences with Deborah and her team. The variety, style and technical abilities taught has enabled her to grow as a dancer from the age of 3 when she first joined Dance Lab right through to pursuing a full time dance course at the Age of 17. Deborah's commitment to ensuring all her pupils achieve beyond their expectations is the core ethos within the school and every teachers commitment to this core standard is always present in all lessons no matter what grade or ability they are teaching.— Sue Floyd

The care that goes into this school, along with it's quality teaching and professionalism is what makes Dance Lab a top class dance school. I have been lucky enough to have Deborah as a teacher, mentor and now friend. Deborah provides the best environment and content for her students which makes them fall in love with dance. A love that you will never lose.— Lily Lambert

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you learn to dance without a partner?

Yes. Ballet, tap and modern are all learned individually within a class, so you never need to bring a partner along to take part.

What should I wear to a beginner dance class?

Fitted, stretchy clothing works best, together with the correct shoes for the style once you know what you are studying. For a trial session, something simple you can move in is perfectly fine.

How much does a dance class usually cost?

Costs depend on the style, the class length and whether fees are charged per term or per session. Contact the school for the current price list.

Which dance is best for beginners?

Ballet is a common first choice because it develops core technique, but tap and modern are also beginner-friendly. The right one is whichever appeals to you most.

What is the best dance to start as an adult?

Adults often enjoy starting with a style that has a clear structure, such as ballet or tap. Choose one that matches the kind of movement and music you like.

Is dancing good for heart failure?

Gentle, regular movement is often encouraged for heart health, but anyone with heart failure should speak to their GP or cardiologist first and follow medical advice on the level of activity that is safe.

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