Dancing Feet School of Dance, based in a studio on South Street in Braunton, is described by its members as far more than just a place to learn steps. Reviewers speak of teachers who act as mentors and a genuine family feel that runs through the school. Notably, it has welcomed adult beginners well into their fifties and sixties, proving it is never too late to start. Both children and grown-ups find their place here.
The school is praised for its supportive, encouraging staff, with adult members contrasting the warm atmosphere against harsher old-fashioned teaching they remember from childhood. It kept classes going through lockdown, which speaks to its commitment to its community of dancers.
Dancing Feet offers a range of styles including tap and jazz ballet, catering to complete beginners as much as experienced dancers. One reviewer took up tap from scratch at 58, while another was encouraged to stretch themselves in a show routine, which captures the school's inclusive spirit. Whether you are a child starting out or an adult returning to dance after decades away, the emphasis is firmly on enjoyment, sociability and keeping active in good company.
Wear comfortable clothing you can move freely in and bring water. If you are an adult beginner feeling unsure, take heart from the school's track record of welcoming newcomers of all ages, and ask which class best suits you.
Braunton and the surrounding North Devon area have a friendly grassroots dance culture, with small studios offering a sociable way to stay active locally.
Dancing Feet Academy is so much more than just an AMAZING dance school. My 2 girls both have dance classes with Dancing Feet the teachers are professional and also act as mentors, teaching them valuable life skills. During lockdown Dancing Feet continued to bring dance classes and workshops into our homes via zoom. My girls were not getting a huge amount of support from their school but Dancing Feet continued to give encouragement and praise which has really helped my girls physically as well as mentally through this difficult time. My girls are looking forward to meeting up with their 'dan— david wyeth
WOW what a show and thank you for encouraging me to stretch myself and take part in that fantastic Anything Goes tap routine I am really looking forward to the new Jazz Ballet and Tap classes Who would have thought at 66 I would be saying that !!!! Heres to the new term and the next show You have unleashed the dancer in me !!! beware !!!!!!hahah thank you— Yvonne Fagan
It's never too late to take up dancing! I started Tap as a complete beginner aged 58 and I have loved being part of the DFA family. The staff are so supportive, not like the harridan who ran a ballet school when I was a kid 🙁 Tap is such a sociable and enjoyable way to keep fit and you might find yourself on stage in a Dancing Feet show! Kate U x— Len&Kate Upton
Yes. Many styles taught in schools like this, including tap and jazz, are danced solo and need no partner at all. You can join and take part entirely on your own.
Comfortable clothing you can move in is the main thing, along with suitable footwear for the style. For tap you will eventually need tap shoes, but the school can advise what to start with.
Prices vary between schools and depend on the class type and length. The best way to find out is to ask the school directly for its current rates.
It depends on what appeals to you, but tap and jazz are both sociable, beginner-friendly styles that need no partner. Trying a class is the surest way to see what suits you.
Adults often enjoy tap for its rhythm and sociability, though styles like ballet or line dancing also suit newcomers. This school has welcomed complete beginners in their fifties and sixties, so there is no wrong place to start.
Gentle, regular movement can form part of a healthy lifestyle, but anyone with heart failure or a serious health condition should speak to their doctor before starting a new physical activity. A teacher can then help adapt classes to suit.