Funkstar Dance is a dance school in Birkenhead that has become a fixture for local families over the years. It works mainly with children and young people, taking them from first classes through to shows and competitions. The focus is as much on confidence and friendship as it is on technique.
Reviews are full of stories of shy children blossoming into outgoing, confident dancers, with the teaching team and its lead instructor singled out for encouragement and care. Parents mention lasting friendships, improved fitness and a strong sense of belonging to a wider dance family. Loyalty runs deep, with several families staying for the best part of a decade.
Classes cover a range of dance styles suited to different ages and stages, structured so beginners can build skill steadily and move towards performance if they wish. Sessions typically balance learning routines with developing coordination, musicality and stagecraft. There is provision for adults too, so it is not only children who get to take part.
A newcomer can expect a friendly reception and a patient introduction, which is exactly what nervous first-timers hope for. Comfortable clothing you can move freely in and appropriate soft dance shoes are the essentials; the school will guide you on anything specific once your child, or you, has settled into a class.
The school is based in Birkenhead and is handy for families across the town and the wider Wirral. Regular classes are easy to fit into an after-school or weekend routine.
My name is Stephen Moore and I am the Chief Instructor at Family Martial Arts Wirral, because children’s focused activity, positive education and regular exercise is very important to me in my role it says a lot that my Daughter has been attending Funkstar Dance for just under 10 years, Donna is a fantastic instructor, with patience, approachability and dedication in spades, the classes are fast, friendly and most of all fun, what a great way to keep fit and gain confidence all whilst having a fantastic time, the competitions they win is the icing on the cake and they make a huge showcase ever— Stephen Moore
My 3 children absolutely love dancing at Funkstar. My eldest has been there for 7 years. All three have grown in confidence, skill and fitness since starting. They have made so many friends through Funkstar and they just absolutely love going to the classes and competitions. Donna is great with the kids and she works so hard to make sure the children are happy but also challenged so that they progress with their dance skills too. If you’re thinking of a dance school for street dance then Funkstar is the one for sure. I’ve got 3 happy children who have always loved going there.— C Newman
Would highly recommend funkstar dance, my daughter has been at funkstar for the past five years, it was the best thing we done, she went from a shy little girl to an outgoing confident little girl and was all thanks to funkstar and Donna, a fabulous dance teacher who encourages the children, builds them up while teaching team to dance and having fun. Not only do you become a member of funkstar but also a member over a welcoming family. Thanks you so much for the the past five years and many more to come.— Kelly Griffiths
Would highly recommend Donna at Funkstar. Kind, friendly and really down to earth. But most of all she makes a connection with the kids. I have 2 kids who both love dancing for Donna, one started when she was 4 and now she is 12 and the other when she was 3 and now she is 9. Donna gives them the opportunity to shine and pushes them every step of the way to help them grow. When your child dances at Funkstar, you become part of a big family ❤️ xx— heather boon
Yes, a great deal of dancing is learned solo or in a class where partners rotate, so you never need to bring your own. Styles from street and contemporary to line dancing are designed to be danced individually.
Comfortable clothes you can stretch and move in, plus soft shoes or trainers appropriate to the style, are all you need at first. Avoid anything too restrictive and bring water; the school can advise on proper dance shoes later.
Prices vary with the length of the class, the age group and whether you book by term or per session. It is best to ask the school directly for their current rates and any beginner offers.
That depends on what appeals to you, but energetic group styles like street or general dance for children, and social styles for adults, are all beginner-friendly. The easiest first dance is usually the one you will most enjoy sticking with.
Adults often enjoy starting with something sociable and forgiving, such as a Latin or ballroom style, or an upbeat class geared to fitness. Trying a taster session is the surest way to find your fit.
Gentle, regular dancing can be a pleasant form of exercise, but anyone with heart failure or another medical condition should check with their doctor before taking it up. A GP can advise on suitable intensity and any precautions.