Gillian Quinn School of Theatre Dance in Whitley Bay has a remarkable track record, with former pupils going on to professional ballet companies and top London training schools. Reviewers span generations, some having attended decades ago before sending their own children. Classes run from nursery age through to professional-level dancers. It is spoken of as far more than an ordinary dance class.
The school offers a long ladder of tuition, taking dancers from their earliest years through graded work and beyond. Its reputation rests on experienced teaching and a history of pupils reaching the highest levels of the profession.
The school covers a broad range of theatre dance and graded work for all ages, with dancers progressing through structured levels over many years. Local interest often arrives through searches such as dance classes in whitley bay, line dancing whitley bay and adult dance classes whitley bay, though this school's real depth lies in serious, examination-focused training for young dancers. Pupils build technique and stagecraft methodically, some going on to audition for professional schools.
Comfortable clothing suited to movement and appropriate footwear are all that is needed to begin. Arriving early gives a new pupil time to settle before the class starts.
Whitley Bay and the surrounding North Tyneside coast have an active performance culture, offering young dancers occasions to perform and progress.
The crème de la crème of dance schools – classes for nursery children right up to professional dancers. Gillian Quinn School of Theatre Dance provides more than just a dance class – it is a life changing experience. During 17 years at the dance school, I passed grades 1-8, plus all the professional exams through the Royal Academy of Dancing and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance, with expert teaching from Miss Quinn, M.B.E. Dance Kaleidoscope offers the wonderful opportunity to perform internationally.— Shirley Addison
If you want to learn from someone with years of experience then come here. My 17 year old son, Amonik Melaco, was trained by Miss Quinn in ballet and she pushed him to become good enough to audition at London schools when he was 15. Hes now in Professional training at Laine Theatre Arts. He had a great time touring Europe with their Dance Kaleidoscope and going to Los Angeles with Miss Quinn and dancers, as well as making lots of friends. We are so grateful and feel lucky that he went here.— Janice Melaco
I attended this school 30 years ago and with their guidance and tuition I ended up dancing in a professional ballet company. Move forward 25 years and 2 of my children attended the school. The elder is now Working full time in a ballet company in Europe and has worked with Matthew Bourne and the younger has danced in LA and in Euro Disney. Still the best dance school in the North East!— Steve Wright
Fantastic teaching. Teachers build a real rapport with students and are very approachable. The school gives good opportunities to perform and to take examinations.— Helen Deane
Common line dance moves include the grapevine, step-touch, kick-ball-change, pivot turn and shuffle. These few building blocks recur across many routines.
Simple four-wall dances with repeating patterns are the most approachable. They allow newcomers to join in without memorising long sequences.
Yes, a partner is not required. Many styles, including theatre dance and line dancing, are performed solo or in groups.
Comfortable clothing that allows free movement and footwear suited to the style are ideal. The school can advise on specifics beforehand.
Prices depend on the school and class type, so checking directly is best. Group classes generally cost less than private tuition.
Styles with clear foundations, such as ballet for children or line dancing for adults, offer a good start. What you enjoy most is often the best guide.