Makin Steps Performing Arts

Makin Steps Performing Arts — Dance Classes In Harlow

Makin Steps Performing Arts is a performing arts and dance school in Harlow, Essex, training children across dance, singing and musical theatre. It is a well-regarded school where pupils progress through a spread of styles over many years. It suits families wanting rounded performing arts tuition with plenty of stage experience. Long-standing pupils speak warmly of their time there.

About Makin Steps Performing Arts

Parents describe fully qualified, patient teachers who help shy children blossom into confident performers. The regular shows and community appearances give pupils real experience and pride. It reads as a nurturing all-round school where children genuinely thrive.

Classes & Dance Styles

Dance classes in Harlow here cover a broad performing arts mix including street dance, tap, modern, musical theatre and singing, often starting from toddler ballet upwards. Dance lessons in Harlow build technique across styles, and ballet classes in Harlow provide classical grounding through structured work. Salsa classes in Harlow and other styles may feature depending on the timetable, with pupils progressing towards shows and performances. Levels run from very young beginners to committed young performers.

What to Expect on Your First Visit

A first class is welcoming, with teachers experienced at helping nervous newcomers settle in. Comfortable, movable clothing and soft flat shoes are fine to begin, with guidance on specifics to follow. There is no expectation of prior skill.

Location & Contact

The school is based in the Potter Street area of Harlow, convenient for families across the town and surrounding Essex neighbourhoods. Access and parking are broadly typical for a local venue.

• Address: Potter St, Potter Street, Harlow CM17 9AQ
• Phone: +44 1279 304937
• Website: http://www.makin-steps.co.uk/
• Opening hours:
  • Monday: 9 am-3 pm
  • Tuesday: 9 am-3 pm
  • Wednesday: 9 am-3 pm
  • Thursday: 9 am-3 pm
  • Friday: 9 am-3 pm

What Dancers Say About Makin Steps Performing Arts

5/5 from 12 Google reviews.

A fantastic performing arts school.highly recommended!!

My daughter has danced here since she was 18 months starting with melody bear ballet, progressing to street dance, tap, modern, musical theatre and singing. Watching the shows are always amazing; so much hard work goes into them, it’s a joy to see each child beaming on stage.
Since she enjoyed it so much I joined the adult class and just love it! Getting fit, having a laugh and being part of a group – making friends for life.
Makes me proud for my daughter and I to be part of such a wonderful family business.— Jess Cockburn

This is a wonderful all round performing arts school. My daughter has been attending for 4 years now. Her confidence and dance skills are all down to the amazing teachers, who are all fully qualified,with loads of patience too. She was a very shy girl before she started here and now there’s no stopping her, has been in every staged show.

She has also made so many friends and often socialises outside the school with them. I have made many friends too.. we are like one big family. I would 100% recommend this school to anyone who, loves to dance, act and sing.— Gemma Urquhart

My daughter has been a pupil here for 9 years. She absolutely loves it! Her confidence has grown in leaps and bounds, as has her dancing. She has been able to perform in shows that the school produce, as well as celebrate Harlow at The Playhouse and Harlow Carnival! The staff are very friendly as well as supportive & go up and beyond for their pupils. My daughter feels like she's with family when she is there and close friendships have been forged with other pupils. I would highly recommend Makin Steps to anyone whose child would like to dance.— Caroline Parmenter

My daughter loves her lessons at Makin' Steps. She has learnt so much in the last 5+ years and has had so many opportunities on top of her regular classes. She danced through lockdown in zoom classes, has been to summer school, taken ballet and tap exams, taken part in shows and recorded songs in a real studio, she even helped make a video. But most of all she and her many dance friends have enjoyed every minute singing, acting and dance, dance, dancing with huge smiles on their faces coached by the brilliant teaching staff. Thank you Steps!— Tracy White

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you start ballroom dancing?

Begin with a beginners' group class where an instructor teaches the basic hold, timing and a few key steps. No partner or experience is needed, and the fundamentals usually come together over several sessions.

What ballroom dance to learn first?

The waltz is a popular first dance for its clear three-count timing, though a lively social dance is another good start. Early lessons focus on posture and rhythm that carry across every style.

How hard is it to learn salsa?

Salsa is beginner-friendly once you have the basic step and timing. It takes practice to flow, but simple patterns come quickly for most people.

Can a non-dancer learn salsa?

Yes, salsa is regularly learned by people with no dance background. Beginner classes break the moves down so newcomers can keep pace.

Is it possible to learn ballet as an adult?

Adults can take up ballet through classes made for later starters. Regular practice builds the strength, posture and flexibility the style relies on.

What age is too late to start ballet?

It is never too late to start ballet recreationally, as people begin at all ages. Only professional performance careers depend on early training.

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