Marlenes School of Dance, also known as the North Norfolk School of Performing Arts, is based at Exchange House on Louden Road in the seaside town of Cromer. With a strong five-star rating drawn from more than twenty reviews, it has clearly built a loyal following in the area. Reviewers describe it as somewhere pupils feel at home and progress over many years, with several mentioning a decade or more of attendance.
This is a well-established teaching school covering a broad range of dance styles for both children and adults. Its performing-arts identity suggests an emphasis on tuition, technique and, judging by feedback, a genuine sense of belonging among its members. The Cromer location makes it a natural focal point for dance across North Norfolk.
According to those who attend, the school teaches all sorts of dance styles at every level, from young beginners through to experienced dancers. One reviewer even mentions being coached through the cha cha cha as an adult, so ballroom and Latin sit alongside whatever else fills the timetable. Classes for grown-ups are singled out for praise and come in a large range. To find the current schedule of styles and levels, it is best to contact the school directly.
Newcomers should wear comfortable clothing and footwear that suits the style they are trying, and arrive with a few minutes to spare. The welcome described by long-standing pupils suggests a relaxed first impression, so there is no need to feel nervous. Ask about watching or joining a trial class before signing up for a term.
Cromer and the wider North Norfolk coast have a warm community feel, and a long-running performing-arts school like this becomes part of local life. Many families return year after year, which speaks to how rooted it is in the town.
An amazing dance school, my daughter and I are proud to be a part of it. The children are given 1st class dance tuition by the best dance teachers!
My daughter always comes out of classes with a smile. I simply can't rate the adult classes highly enough and such a large range too. Dancing is great fun and makes you HAPPY!!— Sam Cutting
this dance school is my second home to me , it has helped me grow , grow into the best person I can be , the teachers there are the best you could ask for , each of them are so talented and so great you couldn’t get anyone more perfect than them, I have danced there for 12 years, I wouldn’t go anywhere else— Evie Wiseman
Fantastic dance school Have seen my daughter blossom from a shy, timid tot to a confident teenager, willing to try anything. Expert, highly qualified amazing teachers offering all types of dance styles. They even got my husband and I cha cha cha-ing. Cannot recommend highly enough— Kathryn Wiseman
My son has been going to classes here for a while now and he loves it! The teachers are highly qualified and also great with the kids. I'm so pleased we have such a good dance school nearby and I would highly recommend to anyone looking to dance – young and old!— Lydia Hall
Yes, a great many styles are taught solo, including ballet, street, tap and line dancing. Where partner work is involved, schools usually pair people up within the class. You are welcome to join on your own.
Choose comfortable clothing you can stretch and move in, with shoes appropriate to the dance style. For many first classes, soft trainers or dance shoes and casual sportswear are fine. Bring water, as classes can be more of a workout than expected.
Fees differ between schools and depend on class length and whether you pay per lesson or by term. The school can give you its current rates on request. Some styles and age groups are priced differently, so it is worth asking specifically.
A good beginner dance is one with clear, repeating steps and a supportive class, such as ballroom, tap or line dancing. Ultimately the best style is the one you enjoy enough to keep practising. Trying a couple of options helps you decide.
Many adults begin with ballroom or Latin because the steps are teachable and the classes are sociable, though line dancing and tap are popular too. The right choice reflects your goals, whether fitness, fun or performance. A taster session is the simplest way to test the water.
Gentle dancing can form part of an active life for some people with heart conditions, but it depends heavily on the individual. Anyone with heart failure should consult their doctor before starting. Medical guidance is essential for judging safe activity levels.