WHO WE ARE

We are a welcoming dance school, offering classes for everyone starting from as young as 1.5 years old. Our dance school is the perfect place for anyone looking to explore their passion for dance and the performing arts, whether for fun, fitness, or aspiring to a professional career. With a wide range of classes tailored to all ages and abilities, we aim to inspire confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of dance in every student.

Our Story

Suffolk Academy of Dance and Performing Arts (SADPA) was founded in 1994 by Louise, who at just 17 years old had a vision: to create a fun, successful dance school offering the very highest quality of tuition. From those early days in Foundation Street Studios, the school has grown into a thriving community that inspires confidence and a lifelong love of dance.

Over the years, we’ve called several wonderful venues home - from St Joseph’s College to Wolsey Studios, The Regent, and the Town Hall - and brought the joy of dance into local communities across Suffolk.

In 2025, SADPA began a new chapter as Charlotte (one of Louise’s first ever students) and her sister Lily, both former SADPA dancers, joined as directors alongside Louise. Together, they share a mission to nurture talent, spark creativity, and ensure every dancer feels part of our special family.

Milestones We’re Proud Of

• Exams & Training – A 100% success rate with the British Ballet Organisation and countless students progressing to full-time training (e.g. Bird College, Urdang, Italia Conti, Trinity Laban) and professional careers.

• Alumni – Our dancers have gone on to perform on the West End, Cruise Ships, Television, Music Videos and have careers as dance teachers, while many continue dancing simply for the love of it.

• Awards – Named Best Ballet School (2023, 2024 and 2025) in the Quality Business Awards

• Performances – Every two years, our Big Show at The Regent brings our entire school together - an unforgettable, monumental celebration of dance.

• Iconic Stages – We’ve performed at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Sadler’s Wells, the Royal Albert Hall, and even Disneyland Paris, giving students and families memories to treasure.

Our Dance Family

We’re more than just a dance school - we’re a community. From charity events and local school performances to our adult classes, we believe dance is for everyone. Success starts with a positive, encouraging atmosphere, which is why we are dedicated to making everyone feel welcome and valued. Our dance school thrives on inclusivity, where every student is inspired to grow in a space that is warm and inspiring. It’s no surprise that most of our new students join us through glowing word-of-mouth recommendations. Louise has become a specialist in SEN, championing how dance can support young people in building confidence, expression, and joy. Whether a student dreams of a professional career or simply wants to dance for fun, we support every journey. Along the way, our students form friendships for life, share endless banter, and embrace our unique SADPA “rules” - from clapping properly, to “saving it for the coach”, to the legendary “jellyfish.”