Dance & Performing Arts School in Bournemouth, Dorset

At JLDA, we are proud to offer some of the strongest classical ballet training in the South of England. Our programme is rooted in exceptional technique, meticulous attention to detail, and a deep understanding of classical vocabulary, anatomy, and refined movement.

Under the direction of Miss Jamie Lee, classes follow the ISTD syllabus, with students given the option to take examinations, consistently achieving outstanding results. In recent years, our training has seen students successfully gain places at prestigious full-time ballet schools and Royal Ballet Associate programmes.

Tap dance is a dynamic and expressive art form, combining rhythm, musicality, and performance — often seen on stage and screen in musical theatre. From building strong foundational technique to exploring syncopation, style and improvisation, students develop both precision and individuality in their work.

Classes follow the ISTD Tap syllabus from Primary through to Advanced 2, with students given the option to take examinations and progress through the grades with confidence and flair.

Modern dance is a versatile and expressive style, ranging from lyrical movement to dynamic, high-energy choreography. It encourages creativity and individuality, while developing strength, flexibility, core stability and technical control.

Following the ISTD syllabus, we offer classes from Primary through to Advanced 2, with structured progression designed to support each student’s development and performance quality.

A high-energy, advanced class designed to challenge and inspire. Each session includes a fast-paced warm-up and technical drills, with a strong focus on corner work, kicks, leaps and turns to build strength, precision and performance quality.

Classes often culminate in learning a new routine each week, exploring a variety of styles and enhancing versatility. An essential class for students aspiring to a professional career or preparing for college auditions.

Acrobatic Arts is a dynamic fusion of dance and acrobatics, combining fluid movement with strength, control and athletic skill. This discipline develops flexibility, balance, coordination and technique, alongside tumbling, limbering, contortion and partner work.

Following a structured progression-based syllabus, students are guided from foundational skills such as rolls and balances through to advanced acrobatic technique, enabling them to build strength and confidence while moving seamlessly and safely.

This class develops the skills, versatility and performance quality needed to master key street dance styles, including hip hop, breaking, locking, house and more.

Commercial dance focuses on building strong performance technique, stage presence and adaptability, preparing students for the professional industry — from music videos and backing artists to cruise ship and commercial auditions.

There is also time allocated in class to explore new choreography, improvisation techniques and the dancer’s own creative ideas.

This class explores the three core disciplines of musical theatre — singing, acting, and dance — while fostering teamwork, confidence, and strong overall performance skills.

Throughout the year, students learn repertoire from well-known musical theatre productions, develop original material, and work in depth on acting through song. They regularly prepare for a variety of performance opportunities throughout the JLDA calendar.

We are also fortunate to work with a range of guest industry professionals, many of whom are currently active in the West End, giving students the invaluable experience of working each week with a director and musical director in the studio.

Classes focus on vocal technique, understating text, character development and physicality amongst other things and are tailored to each individual’s needs and skill sets to get the best out of each student and their individual goals.

Specialist, intensive training for those who excel within their chosen field. Students have specialist ballet and body conditioning classes in addition to their competition routine training.

Led by Miss Jamie Lee, the team competes both regionally & nationally, being crowned All England Champions in 2019 and performing at Disneyland Paris in 2022.

Entry to competition classes is by invitation only & specific elite terms and conditions apply.

Private tuition is available for any of our students who wish to further their skills in dance, drama or singing. We have an excellent faculty keen to work alongside our students on a 1-1 basis and these lessons can be booked upon request (subject to availability).

JLDA Company is for students who have a passion for singing, dancing and acting and want to develop these skills further. The company will attend regular intensive training sessions, workshops, Q&A’s and one-on-one sessions, focused on the individual and their personal development.

Students enrolled within the company will also have the opportunity to be represented by our new in-house CASTING AGENCY.

Entry is by invitation only & specific company terms and conditions apply.