Jamie Lee Dance Academy

Dance & Performing Arts School in Bournemouth, Dorset

Study at JLDA

At JLDA we offer a range of classes to suit students of all ages. The age range stated for each class is only a guide, with progression based on the individual student’s ability.

We regularly welcome new students and would be happy to offer a free trial lesson for any prospective student.

Explore our classes below and contact us via phone or email for more information.

Ballet

At JLDA we pride ourselves on having the strongest ballet training in the South of England. We focus on technique, attention to detail, correct classical vocabulary and a true understanding of anatomy and fine motor skills. Classes follow the ISTD syllabus and students may take exams if they wish. In recent years we’ve had students gain places at full time ballet schools and Royal Ballet associate courses.

Miss Jamie Lee, who heads our classical ballet faculty, is an affiliate teacher of The Royal Ballet School and is delighted to be offering this new programme, known as ‘ATAP’, exclusively to JLDA students from September 2022.

Age 3-4, Age 5-6, Age 7-8, Age 9-11, Age 12+

Pointework

We offer pre-pointe and pointe classes at JLDA, split according to ability. These classes strengthen pointe technique and prepare students for vocational-level examinations.

Tap

Tap dance is an exciting, percussive, rhythmical dance form, often seen on screen and stage in musicals. From learning the basics of rhythm and tapping, to syncopation and improvisation, students learn to tap to different styles of music, and can ultimately perform exciting and theatrical numbers.

We follow the ISTD tap syllabus – from Primary to Advanced 2 – and students may take examinations if they wish.

Age 3-4, Age 5-6, Age 7-8, Age 9-11, Age 12+

Modern

From lyrical to upbeat, this varied type of dance allows for expression as well as developing flexibility and core stability. A popular style due to the variety of movements that modern dance encompasses.

We follow the ISTD syllabus and offer classes from Primary – Advanced 2 level.

Age 5-6, Age 7-8, Age 9-11, Age 12+

Jazz

A high-level, fun and fast class filled with the classics of a high-paced warm-up and drills. Attention to corner work, kicks, leaps and turns is emphasised in this class, often finishing with a different style routine each week.

A must-have class for anyone pursuing a career in the profession or looking to audition for college.

Age 9-11, Age 12-14, Age 15+

Acrobatic Arts

Acrobatic Arts is a beautiful fusion of the artistic motion of dance and the athleticism of acrobatics. It promotes excellence in tumbling, flexibility, strength, balance, limbering, contortion and group/partner tricks. It follows progressions to take the beginner preschool dancer from log rolls and balances to the advanced dancer tumbling effortlessly.

Age 3-4, Age 5-6, Age 7-8, Age 9-11, Age 12+

Commercial

This class focuses on the skills and versatility required to tackle primary street dance styles such as hip hop, break and locking, house and many more. Commercial dance teaches students the performance skills required to succeed in the professional dance world, in preparation for music videos, backing artists or cruise ship auditions.

Age 12+

Contemporary

Classes focus on developing strength, versatility and expression through contemporary dance. The lessons are release based, although dancers also experience the fundamental ideas behind the Graham, Cunningham and Limon methods. Classes are structured to include a range of exercises and travelling phrases to find connections between the body, the space and the music.

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

Age 9-11, Age 12-14, Age 15+

Musical Theatre

In this class we explore the three key disciplines, singing, acting & dance, all whilst encouraging teamwork & improving confidence and general performance skills.

Across the year we learn routines from popular musical theatre shows, create new material, work in depth on acting through song and regularly work towards the many performance opportunities we have here at JLDA.

We are lucky to work alongside many guest professionals (many of whom still work in the West End today) and each week the students are able to work with a director and MD in the room.

Age 5-6, Age 7-10, Age 11-13, Age 14+

LAMDA

LAMDA classes cover a variety of subjects including acting, musical theatre, Shakespeare, devising, improvisation, public speaking, mime and verse & prose. Students are able to take accredited exams, gaining UCAS points alongside valuable skills that can be used throughout life whether in a performance career or elsewhere.

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.

Age 5+

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Adult Tap

A relaxed class, for those with experience, to continue tapping in a variety of musical genres. The chance to learn new skills, maintain your already existing knowledge and have fun with other tappers!

Age 16+

Competition team training

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

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

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.

JLDA Casting