"We believe in setting the standards, not following them" | Established in 1992

Welcome to the enchanting world of AK Academy of Dancing. Founded in 1992, we are an extremely busy, friendly and genuine family run dance academy offering professional training in a range of classes to suit all ages. We teach children who have just started to walk and adults alike.

We are fully qualified with the Royal Academy of Dancing, the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, Acrobatic Arts and L.A.M.D.A. AK Academy of dancing is also a Silver Swan Licensee.

Please see our website for more details about our genres, pricing and to book your FREE trial today.

We offer examinations from pre-primary through to advanced in R.A.D (Royal Academy of Dance) ballet,  I.S.T.D (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing) tap, modern/jazz, disco freestyle, rock and roll, mixed and boys only street and contemporary. With musical theatre we offer examinations in L.A.M.D.A (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art).

We hold stage medal tests annually which are always fun especially for the under 5’s.

The academy competes in our I.S.T.D area disco/rock and roll DFR Competitions throughout the year. This culminates in the qualifiers competing at the National Championships in Guildford. We are very proud to say that approximately 99% of our pupils qualify in both genres each year.

We offer workshops with professional artists in all genres of dance and musical theatre throughout the year, which is a memorable and exciting experience for all involved.

We are proud to say that many of our pupils have gone on to national stage schools and others are now dancing in professional shows all over the world. One in particular gained the Royal Academy of Dancing’s highest accolade and was one of only four in the world that year who gained the Solo Seal exam.

The Academy is regularly approached by London based companies to perform at many prestigious theatres, such as Her Majesty’s London, The London Palladium, Saddlers Wells, The Adelphi Theatre, The O2 and many more.

Dancing at Disneyland Paris was a highlight for the academy, performing on one of their many famous stages. We hold our very own spectacular show at the picturesque Poole Lighthouse Theatre every two years, covering three sell-out performances over two days.

Our shows are directed and choreographed by our professional and devoted team who are all highly qualified, with many years of experience behind them to help and encourage our students all the way.

Andrea Knowles

Principal and Senior Director

Silver Swans licensed teacher with over 30 years' teaching experience.

Qualifications:

• Fully registered RAD
• Teaching Certificate RTS
• AISTD Associate Diploma
• DDE Diploma in Dance Education
• Ballet, tap, modern, disco freestyle, rock and roll

Anna Knowles-Hibbert

Principal

ISTD DFR Committee Member

Manager of AK Parties & Wedding Dances

Head of Performer's Choreography

Qualification:

• DDE Diploma in Dance Education
• L.I.S.T.D Disco Freestyle
• A.I.S.T.D Rock'n'Roll
• Acrobatic Arts Qualified
• 4D Pro Bungee Certified Instructor
• CPD Certified in Chair Based Dance & Movement

Sophie Norton

Teacher

Qualifications:

• DDE Diploma in Dance Education
• Acrotrix Qualified
• Instruction ADV ISTD Tap/Modern
• A.I.S.T.D Disco Freestyle

Miss Olivia

Teacher

Qualifications:

• BA (Hons) Dance & Performance
• DDE Diploma in Dance Education
• Level 2 Exercise to Music