Fostering a passion for dance for over 30 years
Located in North Leeds, Danceworks welcomes children of all ages into an environment where they can have fun while learning the technique of dance.
Established by Laura Jakes in 1995, Danceworks, which is located in Moortown, Leeds, offers a wide range of classes for both boys and girls, which include Ballet, Theatre, Tap and Contemporary.
Danceworks delivers classes in-house and to the local community, supporting local Primary schools and local charities. Leeds Rhino’s Foundation and Sunshine and Smiles have regular classes delivered to their groups.
All classes are delivered by highly qualified teachers.
Danceworks is based in Moortown, Leeds.
Everyone is welcome, we have students from Roundhay, Chapel Allerton, Horsforth, Meanwood, Shadwell and Headingley.
Classes run Monday to Saturday, during term time.
Phone
0113 295 0126
Location
Fir Tree Lane
Moortown
Leeds
LS17 7BZ
Our Classes
Our classes are paid termly and prices depend on what level the student is at. We offer Free trial classes throughout the year which must be booked via EMAIL.
Phone: 0113 295 0126
Dancebugs - Fun classes for Age 3-5 years.
Our classes are a fun introduction to dance. Whatever style of dance children want to develop, our Dancebugs classes deliver the core steps.
Dancebugs classes aim to tap into the amazing imagination 3-5 year olds have. Creating movement with themes and stories. Classes develop confidence, co-ordination and balance.
Ballet - Ages 5-18
We follow the Royal Academy of Dance programme. Which is taught worldwide. Classes are tailored to your child’s physical ability and age. From Pre-primary to Advanced (age 5-18) Classes teach the fundamentals of Ballet, using Safe practice technique. The R.A.D syllabus focuses on a fun learning environment, whilst developing a students classical technique.
Danceworks also run adult ballet classes and Silver Swan classes aimed at the over 55s
Theatre & Tap - Ages 6-18
Both tap and theatre are the core styles for Musical Theatre. Classes cover many different styles including lyrical and street. We follow the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance syllabus. I.S.T.D. Classes are graded upon muscular ability and age. Classes follow the latest styles and music,
Creating a high energy fun class.
Contemporary - Age 12-18
Classes aim to deliver the core fundamentals of contemporary. Contemporary is a mix of floor and traveling sequences. Older students love the free flow of the movement and the diversity of the steps and music.
All our classes are delivered by highly qualified staff.
Adult classes
Danceworks offers daytime classes in Ballet and Contemporary. Whether you are an adult beginner or someone who has danced before our classes aim to teach you at whatever level you are. Classes are for the over 55’s delivering the core basics of ballet but offering wellbeing and fitness in a friendly class environment.
Contact us
Phone: 0113 295 0126
Ages 5 or below?
Check out the Dancebugs page to see what specific classes your child can participate in.
Our Teachers
Laura Jakes
Laura Jakes trained at the London College Of Dance and graduated with a diploma in dance teaching.
Whilst at college, Laura taught in America for one summer and also taught in a community outreach project, while still continuing to gain her Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (I.S.T.D) qualifications.
After college, Laura went on to teach in mainland Greece for a year before being a freelance teacher based in Leeds who taught for the Royal Academy of Dance (R.A.D) Examiners.
Laura Jakes also continued to further her training by gaining a Diploma with ISTD and a Teaching Certificate with the RAD.
She established her school in 1993 with only 20 pupils and now has over 150 pupils.
Past students have also gone on to train at some of the most prestigious Dance colleges in the UK, including: The Royal Ballet School, English National Ballet School, London Contemporary, Northern Contemporary and London Studio Centre.
Laura has a passion for dance, teaching all abilities. She also has a passion for supporting her local community. Since Danceworks was established biennial shows have raised thousands of pounds for local charities, including:
- St Gemma’s Hospice
- Martin House Childrens’ Hospice
- Joseph Lilleywhite Child Cancer Trust
- Sunshine and Smiles
- Street Angels
Christos Chandroulidis
Christos is originally from Greece and performed professionally in shows in Northern Greece. He then trained as a dance teacher for 3 years at Kafandari Dance College, Thessaloniki, studying Ballet, Contemporary, Commercial and Dance theory. He has been teaching RAD Ballet, Contemporary and commercial for over ten years delivering classes to a wide age range.
Christos is currently Training with the RAD Examiners Programme.
Guest Teacher: Saskia Wilkinson
Saskia trained at White Lodge, Royal Ballet School. She went on to finish her training with English National Ballet. She has performed with Northern Ballet in the Corps de Ballet. . Sadly due to injury Saskia was forced to make a career change and has now qualified with the R.A.D on their Professional Dancers teaching Diploma.
Contact us
Phone: 0113 295 0126
Community matters
Danceworks deliver in-house classes to a local Down Syndrome group from Sunshine and Smiles. Classes are supported by Danceworks’ older students who volunteer to support the group.
Leeds Rhinos Foundation: classes are delivered monthly to the Active Life group who are mainly over 65 and want to keep active and socialise.
SHOWS and PERfOMANCES
Danceworks students perform throughout the year at local events. Older students are invited to join ‘THE PERFORMERS’. The performing group have performed at many local events including White Rose Centre British Gas stand. Wheatfields Hospice summer fair. St Gemma’s City Centre Take Over.
Danceworks have a big show every two years whereby every student is involved, taking part in two performances at Yeadon Town hall to over 800 people.
Contact us
Phone: 0113 295 0126
our Location
You can find us at Fir Tree Lane, Leeds LS17 7BZ, just off the A61.