Sixth Form Dance

Arts1’s Sixth Form Dance Course delivers rigorous, high-level dance training designed to prepare students for the demands of the performing arts industry. Alongside this intensive focus on dance, the programme includes acting and singing development as vital components for employability, ensuring graduates leave with the versatility and skills needed to thrive in professional performance careers. Expert tutors with real-world experience guide students through a curriculum that bridges the gap between passion and profession.

Now taking applications for 2026

Overview

Open Days

Apply Now

WHAT TO EXPECT

Course Overview

The Dance Pathway of the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts Practice at Arts1 is designed for ambitious young dancers ready to take their training to the next level.

Students receive high-level tuition across a range of styles including ballet, jazz, contemporary, and commercial, developing versatility and technical skills. Alongside the core dance training, students enhance their performance and employability through acting and singing training, preparing them for the varied demands of today’s industry.

With exceptional facilities, industry tutors and extensive performance opportunities, the course provides an environment that reflects professional expectations. Graduates leave as confident, adaptable, and skilled performers, ready to progress to higher education or take their first steps into the dance industry.

View entry requirements

Good Luck Babe

Adam Scott

Performed at Move It 2024

THE CURRICULUM

What You'll Study

Year 1

Ballet

Ballet provides a fundamental technical foundation, equipping performers with the core skills vital for all dance forms. Emphasising posture, alignment, strength, and fluidity, the module underpins versatility across jazz, contemporary, and commercial styles.

Students develop precision, musicality, and expressive movement, enhancing overall stage presence and adaptability. Through structured barre and centre practice, dancers gain balance, coordination, and artistry, while learning to translate classical technique into dynamic choreography. This disciplined approach fosters body awareness and movement efficiency, empowering performers to confidently tackle the diverse choreographic demands of professional dance and beyond.

Year 1

Jazz

Jazz Dance for Musical Theatre offers dynamic training in core jazz styles, with a focus on technical precision, strength, and expressive movement. Through energetic choreography and stylistic exploration, from classic Broadway to contemporary commercial, students build versatility and stage presence. The module emphasises audition-ready skills such as adaptability, confidence, and quick learning, preparing learners for the varied demands of professional auditions. By refining technique, musicality, and performance quality, participants stand out in competitive environments, equipped with the artistry and discipline needed for diverse roles. Regular feedback and performance opportunities support continual growth and readiness for the fast-paced world of musical theatre.

Year 1 & 2

Commercial

Our commercial dance training builds strong foundations in technique, style, and performance quality, giving students the confidence and versatility needed for the fast-paced world of commercial dance. Training covers essential core movements, rhythm, and musicality before progressing into dynamic choreography that reflects current industry trends. Students learn to adapt across diverse commercial genres, developing precision, creativity, and stage presence that make them stand out in auditions and professional work.

Year 2

Audition Preparation

Audition Preparation is a targeted module supporting students applying to Drama Schools, Dance Colleges, and Universities.

Through specialist classes and one-to-one coaching, learners develop confidence, nuance, and polish in their monologues and audition performances. The module also includes UCAS statement workshops and tailored guidance on selecting programmes and institutions that suit each student’s strengths and goals, empowering them to make informed choices and maximise their chances of success in higher education auditions.

Year 2

Solo Platform

The Solo Platform module provides students with the opportunity to craft a bespoke solo performance, professionally filmed in a studio environment. Designed as high-impact showreel content, this module enables learners to showcase their unique talents, artistic identity, and versatility for future auditions and industry exposure. Students receive specialist guidance in performance selection, preparation, and delivery, ensuring technical excellence and authentic characterisation. Emphasis is placed on personal expression, storytelling, and screen presence, empowering students to present polished, engaging performances that stand out for their quality in performance and production

Year 1 & 2

Song & Dance Showcase

The Song & Dance Showcase is the pinnacle of the Dance programme, giving students the chance to perform in a professional large-venue setting with a live band. Rehearsing a variety of musical theatre and dance pieces, participants highlight their individual strengths while building confidence, stagecraft, and ensemble collaboration. The module celebrates versatility and creativity, culminating in a spectacular performance that showcases each student’s growth, talent, and readiness for the demands of the musical theatre industry.

Year 3

Developing Professional Practice

Taking classes is a habit that is part of the eco-system that working professionals build into their lifestyle. Whilst third years are focussed on preparation for productions, you will also take a programme of classes designed to specifically facilitate your development. Tracked into Dancer/Singer and Actor/Singer, you will choose specific programmes of classes are targeted to you.

Year 3

Digital Showcase

Work with an incredible team of film makers, cinematographers, sound engineers, photographers, and creatives to make a professional digital portfolio that becomes your business card and brand. As a school we have a longstanding reputation for outstanding production standards and we use this team to create, elevate & capture your performance.

Year 3

The Musical

A full-scale Musical production for final year students to rehearse and perform with a professional industry creative team. Experiencing the many roles and processes that are part of staging a musical is important as many of the departments contribute to the success of the performer on the stage. Learning to work collaboratively is a key quality in creating a sustainable career.

Year 3

London Showcase

Performing in the heart of London’s West End, you will work with a creative team on curating your talent to share with agents and supporters. The process of selection and rehearsal of pieces will help us to showcase you as a performer and the potential you have to take into the industry. Collaborating with our marketing department you will prepare your CV, Media Package and Spotlight profile for agents and casting directors.

Year 1

Song and Dance Project

Work with a Musical Director and Choreographer in a rehearsal setting exploring material from a wide range of Musicals to professional performance standard. This application class provides the feel of an industry rehearsal room where you can apply all of the skills learned in your technique classes in performance.

Year 1

Acting Fundamentals

Acting takes the top priority throughout each of our disciplines, and is the core foundation for our training. Acting Fundamentals finesses the art of storytelling, encompassing various methods and techniques.

Year 1

Technical Dance Skills

Study a wide range of dance styles including Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Contemporary and Commercial. Throughout the first year, the main focus is understanding and shaping your core technique. This in turn will allow the opportunity to mould and cement technique and artistry as you move between different styles of movement. Musical Theatre encompasses an incredible range of choreographic requirements. This training will provide a space for you to grow your skills to achieve your potential in dance.

Year 1

Estill Voice Training Level 1

Introducing a cutting-edge approach to voice training at the UK’s only Estill Educational accredited Musical Theatre degree. You will learn how to create an incredible range of vocal qualities to create sung and spoken word that fits a range of professional contexts. This module will provide you with an additional Estill Voice qualification, further developing your career post-training.

Year 1

Acting Through Song

Mind-blowing performances are not built by luck, chance or prayer – they are crafted through an exploration and application of technique and artistry. Working with sung material from key composers you will learn how to approach material in a systematic way and create performances that your audience remembers for a lifetime.

Tab Content

This is a basic text element.

Year 1

Song and Dance Project

Work with a Musical Director and Choreographer in a rehearsal setting exploring material from a wide range of Musicals to professional performance standard. This application class provides the feel of an industry rehearsal room where you can apply all of the skills learned in your technique classes in performance.

Year 1

Acting Fundamentals

Acting takes the top priority throughout each of our disciplines, and is the core foundation for our training. Acting Fundamentals finesses the art of storytelling, encompassing various methods and techniques.

Year 1

Technical Dance Skills

Study a wide range of dance styles including Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Contemporary and Commercial. Throughout the first year, the main focus is understanding and shaping your core technique. This in turn will allow the opportunity to mould and cement technique and artistry as you move between different styles of movement. Musical Theatre encompasses an incredible range of choreographic requirements. This training will provide a space for you to grow your skills to achieve your potential in dance.

Year 1

Estill Voice Training Level 1

Introducing a cutting-edge approach to voice training at the UK’s only Estill Educational accredited Musical Theatre degree. You will learn how to create an incredible range of vocal qualities to create sung and spoken word that fits a range of professional contexts. This module will provide you with an additional Estill Voice qualification, further developing your career post-training.

Year 1

Acting Through Song

Mind-blowing performances are not built by luck, chance or prayer – they are crafted through an exploration and application of technique and artistry. Working with sung material from key composers you will learn how to approach material in a systematic way and create performances that your audience remembers for a lifetime.

Year 1

Song and Dance Project

Work with a Musical Director and Choreographer in a rehearsal setting exploring material from a wide range of Musicals to professional performance standard. This application class provides the feel of an industry rehearsal room where you can apply all of the skills learned in your technique classes in performance.

Year 1

Acting Fundamentals

Acting takes the top priority throughout each of our disciplines, and is the core foundation for our training. Acting Fundamentals finesses the art of storytelling, encompassing various methods and techniques.

Year 1

Technical Dance Skills

Study a wide range of dance styles including Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Contemporary and Commercial. Throughout the first year, the main focus is understanding and shaping your core technique. This in turn will allow the opportunity to mould and cement technique and artistry as you move between different styles of movement. Musical Theatre encompasses an incredible range of choreographic requirements. This training will provide a space for you to grow your skills to achieve your potential in dance.

Year 1

Estill Voice Training Level 1

Introducing a cutting-edge approach to voice training at the UK’s only Estill Educational accredited Musical Theatre degree. You will learn how to create an incredible range of vocal qualities to create sung and spoken word that fits a range of professional contexts. This module will provide you with an additional Estill Voice qualification, further developing your career post-training.

Year 1

Acting Through Song

Mind-blowing performances are not built by luck, chance or prayer – they are crafted through an exploration and application of technique and artistry. Working with sung material from key composers you will learn how to approach material in a systematic way and create performances that your audience remembers for a lifetime.

Meet our Qualification partner

Arts1 is proud to partner with The Bedford College Group, one of the largest and most diverse education providers in the South East Midlands. Formed in 2017 through the merger of Bedford College and Tresham College, the Group now spans multiple campuses across Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire, serving over 19,000 students. With specialist provision ranging from land-based education at Shuttleworth College to motorsport training at the National College for Motorsport at Silverstone, the Group is known for its industry partnerships, strong student support, and commitment to creating transformative educational opportunities.

SIXTH FORM

The Qualification

Year 1

Level 3 Foundation Diploma

Year 2

Level 3 Extended Diploma

Arts1's BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma is a full-time, two-year vocational qualification equivalent to three A Levels. It combines practical, hands-on training with academic study, preparing students for higher education or for a career in the performing arts industry.

Step into the world of professional dance, designed for passionate performers, this course builds strong technical foundations in Ballet and Jazz while embracing the versatility of Commercial, Contemporary, and Partner work. You’ll train like an industry-ready artist, mastering audition techniques, ensemble performance, and repertoire that reflects the demands of today’s dance world.

But it’s not just about technique – it’s about creativity. You’ll have the chance to choreograph your own pieces and develop your unique voice as an emerging dance artist, preparing you to stand out in a competitive industry. With a practical, performance-focused approach supported by reflective theory, this pathway gives you the skills, confidence, and insight to thrive in the professional dance sector.

Arts1 Graduates have achieved places at all of the major Dance Conservatoires including Laine, London Studio Centre, London Contemporary, LIPA, Rambert and Bird College.

Meet your teachers, current students and view the facilities.

Book an open day

YOUR FIRST LOOK

Open Days

We offer in-person Open Days throughout the year, as well as a 45-minute on-demand Virtual Open Day. These events provide an opportunity to learn all about Arts1, explore our training programs, meet our team, and discover our school ethos.

Please register to be the first to know.

TUTORS

The Masterclass

Our weekly Masterclass Programme runs throughout the first and second year, giving students the chance to learn directly from leading industry professionals. These sessions combine expert insight with inspiration, helping you explore, innovate, and develop the skills and ambition needed to thrive in the performing arts.

Ivano Turco

Graeme Pickering

Natalie Bennyworth

Ryan North

Madeline Appiah

Jenna Boyd

Matteo Johnson

INSIDE OUR STUDIOS

Our Facilities

Following ten years in their previous building, Arts1 moved into their new studio complex in 2024 for all students to enjoy. The new facility features a studio theatre, air-conditioned studios, an onsite coffee shop and a library space for study.

Beyond our core studios, Arts1 is equipped with dedicated 1-to-1 singing rooms and a specialised vocal booth, providing ideal environments for focused practice, voice recording and personalised coaching. We also offer a variety of breakout spaces designed for collaborative group work, creative brainstorming, and quiet reflection, ensuring that every aspect of your training and development is supported by versatile and inspiring facilities.

Rehearsal Rooms

At Arts1, we have 8 large spacious rehearsal rooms that serve as dynamic spaces for preparation and performance. Many of these rooms are equipped with their own sound and lighting setups. Our largest rehearsal space is generously sized, allowing us to replicate the stage setups you'll find in professional theatre spaces in the UK and internationally.

Studio Theatre

Our studio theatre comfortably seats 120 guests, providing an intimate setting for captivating performances. It’s the perfect venue for musicals, plays, live music (bandeoke on week 1 is a highlight), and other presentations, allowing audiences to engage closely with the performers.

Our in house equipment includes intelligent moving lights, radio microphones, haze and everything necessaary to perform live and recorded work at a professional level.

Dance Studios

In our dance studios at Arts1, we've thoughtfully equipped them with sprung flooring, air conditioning, ballet barres, expansive mirrors, and a user-friendly sound system ready for you to plug in your preferred device. Each studio is flooded with natural light to create a lovely training facility.

Singing Studios

Our 1-to-1 singing lessons at Arts1 happen within our dedicated singing studios. These studios are meticulously designed to create an optimal environment for your vocal journey. Each room is equipped with sound systems and a piano. Our focus is on providing you with a comfortable, private space where you can nurture your vocal talents.

Library

Our library serves as a hub for research and inspiration. It houses a diverse collection of books, resources, and media, offering a quiet and comfortable environment for study, exploration, and creative thinking.

Grub

Grub, our café, is the perfect spot to relax and refuel during your training programme. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee, enjoying a snack, or even holding a little pop up performance in our stage area, Grub provides a welcoming atmosphere to unwind and socialise.

We care about our coffee almost as much as our training. We grind Concrete Cowboy, a local speciality blend from Milk & Beans alongside, smoothies, frappes and a range of hot and cold food.

YOUR TUTORS

Meet the Team

Meet the staff

Leanne Hughes

Leanne has 20 years experience training dancers for a career in performance.

Abz Kareem

Abz can be seen dancing on Prime time Television shows including Strictly Come Dancing, The Greatest Dancer and The Masked Singer.

Adam Scott

Adam is a highly sought after choreographer and teacher working throughout the UK and internationally for high profile institutions and production companies.

Amy Shackcloth

Amy is a Musical Director working on productions including Starlight Express, Hadestown, Hercules and 13 going on 30.

Pierina Penny

Pierina is a highly experienced vocal coach and has specialised in working with dancers learning to use their voices. Alongside her work at Arts1 Pierina is faculty at London Studio Centre.

Jenna Carey-Miles

Jenna worked for Celebrity Cruise Lines as Dance Captain, Dancer and Aerialist, for a number of years. During this time she worked with international choreographers, helping to create and take out some of their newest shows

Zec Luhana

Zec is a multi-discipline creative, dancer and teacher as recently seen in Netflix's Dance 100. Zec has trained with London's Boy Blue Hip Hop company and is a former IDO world champion with multiple titles. Having performed at Dubai’s Global Village and toured with Thriller Live, Zec has worked across the UK and internationally as a teacher and adjudicator

Massimo Solazzo

Massimo Solazzo began learning ballet at the age of 5 and has been in the industry for nearly 30 years. He is a well-known dancer who has passed all the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) exams, from Primary to Advanced 2.

Massimo continues to lead international workshops for teachers and students in the UK, Mexico, and San Diego (USA).

Ami Henderson

Ami graduated from London Studio Centre in 2007, with a BA (Hons) in Theatre Dance, with an Upper Second Class Honours with specialism in Jazz Theatre Dance.

GETTING STARTED

Entry Requirements

Applications to Arts1 will be done on an audition basis. Your audition day will give you the chance to show us your talent and get comfortable at our Milton Keynes home. The day will include a tour of our facilities and a chance to meet staff and students.

Applicants must be aged 18 or due to have turned 18 by the time the course commences.

Students applying to Arts1 will take part in a thorough process to assess suitability for the programme. This includes practical elements as part of an audition day. Your audition day will give you the chance to show us your skills and experience and get comfortable at our Milton Keynes home. The day will include a tour of our facilities and a chance to meet staff and students.

<strong>Applicants must be aged 16 or due to have turned 16 by the time the course commences.</strong>

The annual fees are £3,000 plus VAT, payable in 12 monthly instalments of £300. The first payment is due by the end of August 2026. These fees cover additional tuition, productions, trips, and a vocational training beyond the scope of the government-funded diploma.

Scholarships
Students from low-income households may qualify for scholarship support, and detailed information about our scholarship programme will be sent following a successful application. As a non-profit making institution, access and inclusion is at the heart of our vision for training.