Samantha Wood Theatre Academy – Where Creativity Meets Passion

Welcome to Samantha Wood Theatre Academy

This is the place ‘Where Creativity Meets Passion’ and where you will find highly qualified and widely experienced teachers who offer far more than singing, dancing and acting. Our aim is to immerse every student, regardless of age, ability or ambition into the enchanting world of the performing arts.

We enable students of all ages (from 2 years to adults) to unlock their potential, ignite their passion and realise their dreams, by progressively learning new skills and techniques and going as far as they choose to go.

We encourage personal and artistic growth, placing a strong emphasis on a student-centred approach. We build confidence, social and physical development, and resilience; healthy practices that will benefit students throughout their lives – and all whilst making great friendships, having fun and celebrating each others achievements!

All teachers are DBS checked and trained in First Aid and Safeguarding.

View Our Timetable & Book Your Free Trial Class Today!

Some of our students in action

Click here and then click on screen to start video: Some of Our Students In Action

Why Choose Samantha Wood Theatre Academy

SWTA offers a variety of performance opportunities: workshops with industry professionals, local events, competitions and our wonderful, full company showcase at Buxton Opera House.

In 2025, we were absolutely delighted and extremely proud when ten of our very talented dancers were selected to represent Team England at the World Finals of the Dance World Cup, which, this year, took place in Burgos, Spain. The Dance World Cup is an international all-genre dance competition for children and young adults ages 4 to 25. DWC represents over 120,000 competitors from 65 countries competing at their individual country qualifiers and at the World Finals.

So whether your child wants to dance purely for fun and recreation or they want dance to be their vocation in life, there is a place for them here. Come along and join our fabulous classes. Register now for your free trial lesson and be inspired.

Our Classes

We offer a wide range of classes, starting with AcroDance PreSchool & Little Stars (a lovely blend of first stage acro skills, singing, dancing and role play – lots of fun for 2-4yr olds, accompanied by a parent), then AcroDance PreSchool for more confident 3-4yr olds (without parents). Classes for older age ranges include Acrobatic Arts, Musical Theatre, Street Dance, ISTD Ballet including Inter Foundation, Pointe Prep and PBT (Progressing Ballet Technique), ISTD Tap, ISTD and IDTA Modern, Jazz, Lyrical & Radar Technique, Stretch & Body Conditioning including Alixa Flexibility Training, and private dance or singing lessons.

NEW IN 2025: Drama classes with professional theatre maker and Actor, Liz Richardson.

Students have opportunities to take graded examinations in a number of class styles, including Ballet, Tap, Modern, Acrobatic Arts and LAMDA.

Those who reach the desired standards may be invited to join our Competition Team classes and they will compete with performers from other dance schools.

We Are Inclusive

Everyone is welcome at SWTA; we work with children of all abilities and those with special educational needs.

Our team is attuned to the physical and mental well-being of all students and we constantly work in partnership with our parents to ensure that every child can enjoy a full performing arts experience, whilst feeling safe, listened to and accepted.

We have a ‘Walk Softly’ policy: this is used if a family is experiencing sad or challenging times and parents/carers feel that their child might be affected and bring those emotions into class. There is no need to give us the details, but just make us aware of the situation in an email, a message, or in a chat and we will ensure that we extend extra care and attention their way.

Our Examination Success Rate

We offer a range of examinations through the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) and the International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA), two of the world’s leading dance examination boards.

We enjoy a 100% success rate with 95%+ of students achieving a Distinction.

ISTD and IDTA graded and vocational graded qualifications are recognised by the Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator (OFQUAL).

NEW! We will be offering AcroDance exams from 2025!
The Acrobatic Arts programme is in-depth and has defined and achievable goals that have been proven to motivate dancers to excel. Dancers work through twelve exam levels, each designed to create a well balanced acrobat, including elements of flexibility, strength, balance, limbering and tumbling.

Our teachers will be able to take students from AcroDance skills Level 1 all the way through to the advanced Pre-Professional 3 level of the Acrobatic Arts syllabus.

Dancers in the UK can choose to have their Acrobatic Arts exams recognized under OFQUAL.

A Future in Performing Arts

We are proud to have a number of our students represent Team England in the Dance World Cup.

We inspire and support the next generation of professional performing artists through our teaching, and by guiding our students along pathways to their future careers.

Many of our students have been offered places on prestigious Associate programmes and have also been selected to take part in our local, professional pantomime at Buxton Opera House.

Some have also progressed to the next level by achieving places at Centre Pointe, Phil Winston’s Theatreworks, LMA – Liverpool, SLP College, and Dancebox Studios & Theatre Works to mention a few, and many are now enjoying a professional career either performing, teaching, or both.