Samantha Wood Theatre Academy provides dance, drama, singing and performing arts classes for children, young people and adults in Chinley, Whaley Bridge and the surrounding High Peak area.
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.
Welcome to Samantha Wood Theatre Academy
Classes are available from age 2 through to adult level, with options including AcroDance, ballet, tap, modern, jazz, lyrical, street dance, musical theatre, drama, private lessons and examination pathways. Students can join for fun, confidence, friendship and recreation, or work towards exams, competitions and future performing arts training.
We enable students of all ages 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.
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.
Dance and Performing Arts Classes for All Abilities
Who we help
SWTA welcomes beginners, experienced dancers, children who want to build confidence, students interested in exams or competitions, and young performers who may want to continue into vocational performing arts training.
We also work with children of different abilities and needs, including students with special educational needs, and we place strong emphasis on confidence, wellbeing, friendship, safe teaching and individual progress.
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).
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 Drama (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.
AcroDance Classes
SWTA offers AcroDance classes for children who want to develop strength, flexibility, balance, limbering and tumbling skills in a safe dance-based environment. Students can progress through Acrobatic Arts levels and, from 2026, will have opportunities to work towards AcroDance exams.
Ballet Classes
SWTA offers ISTD ballet classes, including graded ballet, Inter Foundation, Pointe Prep and Progressing Ballet Technique. Ballet helps students develop posture, strength, technique, musicality and control, and can support progress in many other dance styles.
Tap Classes
Tap classes at SWTA help students develop rhythm, timing, musicality, coordination and performance skills. Students can work towards ISTD tap examinations when they are ready.
Modern, Jazz and Lyrical Dance
Modern, jazz and lyrical classes help students build performance quality, strength, flexibility, musicality and expressive movement. These styles are suitable for students who enjoy energetic, creative and performance-led dance.
Street Dance
Street dance classes give students the chance to develop confidence, musicality, rhythm, coordination and expressive movement in a fun, modern class environment.
Musical Theatre
Musical theatre classes combine performance, singing, movement and character work, helping students build confidence on stage while developing broader performing arts skills.
Drama and LAMDA
SWTA offers drama opportunities with professional theatre maker and actor Liz Richardson. Students can explore acting, communication, improvisation, public speaking and LAMDA examination routes.
Private Dance and Singing Lessons
Private lessons are available for students who want individual support with technique, confidence, performance preparation, audition work, singing or dance development.
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 2026!
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.
NEW! We will be offering LAMDA exams from 2026! LAMDA exams, offered by the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, are structured assessments in speech, drama, and communication skills, recognised internationally and beneficial for personal and academic development.
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.
Performing Arts Classes in Chinley, Whaley Bridge and the High Peak
Our classes take place at venues in Chinley and Whaley Bridge, making SWTA convenient for families from Chinley, Whaley Bridge, Chapel-en-le-Frith, New Mills, Buxton and the surrounding High Peak area.
What Our Students Say
Alice
I like dancing at SWTA because all of the teachers are so nice and encouraging. I have made loads of new friends and enjoy being part of the junior competition team. Dancing helps me to feel like I can express myself and my personality. I love it!
Ciara
I’ve been part of SWTA since baby ballet and now I am a member of the junior competition team. I love being part of a dance team as it lets me express myself and explore my different emotions in dance. I love all my teachers, they have helped build my confidence and encourage my love of dancing. Thankyou everyone at SWTA xx
Benjamin
I really liked being a lion in the big show. We had to roar very loud and pretend we were in the jungle when we were doing acro’. I waved to my family. It was lots of fun!
Esme
I’ve been in the Academy since I was 3.5 years old. I always thought my favourite dance style was lyrical but now I love street dance. I compete with the Intermediate Competition Team and the girls and I are all so close, we are all such good friends. Laura is an amazing teacher. I attend jazz/modern, street, ballet, tap and also have private lessons. I love this Academy; Laura, Sam and Sue are all so helpful (especially with hair, make up and costume changes ha-ha). Thank you all so much for everything.
Frankie
I love being a part of SWTA. When I first started dancing with them I didn’t know how important they would become to me. They are like my 2nd family. They give me the support and freedom I need to improve and enjoy my dancing. Dancing with my teammates at competitions makes me think of how much we have progressed thanks to our wonderful teachers. Because of all the support and encouragement I am now hoping to have a career in dance. Thank you SWTA for helping me and my teammates in our dancing journey. Frankie G
Lilly & Evie
We enjoy learning new skills and dances. We also like the community and atmosphere and we have really nice friends and teachers. Our favourite dance style is modern and jazz. We are proud to represent the academy at competitions.
Ruth
I love my SWTA lessons because you can learn lots of new things. Performing in the show is really fun and you can make loads of new friends. The new studio is really fancy and exciting.
Elin
SWTA is my dance family and I can’t imagine not being a part of it.
I love the teachers, the dancers and being able to dance and constantly learn new things and improving. The exams and competitions give me something to aim for, the shows something to really look forward to. Thank you Sam, Laura & Sue xx
Some Photos From The Gallery
Vicki Cawthorn
My daughters (age 10 and 13) have been dancing at SWTA for just over 5 years. They do a range of dance styles between them and thoroughly enjoy the classes. My youngest daughter is in the competition team and she is going from strength to strength, as well as developing lovely relationships with her peers. It…
Maggy Newman
My granddaughters have loved their classes from their first day. Molly goes to Street and Commercial Dance. It gives her chance to move to rhythms and express herself fully amongst friends. Street Dance is modern, different and exciting. Just the ticket for an eight year old who can’t keep still. She also attends Modern &…
David & Sarah Rowntree
Our daughter has been attending SWTA for a few years now. She absolutely loves to dance and has really grown in confidence since being invited to the junior competition team. The teachers are very professional and experienced, and have a lovely supportive manner with the children. We would highly recommend SWTA.
Olena Denisova
Many thanks for everything you do. Being part of your school has been transformative for my daughter from day one. We feel extremely lucky to live nearby and attend your wonderful classes. It is my and my friends’ opinion that your academy stands out from other dancing schools with its modern, gentle and engaging approach, where…
Maxine Julian-Brotherwood
I wholeheartedly recommend Samantha Wood Theatre Academy! When my daughter and I moved to Chapel-en-le-Frith in December 2022, she had been dancing since she was five. However, after losing a parent at the age of 11, she lost her dance and vocal mojo, along with her technique and confidence. Joining the academy was the best…
Hayley Bridge
My daughter has been attending SWTA for 2 years now. Children are encouraged to reach their full dancing potential in a supportive and welcoming environment. They are provided with many opportunities to demonstrate their progress and skills including shows, competitions and masterclasses. Sam, Laura and Merryn have ignited a passion for dancing within my daughter and…
Ruth Clout
Emily joined SWTA in 2017 aged 4 doing musical theatre. She later joined jazz, acro and then the competition team along with ballet and tap. SWTA has taught her so much, giving her a real love of dancing and helping in confidence. She has made wonderful friends and together they are all supportive and caring…
Anna Staples
Maya loves her Mini Acro class. She looks forward to every class and comes out bouncing. Would highly recommend.
Jessica Askey
My daughter has attended ‘Little Stars’ for the past few months and loved every second! She has grown in confidence, learnt lots of new skills and made some lovely friends. I would highly recommend Samantha Wood Theatre Academy to anyone thinking of introducing their child to dance, the teachers are fantastic and have definitely ignited a love…
Pam Elliott
Ruth has been attending ballet and tap lessons since she was five and dancing is still her favourite after school activity. I know that she is in great hands with the Samantha Wood team who are friendly and professional. The shows at Buxton Opera House are an absolute highlight and showcase all the hard work…
Anna Clarke
Our daughters have been part of the academy for years and both feel like part of the SWTA family. They love their classes and teachers, feel confident and happy and have made lots of friends. They particularly enjoy the Buxton Opera House shows; a fabulous experience, and something to feel a real sense of pride…
Lindsey Esposito
My daughter Maya has been attending the academy since she was 2 years old. She started in the Little Stars class and now at almost 6 years old attends Ballet, Tap and Acro. She thoroughly enjoys every class with her confidence growing everyday! Apart from doing what she loves and learning new skills, she’s also…
Frequently Asked Questions
What classes does Samantha Wood Theatre Academy offer?
Samantha Wood Theatre Academy offers dance, drama, singing and performing arts classes, including AcroDance, ballet, tap, modern, jazz, lyrical, street dance, musical theatre, drama, private dance lessons and private singing lessons.
Where are SWTA classes held?
Classes are held in Chinley and Whaley Bridge, including venues at Chinley Women’s Institute Hall, Chinley Community Centre and Bridgemont Studio in Whaley Bridge.
What age can children start classes?
Children can start from age 2 in early years classes such as Little Stars and AcroDance PreSchool. SWTA also offers classes for older children, teenagers and adults.
Can beginners join Samantha Wood Theatre Academy?
Yes. SWTA welcomes beginners as well as more experienced students. Children can join for fun, confidence and friendship, or progress towards exams, performances and competitions.
Do you offer a free trial class?
Yes. Families can register for a free trial class using the online registration system before deciding whether to continue.
Are the teachers qualified and checked?
Yes. SWTA’s teachers are experienced performing arts professionals, and teachers are DBS checked and trained in first aid and safeguarding.
Do students have performance opportunities?
Yes. Students can take part in performance opportunities including local events, workshops, competitions and SWTA’s full company showcase at Buxton Opera House.
Does SWTA offer dance exams?
Yes. Students can work towards graded examinations in styles including ballet, tap, modern, Acrobatic Arts and drama/LAMDA, depending on class type and readiness.