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 has been excellent for my eldest daughter’s confidence and she now enjoys helping out in the younger classes. SWTA is a family that we love being a part of.
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 & Free Jazz and she absolutely loves this class too.
Ellie goes to Acrobatic Arts – this is her favourite class. She can safely exercise every part of her body, receiving guidance and challenges. She also attends Musical Theatre which offers the chance to develop her talents and have a go at everything.
Both girls sing and dance all the way home!
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.
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 discipline comes from a place of motivation and excitement. My daughter looks forward to every lesson and feels motivated to practice at every opportunity. I think you are teaching a very valuable skill of self discipline and a desire to excel at activities you love.
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 decision we ever made. My daughter, who is also autistic, finds change and communication with new people challenging. The school welcomed her with open arms. She has been taking private dance and vocal lessons, and the effort the school has put into restoring her technique and skill level is phenomenal. More importantly, they have given her back her confidence and made her believe in her abilities.
Samantha Wood Theatre Academy has provided a safe space for my daughter to express herself when words fail her. She has had fantastic opportunities, including participating in competitions and a wonderful show at Buxton Opera House.
Scarlett auditioned for both Dance and Musical Theatre at The Manchester College and was successful in both auditions. Two years ago, my daughter had given up hope on her dreams. She didn’t have the confidence or ability to audition, let alone be successful in both auditions! She will start her Musical Theatre studies in September 2024. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and encouragement from the school.
If you’re looking for a place where your child can thrive, gain confidence, and pursue their dreams, Samantha Wood Theatre Academy is the perfect choice!
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 she loves the classes.
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 to each other. This is due to the wonderful teachers at SWTA. I cannot recommend them enough.
Maya loves her Mini Acro class. She looks forward to every class and comes out bouncing. Would highly recommend.
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 of dance and music in my little one.
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 that goes on behind the scenes.
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 being part of. As a chaperone at shows, I can vouch for the outstanding level of care the children receive, the attention to detail and the incredible quality of the performance that our girls are part of.
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 made new friends, has lots of fun and adores all the amazing teachers! Thank you!
My son has been attending the academy for around 3 years now. He loves it. He’s made lots of friends and his confidence has grown beautifully. The teachers are all fantastic and really bring out the best in each child. Would highly recommend!
When my daughter Amelia started at Samantha Wood Theatre Academy she was 4 and had very little language. Sam was great with her, she was so patient with Amelia and really gave her a confidence boost. 3 years on and Amelia loves going to ballet and all Sam and the teams’ hard work paid off when Amelia took part in the dance show at Buxton Opera House! She has gained skills and grown in confidence and I couldn’t be more pleased.
Both my girls, with very different personalities and likes, attend the academy and both thoroughly enjoy their classes. It’s built their confidence, their enjoyment of performance and they love their teachers.
Raven & Hunter: The staff are really helpful and friendly. They have classes for all different interests, so my daughter does musical theatre, and my son does acrodance – they both absolutely love their classes, particularly my little boy.
When Ameliya (aged 5) started at ballet/tap, she was shy and nervous. But from the first class, she bounded through the door, so excited to show us what she had been doing. I have watched her confidence grow and to my amazement, she even took part in the show at Buxton Opera House. We are so proud of her. We are both extremely thankful for the team, they have made a positive impact on Ameliya and she loves coming to ‘dancing’. Keep it up!
Mirabelle has been part of the academy since its launch and has attended musical theatre, acro and jazz classes over the years. Her participation in the bi annual shows has really built her confidence, given her amazing opportunities and above everything she’s had lots of fun.
Lily has been a part of the academy since she joined Acro-dance with Laura back when she was 3 or 4 years old. She has taken part in 3 performances at Buxton Opera House (such an amazing experience for her) and loved every second of her classes. I have many a time, & will continue to recommend the academy to anyone asking. I genuinely can’t think of one single complaint throughout our 6 years. Such a friendly, welcoming academy, regardless of ability and level of dedication, amazing communication and organisation, so once again, thank you!”
My two daughters have been attending SWTA for a number of years and dance has become a big part of our lives. They love all the different classes, shows and exams, have made lots of new friends and gained so much confidence in themselves. The teachers are amazing and work so hard with all the children.
Our twins (Laynie & Rohan Kerr) have been dancing at Samantha Wood Theatre Academy for a good few years now and they absolutely love it. They are in most of the classes, including the Competition Team, Jazz/Street/Ballet/Tap/Singing. They have improved so much by being part of this academy and win many medals 🏅
I went to Samantha Wood Theatre Academy for 6 years and couldn’t have chosen better! Sam taught me everything I knew going into dance college and I have now gone on to work professional dance contracts! I can’t thank Sam enough, I had the most incredible years and made the best of friends. I have also returned to the Academy as a dance teacher and I am really enjoying working with our students.
My time at Samantha Wood Theatre Academy was amazing. For the 9 years I was there I had many opportunities and they have prepared me for my future in the performing arts industry.