Business Details
23 Years
experience
Spotlight Academy - Dance & Performing Arts Education in East Staffordshire
Established in 2003 by Angelina Socci, Spotlight Academy has become one of East Staffordshires leading dance and performing arts schools. With over 270 pupils aged 2 to 18, we deliver ballet, tap, modern, street dance, and performing arts tuition at locations in Abbots Bromley, Etwall, Rolleston On Dove, and Uttoxeter. Our teachers are DBS-checked and hold public liability insurance, with Angelina herself bringing 20+ years of teaching experience alongside her background as a TV and radio journalist. We prioritise fun while offering structured technical training, enabling students to pursue examination standards under the International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA) framework.Annual theatre productions at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre and The Brewhouse Arts Centre provide performance opportunities, supported by regular workshops featuring industry professionals. We also operate after-school performing arts clubs and Clubbercise fitness classes, maintaining competitive pricing for uniforms and flexible participation options to accommodate all skill levels and ambitions.
Services
Ballet
Tap
Modern
Street Dance
Performing Arts
Workshops
Dance Parties
Uniform Supply
Clubbercise
After-School Classes
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We have over 20 years of experience delivering dance education under IDTA standards.
- All our instructors are DBS-checked with public liability insurance.
- We offer performance opportunities at professional theatres including Stafford Gatehouse.
- Flexible exam participation ensures stress-free progress tracking for pupils.
- Regular workshops feature industry professionals from theatre and entertainment sectors.
Associations and certifications
- International Dance Teachers Association
What people say
Passion and enthusiasm
Shining on stage
Mini West End show
Heartwarming performances
Services
Ballet
Our ballet classes follow the IDTA syllabus, teaching technique and grace to children aged 2-18. Students develop posture, flexibility, and discipline through structured lessons. We balance technical precision with creative expression, enabling progression from beginner to examination-standard levels.
Performing Arts
Combining drama, singing, and dance, our performing arts classes build stage confidence for 6-12 year olds. The IDTA curriculum fosters creativity through script work, musicals, and group performances. Sessions enhance communication skills while preparing participants for live theatre productions.
Workshops
Seasonal workshops cover diverse styles including circus skills, Spanish dance, and West End repertoire with industry professionals. Participants learn choreography, drama techniques, and performance presentation. Past events featured BBC TV collaborators and Royal Ballet alumni, offering unique industry insights.
Dance Parties
Birthday parties blend dance lessons, themed routines, and disco entertainment for children. Customisable options include princess, Disney, and glow themes with disco lights and glow sticks. Two-hour sessions include dance games, choreography, and a final performance for guests.
Clubbercise
Clubbercise classes combine club anthems with calorie-burning workouts for adults. No dance experience required, with low/high impact options available. Participants enjoy 500-calorie burns per session while dancing in darkened rooms with disco lighting and glow sticks.
People
Angelina Socci
Founder
Qualified dance teacher with 20+ years' experience. Started Spotlight Academy in 2003 while working as TV/radio journalist. Trained with legendary entertainers, holding IDTA accreditation. Specialises in creating fun, confidence-building dance environments for children.
Jody White
Dance Instructor
IDTA-qualified teacher with university dance qualifications. Joined Spotlight Academy in 2009, choreographing shows and specialising in ballet/tap instruction. Balances teaching with nursery nursing work while managing performance planning duties.
Becky Adams
Ballet Specialist
Trained at The Royal Ballet and Kate Simmonds Dance School. Cecchetti Ballet-qualified with theatre company performance experience. Teaches ballet/tap/modern dance to diverse age groups across Midlands schools since qualifying with IDTA in 2012.
Antonia-Hayley Bennett
Street Dance Instructor
Competed in European UDO Championship before theatre arts training. Brings professional performance experience to street dance instruction. Teaches across Staffordshire schools while specialising in contemporary dance styles and competition preparation.
Questions
What age groups do you teach?
We accept children from 2 years old up to 18, with performing arts classes specifically for 6-12 year olds.
Are your teachers qualified?
All instructors are IDTA-certified or DBS-checked with public liability insurance.
Can students take dance exams?
Yes, we offer IDTA examinations with preparation included in regular classes.
What performance opportunities exist?
We stage annual productions at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre and The Brewhouse Arts Centre.
Do you require specific uniforms?
Leotards, leggings and appropriate footwear are mandatory for exams and performances.
How do I book a dance party?
Contact us directly to reserve dates, choose themes and arrange venue requirements.
