Josie Clarke Academy of Dance & Acrobatics
Passion - Perfection - Performance
Welcome to Josie Clarke Academy of Dance & Acrobatics
Passion, Perfection, Performance
Welcome to Josie Clarke Academy of Dance & Acrobatics, a multi-award winning dance studio focused on achieving exceptional standards of dance and acrobatics, with emphasis on correct technique and safe progressions. The studio welcomes supportive parents and dedicated pupils who have a passion for dance, strive for perfection and love performing. Reach out today to learn more about the classes on offer and how to get involved.
Boston’s Multi Award Wining Dance Studio
3 x Winner “Central England Dance School of the Year”
“Dance School of the Year’ Silver Winner 2021
"Boston Hero 2021" awarded to Miss Josie
To find about more abut our awards and recognitions, please click here.
The Teachers
The enthusiastic teaching staff nurture creativity and artistic development in each pupil, offering a warm and positive environment for every dancer to learn and grow at their own pace. Every student receives professional training from Josie Clarke, who personally teaches all classes. Alison Carlo (Josie’s mother), who is now semi retired, will often still visit the studio to see how everyone is progressing; she also supports with dance displays and costume making!
Both Josie and Alison are fully qualified with the BATD, IDTA, Acrobatic Arts and Alixa Flexibility; enabling them to teach dancers from pre-school to professional level. Josie is also one of seven UK Acrobatic Arts examiners and is a certified teacher with both the ADTA and PBT.
Jamie Clarke (Josie’s husband) provides administrative support, assisting with uniform orders, fee payments and fundraising. Jamie is also a licensed chaperone and regularly helps at shows, displays and events.
All the JCADA team have undergone safeguarding training, have an enhanced DBS disclosure and hold a Level 3 qualification in Paediatric First Aid.
Many older dancers choose to become studio assistants in the younger children’s classes; volunteering their time to demonstrate exercises, techniques and routines which gives them an insight into dance teaching and helps to develop their leadership skills. JCADA studio assistants are wonderful, valued, role models and a credit to the school.
Classes We Offer
To ensure all dancers enjoy a variety of styles and excel as well rounded performers they are required to attend classes incorporating Ballet, Tap, Modern and Flexibility. Additional, optional classes include Acrobatic Arts (from age 4) and Belly Dancing (from age 6). All classes are designed to inspire dancers, encourage strong technique and develop artistry and performance.
Please click for our Autumn Term 2024 timetable. An enrolment form and participation waiver must be completed for all dancers prior to participating in any classes.
School uniform may be ordered through Miss Josie, or purchased through the school’s online store (http://jca.mydancestore.co.uk) and is compulsory at all classes to promote a sense of belonging and equality. At JCADA students are actively encouraged to dress smartly and take pride in their appearance. For health and safety reasons hair should be fully swept back into a classically dressed bun or French plait; jewellery must also be kept to a minimum.
Promotional wear including personalised rhinestone t-shirts, hoodies, onesies, shorts and leggings can be ordered from https://rockthedragon.co.uk/dance/jcada
Twinkle Toes, Twinklers & Twinkle Stars
The foremost priority in these classes is having fun and building confidence. Little dancers explore steps in Ballet, Tap, Modern, Freestyle and Song & Dance, working towards the BATD Starlite Awards and IDTA Rosettes; introductory exams designed for the younger performer. Three classes are available: Twinkle Toes for ages 3-5 years, Twinklers for ages 5-6 years and Twinkle Stars for ages 6-7 years.
Pre-Primary and Primary Classes
From Twinkle Stars, dancers progress to Pre Primary and then Primary; these are combination classes including Ballet, Tap, and Modern. Dancers learn rhythms and develop musicality to prepare for their first BATD graded exams. Dancers also have fun working towards IDTA Freestyle, Line Dance and Musical Theatre awards.
Grade 1 - Elementary
As dancers progress through the school, they are required to attend a minimum of twice weekly; one class incorporating Tap and Modern, the other, Ballet and Flexibility training. We aim to transition the move to bi-weekly training at Grade 1-2. Dancers are encouraged to develop artistry and performance skills whilst continuing to build their skills and technique.
Acrobatic Dance
An exciting opportunity for your dancer to develop their strength, flexibility, balancing, limbering and tumbling skills, following the world renowned Acrobatic Arts programme. JCADA became an official AcroPad centre in 2021, giving dancers the confidence to try more advanced tumbling skills on their inflatable air track.
Belly Dancing
A fun class developing graceful transitions and isolated movements of the body. Dances are choreographed to traditional Belly Dance music. Three classes are available: Junior Intermediate and Advanced. All dancers work towards IDTA Belly Dancing Medals and performance pieces for displays, events and competitions.
Classes for Adults
Our Glitz class provides fun and friendly tuition in a relaxed environment. Ballet, Modern, Belly Dance, Line Dance, Flexibility, Freestyle and Tap are covered in this sociable 1 hour 30 minute lesson for experienced adults age 21+. Many Glitz dancers enjoy participating in shows, displays and competitions, however this is completely optional.
Class Fees
JCADA fees offer exceptional value for money. Classes are arranged to run as closely to school terms as possible (36 weeks per year), however fees are divided into 12 monthly membership payments to spread the cost. All new dancers are eligible to one free trial lesson. If you would like to make a membership payment please click here. Should you wish to withdraw your place at JCADA, one month's paid notice is required.
Up to 1 hour tuition per week - £15 per month
Up to 2 hours tuition per week - £20 per month
Up to 3 hours tuition per week - £25 per month
Up to 4 hours tuition per week - £30 per month
Up to 5 hours tuition per week - £35 per month
More than 5 hours tuition per week - £40 per month
Examinations
JCADA is renowned for its outstanding examination results, with dancers who show exceptional technical ability being nominated by external examiners for scholarship opportunities. Graded exams are held frequently throughout the academic year with BATD, IDTA and Acrobatic Arts, providing official accreditation and evidence of progression and attainment. Examinations motivate dancers to be the best they can be, giving them a chance to shine and be proud of their achievements.
Performance Opportunities
The studio aims to produce a full school show every 18 months, packed with sparkle and glitz, creating many magical memories. “Dance Around the World” was held at Blackfriars Theatre in March 2023 and sold out within days. JCADA dancers are frequently asked to provide displays, both locally and further afield. Most recently they performed alongside Rollason Entertainment, BOS Musical Theatre Society and Tony Peers Productions. Dancers are invited to participate in competition and festival work based on their attendance, merit and attitude.
Term Dates
SUMMER TERM 2024
Last lesson of term: Monday 8th July, Tuesday 9th July, Wednesday 10th July, Thursday 11th July, Friday 12th July, Saturday 13th July
AUTUMN TERM 2024
First lessons of term: Friday 6th September, Saturday 7th September, Monday 9th September, Tuesday 10th September, Wednesday 11th September, Thursday 12th September
NO CLASSES on Friday 4th October and Saturday 5th October due to the BATD Scholarships
HALF TERM (no classes): Monday 21st October, Tuesday 22nd October, Wednesday 23rd October, Thursday 24th October, Friday 25th October, Saturday 26th October
Last lessons of term: Monday 2nd December, Tuesday 3rd December,
Wednesday 4th December, Thursday 5th December, Friday 6th December, Saturday 7th December
Dance Festivals & Competitions
In 2025 we will aim to compete in the Elevate Dance Festival (February half term), Boston Dance Festival (end of May) and Boston’s Got Talent (June).
Policies and Procedures
JCADA is committed to upholding and enhancing the standard and reputation of the dance profession. The following policies and procedures are in place to ensure classes at JCADA are run safely and professionally (please click to view). Please rest assured the academy holds the correct insurance, music licences and holds formal accounts which are independently audited.
Opening Hours
Where possible, classes run to coincide with school term times.
Monday: 4.00 - 9.30 pm
Tuesday: 4.00 - 9.15 pm
Wednesday: 4.00 - 9.30 pm
Thursday: 4.15 - 9.00pm
Friday: 4.15- 8.45 pm
Saturday: 9.00 am - 6.30 pm
Sunday: Reserved for private lessons. competition rehearsals, exams and workshops.
Contact
If you would like to find out more information about JCADA, we’d be more than happy to help. Please fill out the form below and one of the team will get back to you as soon as possible.
