Josie Clarke Academy of Dance & Acrobatics
Passion - Perfection - Performance
Welcome to Josie Clarke Academy of Dance & Acrobatics
"Passion, Perfection, Performance"
JCADA is a multi-award-winning dance school committed to excellence in both dance and acrobatics.
We provide high-quality training for all ages and abilities, with a strong focus on correct technique and safe progressions.
We proudly welcome supportive families and enthusiastic, dedicated students who share our passion for dance, drive for perfection, and joy in performance.
Whether you’re stepping into your very first class or returning to dance later in life, JCADA is the place to grow, shine, and belong.
Explore our classes and start your journey today.
Discover your perfect dance class...
At JCADA, we believe there’s a class for everyone — from our tiniest Twinkle Toes to our experienced Glitz Legends. Each session is carefully designed to inspire confidence, develop technique, and spark a lifelong love of dance.
Twinkle Toes, Mini Movers,
Groove Growers & Star Steppers
At JCADA, our youngest dancers begin their journey in a warm, welcoming, and confidence-building environment. Each class blends the joy of movement with the foundations of dance technique, giving little ones the perfect start.
Our Twinkle Toes class works towards Jungle Jigglers - a brand-new syllabus created especially for pre-school children, packed with fun themes, a variety of age-appropriate dance skills, and playful movement to inspire confidence and creativity.
Mini Movers, Groove Growers, and Star Steppers follow the First Steps syllabus — preliminary, introductory exams designed to bridge the gap between early dance classes and our Foundation Levels. These classes explore Ballet, Tap, and Jazz, building a strong base for future progression. Dancers also have the opportunity to take IDTA Rosette Awards in Freestyle and Musical Theatre.
We offer four age-appropriate classes:
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Twinkle Toes – ages 3–4
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Mini Movers – ages 4–6
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Groove Growers – ages 5–7
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Star Steppers – ages 6–8
Every session is full of music, imagination, and encouragement — perfect for sparking a lifelong love of dance.
Groove & Grace and Pulse & Poise
Our Foundation Ballet/Tap/Jazz classes provide the perfect introduction to graded training. Dancers work towards their Foundation Levels with the NPAA syllabus, alongside IDTA Freestyle, Line Dance, and Musical Theatre awards. We offer two levels: Groove & Grace (Foundation Level 1) Pulse & Poise (Foundation Level 2) Each class blends technique and performance skills across Ballet, Tap, and Jazz, building a strong foundation for progression into our graded classes.
Jazz, Tap & Contemporary - Grade 1 -8
From Grade 1 onwards at JCADA, twice-weekly attendance is compulsory to support well-rounded technical development. Dancers attend one Modern Jazz/Tap/Contemporary class and one Ballet class each week, ensuring they build strength, flexibility, musicality, and artistry across multiple styles. These classes focus on developing strong technique in each discipline: the rhythm and clarity of Tap, the strength and flexibility of Jazz, and the fluidity and expression of Contemporary. Alongside technical skills, dancers work on performance quality, stage presence, and adaptability - preparing them for both graded examinations and exciting performance opportunities. Our current classes are:
Grade 1 – Spotlight Sparkle
Grade 2 – Stage Shine (A) / Stage Lights (B)
Grade 3 – Star Glow
Grade 4 – Performance Dazzle
Grade 5 – Showtime Flair
Grade 6 – Stardom Awaits
As dancers progress through the grades, they take on increasingly challenging choreography and learn to blend styles seamlessly — essential skills for today’s versatile performer.
Ballet - Grade 1-8
Our compulsory Ballet classes run in partnership with our Jazz/Tap/Contemporary programme from Grade 1, ensuring dancers develop balanced technical skills across multiple disciplines. Each week, dancers attend one Ballet class and one Jazz/Tap/Contemporary class, giving them the strength, versatility, and artistry to progress through the grades with confidence.
Ballet classes strengthen the body and mind, developing flexibility, coordination, precision, and expressive artistry. As dancers grow, they master increasingly intricate vocabulary and skills, with pointe work introduced from Grade 5. This careful progression shapes dancers with the discipline and elegance to excel at the highest levels. Our current classes are:
Grade 1 – Classical Journey (A) / Poised Voyage (B)
Grade 2 – Graceful Rising
Grade 3 – Expressive Elevation
Grade 4 – Artistic Ascend
Grade 6 – Refined Radiance (with Beginner Pointe)
Major Grades – Elite Elegance (with Pointe)
Each grade challenges dancers to refine their technique while encouraging self-expression, confidence, and performance quality — preparing them for higher-level examinations, vocational training, and stage work.
Acrobatic Arts
Our Acrobatic Arts programme is an extra optional discipline, perfect for dancers who want to develop strength, flexibility, balance, limbering, and tumbling skills alongside their core dance training. Following the world-renowned Acrobatic Arts syllabus, these classes blend the athleticism of acrobatics with the performance quality of dance, creating versatile, well-rounded performers. Since becoming an official AcroPad Centre in 2021, JCADA has been able to give dancers the confidence to attempt more advanced skills using our inflatable air track, allowing them to train safely while building strength and technique. Our current classes are:
Mini Tumblers (Primary Acrobatic Arts)
Forming Foundations (Level 1 Acrobatic Arts)
Technique Builders (Level 2 Acrobatic Arts)
Dynamic Elevation (Level 3 Acrobatic Arts)
Power Developing (Level 4 Acrobatic Arts)
Flying with Force (Level 5+ Acrobatic Arts)
Dancers progress through each stage of the syllabus, mastering core acrobatic elements before advancing to aerials and other high-level tricks. Safety, correct technique, and confident performance are at the heart of every class.
Belly Dancing
Our Belly Dance classes are a fun and engaging way to develop graceful transitions, precise isolations, and expressive performance skills. Each dance is choreographed to traditional Belly Dance music, blending cultural authenticity with the creativity of JCADA’s performance style. We offer three classes:
Shimmy Squad (Junior Belly Dance)
Desert Beats (Intermediate Belly Dance)
Mystical Rhythms (Advanced Belly Dance)
All dancers work towards IDTA Belly Dancing Medals and prepare performance pieces for displays, events, and competitions - giving them the confidence to shine both on stage and in the studio.
Glitz Legends
Our Glitz Legends class offers fun, friendly tuition in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Across 90 minutes, dancers enjoy a varied mix of styles including Ballet, Modern Jazz, Belly Dance, Line Dance, Flexibility, Freestyle, and Tap - making it perfect for experienced adults aged 21+.
Exams are available as an optional extra for those who wish to work towards recognised achievements, alongside the opportunity to perform in shows, displays, and competitions (performing is completely optional).
Whether on stage or in the studio, this sociable class is all about enjoying dance, building skills, and sharing the experience with a fabulous group of like-minded people.