About Leap Dance

Leap Dance Midlands

Welcome to Leap Dance Midlands, a fun and friendly children’s dance school based in Derbyshire and Staffordshire in the Midlands. We offer a range of dance classes based on Royal Academy of Dance ballet and Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance and International Performing Arts and Theatre and tap, modern dance and musical theatre syllabus and Acrobatic Arts acro dance, offering an extensive performing arts experience.

We provide a supportive and nurturing environment so that the children get the attention and encouragement they need in order to develop and thrive To read our Risk Assessment and Safeguarding Policy please click here.

Our dance lessons offer accredited examinations and optional chances to perform in shows, demonstrations and community events. We offer a range of different dance styles and opportunities for children.

Meet our Founder

Leap Dance Midlands was started by the Principal, Elaine Tomlinson because of her love of dance. Elaine is a qualified Royal Academy of Dance graduate having completed the Certificate in Teaching Studies with the RAD.

The Royal Academy of Dance is one of the world’s most influential dance education and training organisations, internationally recognised for its attention to detail and technique. The RAD is world renowned for its classical ballet examination syllabus and its examinations are recognised by Ofqual and contribute to UCAS points, needed to get into University degrees. The English National Ballet School, the Royal Ballet School and Elmhurst Ballet school all take vocational exams with the RAD.

Elaine has also studied ISTD tap and modern to an advanced level and performed in national competitions and productions as a dance student. She is also certified with Acrobatic Arts the world’s most trusted acrobatic dance programme. Elaine is also a qualified Ballet Be Fit Instructor, accredited by The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity.

As well as being a qualified RAD teacher, Elaine also has over twenty years of experience working in education and teaching children and adults of all ages and abilities.

She has extensive knowledge of children with special needs and mental health issues. This insight and experience has created the inclusive and supportive dance community that is ‘Leap Dance Midlands’.

Our Story

Leap Dance Midlands was born during lockdown, when Elaine began teaching her adult Ballet Be Fit classes over Zoom. Parents began asking if she could also offer classes for their children — and she did. The joy it brought sparked something new. What started as a small idea soon grew into a full dance school across multiple villages.

Elaine’s mission was clear from the start: to create a dance space that was kind, inclusive, and confidence-building — where no child would be left out, no matter their ability, background or needs.

Unlike some traditional dance schools that can feel intimidating or exclusive, Leap is a place where every dancer feels welcome. We make sure children are welcomed into a calm, friendly environment where they can thrive.

What makes us different?

All our teaching team are fully trained and includes a recent Dance Graduate and a Professionally Dancer with decades of experience performing around the world. Their fresh energy and industry experience bring exciting new perspectives to Leap Dance Midlands as we continue to grow and develop.

Our staff are trained in supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Mental Health support for children and young people.

We understand that every child learns differently and faces unique challenges, so we tailor our teaching approach to meet individual needs with patience, kindness, and flexibility. This creates a safe space where children with additional needs feel valued, understood, and encouraged to express themselves through dance.

Our supportive environment helps build confidence, reduce anxiety, and promote emotional wellbeing alongside physical skills. Parents appreciate that we stay connected with families to ensure each child’s experience is positive, nurturing, and enriching.

Every dancer is welcomed as part of the Leap Dance community, and we celebrate their progress and achievements with pride.

We love welcoming our families into our Leap Dance community including watching weeks and dance shows to parties, holiday clubs and family fun days. Our friendly, inclusive classes make sure every child feels welcome, and we keep the fun going with cinema trips and themed parties. Plus with taster sessions and watching weeks, families always feel involved. It’s about more than dance, it’s about creating a welcoming dance community,

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Your child will have the maturity, experience and understanding of fully trained staff and an experienced educational adviser combined with the enthusiasm of the founder who wants to share their love of dance with your child.

As an adult joining a dance class you will get a safe, supportive and gentle class that encourages health and wellbeing in an understanding and nurturing way.

Where are we located?

Leap Dance Midlands is located in village locations across Derbyshire and Staffordshire. Classes are in Anslow, Melbourne, Hilton and Tutbury.

What dance styles do we teach?

We teach ballet classes, tap dance, modern and street dance lessons, musical theatre, lyrical and jazz and acrobatic gymnastic dance for young children and kid’s of all ages.

Unsure which dance style to choose for your child? To learn more about all of the dance styles we teach, please click here

We love dance and want to inspire others to enjoy it as much as we do.

We believe that ‘Dance is for Everyone.’

Unsure which dance style to choose for your child? To learn more about all of the dance styles we teach, please click here