Welcome to Bideford's
Purpose Built
Performing Arts School
Established in 2018, Louisa Hockin School of Performing Arts is a friendly, family orientated performing arts school offering a wide ranging curriculum to children of all ages and abilities. We have a variety of classes available to suit all.
We follow the ISTD & Acrobatic arts syllabus, all other classes are non exam classes. Younger students can begin in our tiny dancer class from 2 years old. Once aged 4, they can try any of our ballet, modern, tap and acrobatic arts classes.
Please see our timetable below for further class information.
Facilities
Clovelly Road Industrial Estate
Bideford, Devon.
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Harlequin Sprung Flooring
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Two Dance Studios
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Watching Window
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Elevator
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Disabled Amenities
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Onsite Parking
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Baby Changing Facilities
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Small Play Area in Reception
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Boys and Girls Changing Rooms
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Solar Panels
Principal
Louisa Hockin
Modern | Tap | Jazz | Ballet | Acrobatic Arts
Contemporary | Tiny Dancers | Song & Movement
Louisa has been dancing, singing and acting since 8 years old. She started attending monthly and fortnightly training in dance and musical theatre in London from the age of 12. Aged 15, Louisa successfully gained a place at the prestigious ‘Laine Theatre Arts’ in Epsom, Surrey. Louisa graduated in 2009 with a Level 6 Diploma in Musical Theatre along with ISTD teaching qualifications and other dance/acting examinations with ISTD, LAMDA and RAD.
Since graduating Louisa worked for 7 years performing abroad, in the UK and onboard cruise ships
Dancer for Princess Cruises onboard the Golden Princess and Grand Princess
Dancer for Carnival Cruise Lines onboard the Carnival Valor and Carnival Paradise
Dancer for Ibero Cruseros onboard the Grand Holiday
Magician’s assistant for Rick Green international illusionist onboard the Grand Holiday
Singer/Dancer for Kanika Entertainment in Cyprus
Singer/Dancer for Warner Leisure Hotels at Thoresby Hall in Nottinghamshire
Dancer for Madonna Tribute - Tasha Leaper in Material World in the UK and Turkey
Sara Hodder
HEAD OF BALLET
Sara Hodder Daniels, from a young age studied with the Royal Academy of Dancing to Advanced level before turning her attention to Russian ballet, Russian character dance, and contemporary dance with the Russian Ballet Society at the Legat School of Ballet in Sussex. She subsequently performed and studied Ballet, Modern and Tap at the Dance Arts Theatre College where she earned an Associate (Distinction) of Teachers of Dance from the
Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance – ISTD Syllabus.
Turning her attention to teaching, Sara began her own dance studio in Bideford, where she taught pre-ballet through to adult classes, choreographed shows and performances and readied students for dance examinations. In 1989 Sara moved to the US to raise her family. Originally based in N.C, Sara taught and choreographed at Tidewater Ballet and Dare County Parks and Recreation. In addition, she taught pre- ballet through advanced and adult classes and performed Ballet and Contemporary Dance with the Ballet School of Chapel Hill.
Sara has recently been teaching in NJ, USA with the Pennsylvania Ballet Company and School with artistic director Yu Hong. Sara lives in Westward Ho! and is also a licensed Veterinary Technician. She is an avid reader, enjoys paddle boarding, walking her dogs, creating artwork and spending time with three adult children based in the USA and her family here in the UK.
Classes
Everyone is welcome to try any class/classes suitable for them. Our timetable is above, if you would like to book a free trial class, please click on the link at the top of this page. Students trial according to age, If we feel your child would be better suited in a different class we will let you know. A welcome pack will be handed to you at the trial class with relevant information needed to join the school. Once ready to join, please click on the link above too enrol.
Payment & Enrolment
All of our classes require full enrolment, classes are paid in blocks 6 or 7 weeks (every half term).
Following our easy to use enrolment process, your details will be added to our database and payment for your chosen class/classes for the rest of that payment block will be paid. Once fully enrolled, an invoice is sent via email 2 weeks before the start of the next payment block. Please see the timetable above for prices.
MULTI CLASS DISCOUNT
Multi Class discount is applied for individual students who attend 2 or more classes a week, a percentage is taken off the total bill per payment block.
2 classes a week = 5% discount
3 classes a week = 10% discount
4 classes a week = 15% discount
5+ classes a week = 20% discount
BALLET
Age 4+
Ballet is a disciplined dance technique which forms the basic core strength and training for all styles of dance. During class, students study the ISTD syllabus exploring the artistry, fluidity and musicality of ballet alongside the importance of gaining strong technique. Studying ballet makes a dancer look clean and professional, in whichever style of dance they are performing.
MODERN
Age 4+
Modern is most commonly seen in West End / Broadway style shows. The ISTD Modern syllabus gives students a strong, dynamic and technical training. Modern, along with ballet, helps aid various similar styles such as jazz, contemporary and lyrical. Modern is a high energy class, dancers are encouraged to express themselves and explore choreographic and improvisational skills alongside a good understanding of rhythm and music.
TAP
Age 4+
Tap focuses on making fun and interesting percussive rhythms using the feet and body. During class we explore many different styles of music. From the popular current American rhythmic style, through to the West End ‘top hat and tails’ variety, there really is something to suit everyone. We follow the ISTD syllabus.
Ages 4+
Acrobatic Arts, also known as acrodance, is a unique blend of dance and gymnastic disciplines and is based on five divisions of flexibility, strength, balancing, limbering and tumbling. The syllabus progresses through 350 skills across 12 graded levels.
ACROBATIC ARTS
ACROBATIC ARTS
CONTEMPORARY
Ages 8+
Contemporary is a mix of several dance genres such as classical ballet, modern, lyrical & jazz. Unlike other forms of dance, contemporary dance isn’t a rigid choreographic style and is open to many possibilities. Expression and freedom is explored, while simultaneously maintaining a strong focus on technique alongside fluidity of the body, coordination and dynamics.
Ages 2 - 3
Tiny Dancer classes are available for ages 2-3. During the class, we explore various movements of the body using a variety of fun props, music and imagery as well as learning the basics of a class environment and interacting with other children. If your child loves a little wiggle and dance, tiny dancer classes are a good introduction. Once children reach the age of 4 and are ready to be moved up to the next class they will be able to try and then join ballet, modern, tap & acrobatic arts classes.
TINY DANCERS
Ages 7+
From West-End musicals to songs by your favourite pop-artist, this classes will encourage a rounded performer. An essential class for those who may be considering auditioning for professional stage school in the future, as competition for places is tough and applicants are now required to be able to sing, dance and act, becoming a ‘triple threat’ performer. This class is also suitable for those who simply love to sing and dance for fun and want to pursue their hobby in a supportive and friendly environment!
SONG & MOVEMENT
Ages 8+
Jazz is a high high energy class. Dancers will work on their flexibility, strength and stamina; as well as balance, power and their Jazz technique. After their warm up, leaps, kick and turns, students will learn, recap and rehearse dance routines. From Dua Lipa to Marvin Gaye, students will train to a range of song genres and learn a variety of different dance styles.