Summer School 2025
Wednesday, 20th August – Saturday, 23rd August | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
For ages 6+
Join us for an exciting and unforgettable 4 days at Summer School 2025! Our guest teachers—Sam Spencer-Lane, a renowned West End choreographer, Amy Powell, owner of APCreative Studios, and our very own Lauren Peters—are thrilled to return to Bideford for this fun-filled, action-packed event.
Throughout the 4 days, students will not only have the opportunity to learn and grow through a wide variety of subjects, but they’ll also make lasting memories, build friendships, and have a blast with other students. Whether they’re dancing, acting, singing, or working on crafts, they’ll be engaging in team-building activities and developing key industry skills in a fun and supportive environment.
Each day will start with a vocal and physical warm-up, followed by group sessions based on age and ability. Students will work in our two studios and the G4 Gym studio, where they’ll be escorted safely between locations. They’ll refine their skills throughout the day, preparing for their special demonstration on Saturday, 23rd August at 2:30 PM. Families are invited to join us at 2:15 PM to take their seats for the demonstration.
After the performance, students will be presented with certificates and awards, chosen by our guest teachers. The overall Summer School winners will receive 50% off next year’s Summer School!
It’s going to be 4 days of fun, friendships, and unforgettable experiences—don’t miss out!
Summer School Winners
2024
Hanna Switala & Ava McGuirk
2023
Florence Heaton & Bella Johns
2022
Bronté White, Florrie Grigg & Millie-Rae Cadle
2021
Thomas Burton and Ava-Grace Peters
2019
Connie Warner
£125 + FREE Summer School T-shirt when booked before July 31st.
Sam Spencer-Lane
Sam is an Experienced West-End Choreographer, ISTD Dance Associate in Ballet, Modern and Tap, Musical Theatre Director & Creator of the BA and MA Courses. She was head of dance and movement at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts from 2002 - 2012 and an external examiner between 2012 - 2017 for ArtsEd, Urdang Academy, Mountview Academy and Bucks New University. She has been teaching all styles of dance, singing and acting for over 30 years at the following prestigious performing arts schools. ArtsEd, Laine Theatre Arts, Doreen Birds, Italia Conti, London school of Musical Theatre, Royal Academy of Music, R.A.D.A, Urdang Academy and Lamda. West End and London Credits Include: Little Britain Live (Apollo Hammersmith - UK Tour); Barry Humphries Back With A Vengeance (Drury Lane & UK Tour); Streetcar To Tennessee (Young Vic); Personals (Lyric Theatre); Rat Pack Confidential (Whitehall Theatre); Company(Southwark Playhouse), Jaques Brel (Charing Cross Theatre). At The Menier Chocolate Factory - The Last Five Years, The Invisible Man, They're Playing Our Song and the UK premiere of Maltby and Shire’s ’Take Flight’. Other Credits include: The Hired Man (Salisbury Playhouse),Mrs Steinberg and the Byker Boy (Bush), A Perfect Ganesh (Tour) Pal Joey (Nottingham Playhouse), Pride and Prejudice (UK tour), Desire Under The Elms (RSC), Sweet Charity (Frankfurt English Theatre), Falstaff and Don Giovanni (Holland Park Opera), Somewhere in England (Theatre Clwyd), Privates on Parade (West Yorkshire Playhouse), Mr Stink (UK Tour), The Demon Headmaster (UK Tour), Tracey Beaker (UK Tour), Blues Brothers, Soul Sisters (UK Tour); Thank You For The Music (UK Tour).
Amy Parish
After successfully auditioning at the age of 17, Amy was offered places at a number of professional colleges in and around London and chose to continue full time training at Stageworks Performing Arts. After a long term injury she returned home to North Devon in 2015 to continue her professional training with the ISTD. Amy went on to teach dancing in her local area until 2016 when she decided to further her dance education. At the age of 21 Amy went on to study her Diploma in Dance Education and became Acrobatic Arts Certified at the beginning of 2017. Amy continues to broaden her knowledge and regularly attends workshops and courses both in the UK and internationally. She is incredibly passionate about keeping in touch with current styles and trends of dance and love to be inspired by other incredible professionals. Amy is the owner and founder of APChoreography in Plymouth which has been a huge success educating dancers in a positive way, building upon their confidence and teaching them techniques and skills they’ve always dreamed of perfecting. www.apcstudiosplymouth.co.uk
Lauren Peters
Lauren has been passionate about dance from a young age, quickly discovering her love for street dance. She began competing in street dance at just 9 years old, and over the years, she has amassed numerous awards in solos, duos, and team competitions. Her dedication and talent have led her to take part in workshops with some of the most respected industry professionals, including renowned groups such as Diversity and The Royal Family. At 16, Lauren’s talent was recognized when she successfully auditioned for the prestigious Swindon Dance CAT (Centre for Advanced Training) in street dance. This opportunity meant traveling to Swindon every weekend for intensive, high-level training, where she was immersed in the world of street dance. During her time at the CAT, Lauren honed her skills in a variety of core street dance styles, including house, hip-hop, breaking, and popping. The rigorous training and exposure to different techniques have equipped her with a deep understanding of the styles, ensuring she executes each movement with precision and authenticity. Lauren teaches regular Street / Commercial and Acrobatic Arts classes at Louisa Hockin School of Performing Arts. She also choreographs solo, duet, trio and group Street / Commercial routines for dance competitions. Lauren has gained medals for routines she’s choreographed for students and for her own performances in Street / Commercial and Tap. Lauren is continuing her ISTD Tap, Ballet and Modern dance training at Louisa Hockin School of Performing Arts. Lauren is qualified Acrobatic Arts teacher.
Louisa Hockin
Louisa has been passionate about dance, singing, and acting since the age of 8. By 12, she was training in London, and at 15, she earned a place at Laine Theatre Arts in Epsom, Surrey, where she graduated in 2009 with a Level 6 Diploma in Musical Theatre, along with ISTD, LAMDA, and RAD qualifications. After graduation, Louisa spent 7 years performing worldwide. Her career highlights include: • Dancer for Princess Cruises aboard the Golden Princess and Grand Princess • Dancer for Carnival Cruise Lines aboard the Carnival Valor and Carnival Paradise • Dancer for Ibero Cruises aboard 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’s Material World in the UK and Turkey Louisa’s diverse experience with international entertainment companies, luxury cruise lines, and live performances showcases her dedication to her craft and passion for inspiring others. Louisa Hockin School of Performing Arts was founded in 2018 at Bideford College and moved to its purpose-built premises in 2019. With over 250 students, aged 2+, the school has seen many students successfully audition for prestigious theatre schools and dance programs. Louisa’s students consistently achieve high ISTD exam results in Ballet, Tap, and Modern, and have won numerous medals at dance competitions across the South West. Louisa is dedicated to teaching with care, support, and professionalism, while ensuring classes remain fun and engaging.