Start Your Dance Journey Dance Experience
Welcome to Buxton Performing Arts Studios in Gillingham, Kent. A place where everyone can feel happy & safe, and flourish.
Here at the Dance Studios in Gillingham, Kent we have a team passionate about what we do, from Ballet, Tap, Modern and Jazz/Commercial Dance to Musical Theatre and Singing Tuition.
All the teaching staff here at this well established school are qualified to make you the best you aspire to be. Welcome to Buxton Performing Arts Studios in Gillingham, Kent. A place where we believe everyone deserves the chance to reach their full potential. Here at the studios we have a team passionate about what we do, from ballet, tap modern and jazz/commercial dance, musical theatre and private singing tuition. All the teaching staff here at this well established school are qualified to make you the best you aspire to be.
What we offer
Our Classes
Pre School Dance Classes
Class Details
Ballet
Class details
Stretch & Pointe
Class details
Tap & Modern
Class details
Commercial Jazz/Street Dance
Class details
Musical Theatre & Singing
Class details
Who we are
About Us
An established Performing Arts school in Gillingham, situated in the Medway towns. Classes are taken in R.A.D (Royal Academy of Dance) Ballet, I.S.T.D. (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing) Tap, Modern and Jazz. Musical Theatre, and Singing. Free work is also taught and private tuition in all subjects is also offered. Teachers at Buxton Performing Arts Studios are qualified and passionate about the subjects they teach, for people of all ages (2 and a half years upwards) with an interest in performing arts to come and learn. We are a school that believes in helping individuals to be the best they can in chosen genres.
Whilst we are a school who strives for high standards, we appreciate that not everybody has the ability or indeed the desire to be a professional performer. For the most part, people are coming to enjoy themselves, learn a new skill, keep fit and set themselves free from the humdrum of every day life. To make and keep good friends and to work to achieve something. Sometimes a special talent is found, and this is nurtured and encouraged.
Some students have gone on to further professional training in the world of Performing Arts and are working as pro’s in this field. The teachers and Staff at the Studios, value the roles they hold to make everyone who comes through the door as happy as possible.
choreographers &
Instructors
Paula Buxton
Principal & Teacher
Paula started dancing at the age of 2 and a half here at the studios. At the age of 6 she decided she wanted to be a dance teacher and never strayed from this ambition!
After completing grades and majors at the age of 16 she was offered a teaching position and continued studying for her professional qualifications whilst gaining valuable teaching experience. She has provided choreography for shows, cabaret, workshops, summer-school and pantomime. Paula has also worked with ice skaters and various sports men and women including footballers, gymnasts and bodybuilders! Professional teaching qualifications were gained with Karen King at The Centre of Performing Arts – London
Lana Lambert
Teacher
Lana began dancing at the age of 6 in South West London. Upon moving to Kent she resumed her training and also attended open classes at the West Street School, Covent Garden and London Studio Centre, where she had the opportunity to train with teachers from both the Royal Ballet and Kirov Ballet companies. It was around this time she gained valuable performing experience.
At the age of 16 Lana reached final auditions for the Royal Ballet School. Offered places at Birds and Arts Educational, she decided to accept a place on the London Studios performers course. Lana gained teaching qualifications including anatomy and physiology at ‘The Centre’ with Karen King. In 2006 she graduated from the R.A.D. teaching certificate programme and has been teaching classical Ballet here at the studios for many years.
Tracey Bellingham
Teacher
Tracey started dancing here at the Studios in 1986, where she successfully achieved exams in all genres of dance and lead her on to join Deborah Capon Dance College. Here she gained full teaching status for the ISTD in Tap, Modern, Jazz & Ballet. Tracey then continued on to gain Licentiates and Fellowships in both Tap & Modern. Her teaching ability has seen her teach at the studios for over 20 years as well as Dance Colleges across Kent. Tracey has also choreographed for many cabarets, summer schools and shows.
Justine Jarvis
Teacher
After leaving school Justine was accepted onto a two year foundation course at the Sylvia Young Theatre School in London. After this time she knew that performing was her passion, and auditioned for Mountview Theatre and Performing Arts School. On being accepted Justine undertook a three year acting and musical theatre course. During this time she had the opportunity of working with West End directors and after a tough but fantastic three years successfully graduated at Her Majesty’s Theatre.
Justine went on to tour in Jersey with a musical revue show, and also worked with Leah Bell in the North touring as Head girl and female lead in a variety show. After a short break Justine was invited to take a summer workshop here at the Studios which made her think how great it was to work with young people.
“Paula gave me the chance to teach Drama combined with Musical Theatre and it’s a job that I love.
Justine is also taking private and group singing tuition here at the studios along with Musical Theatre classes.
Chesney Bovis
Teacher
Chesney started dancing at the studios from age 2 1/2, working through all genres of dance and completing exams to an advanced level.
She started a student teaching position, which confirmed this was the path she wanted to take, Chesney graduated from the Royal Academy of Dance achieving teaching status in 2013.
I have many memories dancing in shows as a little ballerina, It’s wonderful to now choreograph show numbers for my students. Being at the Studios has allowed me to make friends for life.
I’m very thankful I can do a job I love.
Testimonials
What The Teachers Say
What we do
We offer a wide spectrum of performing arts genres here at our Gillingham Studios
We aim to offer a varied range of classes to the highest standards, to ensure our students receive a versatile training.
Guest Teachers
We invite industry professionals including West End performers, to take workshops in the School. This offers students of all ages an insight into the current PA field and is a memorable experience.
Shows & productions
Here at Buxton Studios performing is what we love! We offer many performance opportunities including our bi-annual show at the Central Theatre, performance nights at the Brooke Theatre, fund-raising events, and much, much more.
Instructors
All classes are taught by industry arts professionals
All our staff are DBS checked and hold a certificate in basic first aid training.
Exams
ISTD & RAD
Optional examinations at grade and vocational levels in Ballet, Tap, Modern and Jazz Dance.
What they say
Testimonials
Pricing & Membership
Pricing
Your first taster lesson is completely free.
Term Fees
Pay termly classes run on a ten week basis, we respectfully ask that fees are paid by the second week of our term.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Have Questions?
We try to offer a wide range of classes from beginners to advanced abilities, from age 2 and a half years to adults. We want everyone to feel welcome, and do our upmost to accommodate as many people as possible within our means.
If you are attending a taster class, we recommend wearing comfortable clothes that are easy to move around in. We will advise you of anything you may need to bring beforehand. Please don’t worry about having the correct attire – you are welcome to get this at a later date. Class wear including shoes can be purchased from us.
If we have spaces available, you are welcome to join the school mid-term. Invoices will simply be adjusted so you only pay for the remainder of the term.
Still have questions?
Schedule
Our Timetable
Please see our current timetable below.
Monday –
Studio 1 – Ballet with Miss Lambert
4-4.45pm – Pre Primary Ballet
4.45-5.30pm – Grade 1 Ballet
5.30-6.15pm – Grade 2 Ballet
6.15-7pm – Adult Ballet (all abilities welcome including beginners.)
7-7.45pm – Stretch and pointe (Grade 4 and up)
7.45-8.15pm – Grade 5/6 Ballet
Studio 2 – Tap and Modern with Miss Buxton
4-4.45pm – Grade 1 Modern and Grade 1 Tap
4.45-5.30 – Grade 2 Modern and Grade 1 Tap
5.30-6.15pm – Grade 5 Modern and Grade 4 Tap
6.15-7pm – Grade 4 Modern and Grade 3 Tap
7 – 7.45pm – Intermediate/Advanced Modern and Tap. (This class is perfect for people who have always danced and still want to be challenged, but with a relaxed and social feel.)
7.45 – 8.15 pm – Advanced 1 ISTD Tap. (TBC) Please register interest.
Wednesday –
Studio 2 – Tap and Modern with Miss Buxton
4.45-5.30 – Grade 2 Tap and Grade 2 Modern
Saturday –
Studio 1 –Ballet, Modern and tap with Miss Buxton and Musical Theatre with Miss Jarvis
9-9.45am – TEENIE WEENIES Pre-School class
9.45-10.30am– Primary class Tap and Primary class Modern
10.30-11.15am – Grade 1 Modern and Primary class Tap
11.15-12 – Musical Theatre 1
12 – 12.45pm – Musical Theatre 3
12.45-1.15pm – Singing technique (Spaces now available – ages 10 upwards, please enquire.)
Studio 2 – Ballet and Jazz/Street with Miss Bovis and Musical Theatre with Miss Jarvis.
9.00-9.45am – WAKE, SHAKE & SING! **NEW CLASS** – A blend of street/Jazz, singing and Musical Theatre for our younger children. (This is a new class aimed at budding performers who want to start their weekend on a high! A non syllabus class introducing some street style dance, song and fun, with some Musical Theatre favourites added in. Open to all from age 6 -8. (Some 5 year olds may be considered if they already attend technique classes.)
9.45-10.30am – Primary Ballet
10.30-11.15am – Grade 4 Ballet
11.15-12.00 – Street/Jazz/commercial 2
12.00-12.45 – street/Jazz 1
12.45 – 1.30pm – Jazz/Commercial 3
1.30-2pm – Grade 3 Ballet