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The Dance Studio
Large studio group in neon orange merch

The Dance Studio

Barton-le-Clay's competitive freestyle school

Hard work and friendship sit side by side, from first class to championship floor.

Our story

From first steps to championship floor

Here at The Dance Studio, our dancers train across Freestyle Disco, Slow/Lyrical, Rock 'n' Roll, Street Dance, and Acro, Flexibility and Technique, with pathways from Beginner through to Championship and Premier Championship levels.

Principal Karen Gregory founded The Dance Studio on 7th May 2011, initially offering Freestyle Disco, Slow Lyrical and Rock 'n' Roll classes. Since then, the school has grown in size and success, expanding its range of classes and building a highly experienced teaching team.

Our competition team includes numerous IDTA National and ADFP World Champions. We support dancers from their first steps, and many have gone on to successful professional careers.

We believe every dancer deserves the chance to join a competition team, so we consider and train everyone who walks through our doors. We also offer fun, friendly weekly classes for those seeking a relaxed activity and opportunities to make friends in a local village setting.

The Dance Studio group on the hall floor

Why choose us

Warm enough for beginners. Ready for championships.

Parents choose us because their child can belong from day one and still grow into Comp Squad, trophy days and Premier Championship without leaving Barton.

Local Village Hall base

Regular classes Mon, Tue and Sat at Barton Le Clay Village Hall, close to home for Barton and wider Bedfordshire families.

Competition when ready

Invitation Comp Squad on Thursdays at Arnold Academy. Serious coaching without pushing dancers before they are ready.

Every dancer celebrated

Trophy days, Awards Night and Dancer's Dancer of the Year. We cheer the whole studio, not only the podium.

Teaching team

The people behind the studio

A small, qualified team leading classes, competitions and the day-to-day running of the school.

Principal

Karen Gregory

LIDTA Freestyle, AIDTA Rock 'n' Roll and ADFP Championship Adjudicator

Karen Gregory began training in disco dancing and rock 'n' roll at a local school in Luton, Bedfordshire. Having developed a passion for freestyle at an early age, she decided to pursue teaching at 19. She passed her first ISTD teaching examination in 2002 and began her career as a freestyle teacher. Karen later trained with the IDTA, earning Associate and Licentiate qualifications in freestyle and rock 'n' roll. She is also an ADFP member and Championship Adjudicator, judging ADFP competitions and World Championships across the country.

Karen opened The Dance Studio in 2011 and has since dedicated her career to teaching children freestyle dance. She has successfully trained dancers from beginner to Premier Championship level while growing the school. Karen specialises in coaching junior dancers and can often be found enthusiastically joining the U6s on Saturday mornings.

Owner and Financial Administrator

Margaret Byrne

Margaret Byrne co-founded The Dance Studio with her daughter Karen in 2011 and is its owner and financial administrator. After years of supporting her three daughters' passion for dance, helping at local dance schools and assisting with shows, she now also supports the teaching team whenever possible.

Margaret spends many hours at the studio as well as weekends supporting our dancers at competitions across the country.

Teacher

Emma Scott

LIDTA Freestyle, AIDTA Rock 'n' Roll and ADFP Championship Adjudicator

Teacher

Amy Whitehouse

AIDTA Freestyle and ADFP Adjudicator

Street Teacher

Kimberley Taylor

AIDTA

The Dance Studio group outdoors in branded kit

Our community

A family-friendly school with championship energy

Parents say

What parents tell us

Warm teaching, welcome classes, and dancers who cannot wait to come back.

My daughter is new to The Dance Studio but already she cannot stop dancing and talking about you all. What an amazing family team you have! I look forward to watching Katie grow as a dancer.

Claire Garner

Facebook recommendation · March 2017

After only a few weeks with the dance studio, my little girl is so happy with her new class, and literally counts down the sleeps until her next lesson! She feels so welcome and right at home thanks to the great teaching and kindness of Karen and Margaret.

Karyn Rivas-Hubbins

Facebook recommendation · April 2017

My 5 year old daughter is a newbie to dancing but absolutely loves the classes she's had so far and the amazing teachers that have made her feel so welcome.

Lauren Comfort

Facebook recommendation · April 2020

Such a great dance company to be part of. My two little girls go to classes twice a week and have the best time. It's so lovely to see their improvement over the last year. Karen is so warm, welcoming and encouraging. We look forward to being with The Dance Studio for many years to come.

Donna Conaghan

Facebook recommendation · June

Dancer's Dancer of the Year award
Coaches and dancers hugging at competition

Studio awards

Proud of every dancer

Our Awards Night includes trophies, certificates and Dancer's Dancer of the Year.

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