Starlight Academy

Starlight Academy is a dance and performance school based at Royd House, a newly renovated dance and fitness centre in Guiseley, Leeds.  Starlight Academy was founded in 2008 by Melanie Hadfield-Walker and Christine Cade.

We offer a full range of classes, helping to build confidence, strong dance technique and training for the stage.  We have classes suitable for all age groups, from pre school to young adult.

Exams can be taken in Tap and Modern though the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) syllabus.  Classical Ballet through the Associated Board of Dance (ABD) syllabus. Acro exams are offered through Acrobatic Arts, and Musical Theatre and Contemporary exams with ABD. Cheer classes following BGU.

We are an accredited Acrobatic Arts school, offering Acro classes from age 2 with Miss Mel, who is one of only 5 UK Acrobatic Arts examiners and course conductors, or Miss Christine who holds her module 2 Acrobatic Arts qualification, or Miss Alison or Miss Ruby who each hold their module 1 AA qualification.  In September 2022, Miss Mel and Miss Christine won the ABD Teachers Shield for graded work, a testament to the high level of training and technique at Starlight Academy. In 2023 they were again nominated for the teachers shield for graded work and medal test exams.

Other classes include Commercial Jazz, Musical Theatre, Singing, Contemporary, Lyrical, Showstars, Groups singing, Ballet Tots and Funky Monkeys and Acro Monkeys, our specially designed Pre-school program.

We have a successful festival team, competing regularly up and down the UK.  Including students who have qualified to represent Team England in the Dance World Cup in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and to compete at the Miss Dance Grand Final, as well as TDCI World Performer Grand Final.

Starlight Academy has 4 fully equipped studios, reception, coffee hub, 3 changing rooms, large car park, a lovely friendly atmosphere and professional enthusiastic staff.