CLASSES
We believe that everyone should be able to benefit from the vital and life-enhancing power of dance. Our Class Programme offers something for all, whether you’re reigniting your love of dance, discovering a new hobby, or an experienced dancer eager to progress and grow!
“I love being with other people who also love dancing” – Hip Hop Dance Participant
“It’s wonderful when something that seems so impossible starts to become possible” – Contemporary Participant
“The dance classes have provided a unique and special opportunity for my children to learn more about the arts, their bodies and movement, to socialise outside of school, and listen and learn in a new way” – Parent of Dance For Kids Participant
TIMETABLE
CLASS |
LEVEL |
TIME |
MONDAYS |
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| Dance For Tots (1-4s & Grown Ups) | Open | Open | 10.00am – 11.00am |
| Mummy Movers (0-1s & Grown Ups) | Open | Open | 11.30am – 12.30pm |
| Ballet (18+) | Open | Open | 2.00pm – 3.15pm |
| Dance For Kids (4-7s) | Open | Open | 4.00pm – 5.00pm |
| Contemporary (8-11s) | Open | Open | 5.00pm – 6.00pm |
| Contemporary (50+) | Open | Open | 5.00pm – 6.00pm |
| Contemporary (50+) | Advanced | Advanced | 6.00pm – 7.00pm |
| Ballet (8-11s) | Open | Open | 5.00pm – 6.00pm |
| Ballet (12-18s) | Open | Open | 6.00pm – 7.00pm |
| Ballet (18+) | Open | Advanced | 6.00pm – 7.15pm |
| Ballet (18+) | Advanced | Open | 7.15pm – 8.30pm |
| Kinetica (18+) | Open * | Open | 7.15pm – 8.45pm |
TUESDAYS |
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| Springboard Juniors (4-11s) | Open | Open | 4.30pm – 5.15pm |
| Springboard Adults (16+) | Open | Open | 5.15pm – 6.15pm |
| Pilates (18+) | Open | Open | 6.45pm – 8.00pm |
WEDNESDAYS |
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| Moving Minds (18+) | Open | Open | 10.30am – 11.45am |
| Dance for Parkinsons (18+) | Open | Open | 2.15pm – 3.30pm |
| EncoreEast (50+) | Open * | Open | 4.15pm – 5.45pm |
| Tap (18+) | Open * | Open | 6.00pm – 7.00pm |
| Tap (18+) | Advanced * | Advanced | 7.00pm – 8.00pm |
| Hatha Yoga (18+) | Open | Open | 6.15pm – 7.30pm |
| Contemporary (18+) | Open | Open | 6.00pm – 7.00pm |
| Contemporary (18+) | Advanced | Advanced | 7.00pm – 8.15pm |
THURSDAYS |
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| Hip Hop Dance (8-11s) | Open | Open | 5.00pm – 6.00pm |
| Hip Hop Dance (12-18s) | Open | Open | 6.15pm – 7.15pm |
| Hip Hop Dance (18+) | Open | Open | 7.15pm – 8.15pm |
SATURDAYS |
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| Ashtanga Yoga (18+) | Open | Open | 9.00am – 10.00am |
| Dance For Tots (1-4s & Grown Ups) | Open | Open | 9.30am – 10.30am |
| Dance For Kids (4-7s) | Open | Open | 10.45am – 11.45am |
| Contemporary (8-11s) | Advanced | Advanced | 11.45am – 12.45pm |
| Contemporary (12-18s) | Open | Open | 1.00pm – 2.00pm |
| Contemporary (12-18s) | Advanced | Advanced | 11.00am – 12.15pm |
* From our friends! These classes are ran by independent artists and/or companies , if you would like further information, please see our What’s On Page or contact Box Office (01473 295230).
View and download the timetable here!
TERM DATES
Autumn
Term Dates: Monday 22 September – Saturday 6 December 2025
Half Term: Monday 27 October – Sunday 2 November 2025
Spring
Term Dates: Monday 12 January 2026 – Saturday 28 March 2026
Half Term: Monday 16 February – Sunday 22 February 2026
Summer
Term Dates: Monday 20 April – Saturday 4 July 2026
Half Term: Monday 25 May – Sunday 31 May 2026
Find out more information on individual classes and how to book here.
DANCEEAST BURSARY FUND
The DanceEast Bursary Fund is an access scheme to provide children and young people in Ipswich with free places in our classes and school holiday activity, so that all children and young people can experience the joyful benefits of dance.
The Fund provides children and young people from 0-18 years with a free place for one term (10 weeks) in one of our dance classes. The fund is intended for young people from low-income households who love to dance or would like to try dance for the first time and who would otherwise not be able to afford a term’s worth of dance activity.
For more information on eligibility and the classes available, click here.
MEET THE TUTORS
Meet Caine!
Contemporary (8-11s, 12-18s)
Caine Sobers is a multidisciplinary artist whose career merges dance, theatre, and acrobatics. From helping launch Virgin Voyages’ award-winning productions to performing on international stages with artists such as Mark Ronson, his work reflects both versatility and presence.
He draws from immersive theatre and acrobatics to create bold, expressive performance that celebrates individuality. Whether touring with Strictly Come Dancing or appearing on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, Caine thrives on connection between audience, movement, and story. His practice champions the diversity of dance, our individuality and performance as the unifying thread.
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Meet Julian!
Contemporary (12-18s)
Julian Lewis graduated from Trinity Laban in 2013 and later completed his master’s degree at London Contemporary Dance School. He has since performed with EDGE Dance Company, Bowie Live and Ffin Dance across the UK and Europe. Julian has also performed for BBC TV, Pinot! The Musical, Cascade Dance Theatre, Saturday Night Fever at The Old Vic Tunnels and the London 2012 Olympic Closing Ceremony, as well as projects at venues including the Royal Opera House, the Royal Albert Hall for BBC Proms, Manchester Art Gallery, Southbank Centre, Hackney Empire and The Place.
As the co-director of Traceworks Dance, he has performed, choreographed and produced a range of projects including JACK DEFROST, an outdoor pop-up show which has toured extensively (including Glastonbury Festival in 2024). Julian is passionate about sharing his professional practice with the wider community and the next generation of dancers. He is currently a tutor on the DanceEast Centre for Advanced Training and Class programme, as well as regularly tutoring both recreational, pre-vocational and degree students at Trinity Laban and The Place.
Photo credit: Alexander Ward
Meet Katie!
Contemporary (18+)
Hi, my name is Katie, and I have been teaching on the class programme here at DanceEast for 2 years now before which I was working as a freelance facilitator and performer in England and Europe. I specialise in contemporary dance, taking influence from Release and Capoeira techniques. I thoroughly enjoy being upside down so don’t be surprised if you catch me in a handstand!
Photo credits: Tim Cross
Meet Sam!
Contemporary (50+)
Photo credit: Rachel Cherry
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Meet Lizzie!
Dance For Kids (4-7s) & Contemporary (8-11s)
Lizzie is a whirlwind of energy, enthusiasm and glitter! She puts creativity and co-creation at the heart of her practice so that the human experience is embraced in every story told. She is so excited to be teaching at DanceEast this Autumn term as she feels very at home (having worked there for nearly 10 years!) Lizzie is trained in Community Dance, graduating from Trinity Laban in 2017. She has worked extensively in the local community specialising in early years and inter-generational work. She is happiest when disco dancing(with glow sticks!) in the kitchen with her partner and their two young children.
Photo credit: We Are Pine
Meet Julia!
Dance For Tots & Dance For Kids
I have delivered dance and creative classes for children and their families for over 4 years. Studying dance (BA & MA) gave me the chance to develop my skills, further my technique and instilled a deep appreciation for the art form and its potential to inspire and connect. My aim is to create a safe environment for the children to dance and explore movement freely. I am excited to share my passion with the children this year in our Dance for Tots and Dance For Kids!
Photo credit: Alexander Ward
Meet Shannon!
Mummy Movers (0-1 & Grown-Ups)
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Meet Kyle!
Hip Hop Dance (8-11s, 12-8s, 18+)
Kyle is a dynamic performer, educator, and creative artist, known for his commanding presence both on stage and screen. A 2018 graduate of Bodywork Company Dance Studios, Kyle is also a core member of the award winning Hip Hop company, Elementz Entertainment.
Since graduating, Kyle’s talent has taken him worldwide, performing to audiences across Germany, Sweden, Greece, and Saudi Arabia. His screen work includes a standout appearance in Netflix’s Dance 100, where he showcased his versatility to a global audience.
Celebrated for his deep-rooted expertise in Hip Hop and its surrounding styles, Kyle was cast in the original production of Ghost Ships by ZooNation and Icon Theatre – delivering powerful, narrative-driven performances that blended technique with raw emotion.
Now bringing his passion and experience to DanceEast, Kyle is dedicated to shaping the future of dance – igniting creativity, fostering connection, and empowering the next generation.
Meet Kezia!
Ballet (8-11s, 12-18s)
Kezia is a dance practitioner with an affinity for storytelling. Her performance credits span theatre and dance nationally and internationally on stage and screen. She has created work for curated events, amplifying personal narratives through dance, and recently finished performing in the German musical Tanz der Vampire where she was a dance soloist.
Kezia started dancing at Saxtead School of Dance before continuing her training at Northern Ballet School where she received her qualifications in Professional Dance and Dance Instruction. She works with dancers at various stages of their dance journey, nurturing strength, autonomy and performance qualities.
Meet Gail!
Ballet (18+)
Trained at Linda Shipton School of Dance and was a Suffolk scholar competing in Imperial Ballet and Modern Awards, dance festivals, and was a member of the CO-OP Juniors pantomimes for 10 years. At 16 I went on to study at Laine Theatre Arts, achieved Distinction in ISTD Teaching diploma Ballet, Modern & Tap and Anatomy & Physiology. I have worked in various trade shows and travelled the world on Cruise Ships!
I just adore ballet and the way you can completely lose yourself in the music and class. It brings people together, usually people seem very nervous when it is their first time trying ballet, but the classes are so friendly and we always end up having a giggle about something. Dancing makes you feel so happy and forget about the worries of the world!
Photo credit: Rachel Cherry
Meet Katharine!
Ashtanga Yoga (18+)
Katharine has been practicing yoga for over twenty years and teaching since 2004. On discovering Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga she re-trained with world renowned John Scott to be able to share this dynamic practice. She loves the continual flow of breath synchronised movement and the meditative quality that ensues. Katharine loves welcoming new people to the practice of Ashtanga.
Photo credit: Rachel Cherry
Meet Lindsay!
Hatha Yoga (18+)
In January 2019 Lindsay embarked upon and graduated in a 200-hour Yoga Alliance teacher training course. Lindsay studied with a Himalayan Yoga Master in Rishikesh, India. Since her return from India, she has been busy teaching at various venues as well as providing one to one private sessions.
Lindsay is also very passionate about dance, when not on her yoga mat or teaching, Lindsay can be found in the studio training in Ballroom and Latin as well as teaching DanceEast’s Hatha Yoga Class!
Meet Sam!
Pilates (18+)
Whether you’re new to Pilates, learning the basics, or ready to be challenged in more advanced classes, I’m here to support you. Whether you’re seeking inspiration through flowing movement or simply curious about Pilates, my classes are fun, friendly, and welcoming.
No matter where you are on your fitness journey, come with an open mind and a willingness to enjoy yourself. You’ll feel encouraged as we share in each other’s energy and optimism. That’s one of the best reasons to join in, and why I always recommend coming along to see what it’s all about.
I truly believe there’s so much to gain from being present in the moment and immersed in the fun, enthusiasm and above all, the friendly atmosphere of these classes.
I’m creative, always smiling, and constantly on the move! If you don’t see me in the studio, you’ll likely spot me out cycling somewhere in or around Suffolk!
Meet Niamh!
Springboard (4-11s, 16+)
Niamh is Creative Engagement Co-ordinator at Gecko and teaches Springboard classes at DanceEast on Tuesday evenings. She trained with Hot House Dance and the CAT Scheme at The Place before completing her degree at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance (NSCD), where she performed works by Lea Anderson, Gary Clarke, Phil Sanger, Wayne Parsons, The Hiccup Project and Fernanda Prata, and volunteered with inclusive youth and adult classes. Previously, Niamh worked at Sense Charity, supporting young adults with complex needs. She is passionate about using dance to create welcoming, accessible spaces where everyone can experience the joy of movement.
Photo credit: Malachy Luckie
Meet Lynette!
Dance For Parkinsons
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Meet Saki!
Dance For Parkinsons
Saki Kato is a Japanese classical guitarist who specialises in new music performance and community music-making. Her extensive community music work involves leading workshops for participants of all ages, including at DanceEast for the Dance for Parkinson’s programme in collaboration with English National Ballet.
As a concert artist, she performs in the Miyabi Duo, playing in concerts across the country in venues ranging from Wigmore Hall to HMP Warren Hill Prison in Suffolk. Saki graduated from the Royal Academy of Music in London, where she was a Julian Bream Trust scholar.
SUPPORT ASSISTANTS
Meet Marni!
Growing up in Ipswich, I have danced at DanceEast from a young age. After graduating from the University of Lincoln with a BA(Hons) in Dance, I have been working as a freelance dance artist in the community. The opportunities given by DanceEast have been crucial to my artistic development and confidence as a recent graduate. I have a passion for collaborating with other art forms, facilitating, producing, and choreographing.
Meet Kemi!
I am a Movement Practitioner deeply inspired by 2 Samuel 6:14, where ‘David danced before the Lord “with all his might,” humbly setting aside royal robes and offering worship to Jesus’.
Dance has been with me since I was young, spinning barefoot across our kitchen I felt the floor hum under my feet and saw my shadow dance at the edges of the room. Even before I could name it, I knew movement was my safe place. Those moments taught me that dance isn’t just about expression, it’s where confidence begins.
As a Teaching Assistant, I support planning, studio prep, and provide feedback, collaborating to infuse every class with warmth and energy. My mission at DanceEast is to nurture an environment where every student, regardless of background, age, or ability can experience freedom and joy through creative dance.
Photo credit: Alexander Ward
Meet Millie!
My journey with DanceEast began in 2007 with my very first dance class and I haven’t stopped dancing since. I discovered my love for contemporary dance through Suffolk Juniors, which led me to joining the DanceEast Centre for Advanced Training and eventually to the University of Chichester, where I earned a First Class Degree in Dance Performance.
I’m deeply passionate about dance and its power to connect people. I truly believe dance is for EVERYONE.
Photo credit: Alexander Ward
Meet Tabatha!
Hi, I’m Tabatha. I began my training at the Linda Shipton School of Dance in ISTD ballet, tap, and modern, before joining the CAT program at DanceEast in 2014. In 2022, I continued my studies at London Contemporary Dance School, graduating in July 2025 with a BA (Hons) in Contemporary Dance. Alongside my training, I’ve had the privilege of working with renowned companies and choreographers including Hofesh Shechter, Matthew Bourne, Jasmin Vardimon, and Joseph Toonga. These experiences have shaped me into a versatile and passionate performer with a strong foundation in both classical and contemporary dance.
Photo credit: Rachel Cherry
