Jessica Lavis Dance Academy home
Classes across Newport and Cardiff

Where young dancers learn to shine

Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Commercial and Musical Theatre for children aged 3 and up. Friendly, professional classes that become the highlight of the week.

Rated five stars by JLDA parents

First class free. No experience needed.

A young JLDA dancer in a lilac dress performing a graceful backbend on stage
show night
Two young dancers in light blue academy t-shirts hugging and smiling in class
best friends
Six smiling dancers lying in a circle on the studio floor in academy t-shirts
the minis
young dancers
100+
dance styles
6
venues across Newport and Cardiff
6
classes from age three
3+

Find their class

The right class for every age

From a three year old's very first steps to pre-teen competition teams, there is a place for every child at JLDA.

Minis

Ages 3 to 6

Gentle, playful first classes that build coordination, listening and confidence. Many of our minis are taking their very first steps in dance.

Juniors

Ages 6 to 12

Technique starts to build alongside the fun: proper training in each style, end-of-term performances and the chance to try new disciplines.

Pre-Teens and up

Ages 10 to 15

Stronger technique, sharper choreography and bigger performance opportunities, including invitation-only competition teams and open ballet.

Why families choose us

More than just a dance class

Parents tell us the same things again and again: confidence, friendships and a teacher who truly knows every child.

Confidence that shows

Performing, mastering new skills and improving technique help every child take real pride in their progress.

Healthy bodies, happy minds

Strength, coordination, balance and flexibility, and dancers who leave every session with bright smiles.

One big dance family

Teamwork, shared goals and friendships that carry on outside the studio. We create a real sense of belonging.

Real stages, real applause

End-of-term performances, annual shows, community showcases and award-winning competition teams.

The JLDA competition team celebrating with their teacher at Excel Dance Events, Welsh flags behind them
medal day
Dancers in woodland costumes forming a sculptural group shape on stage
the big show
A line of dancers in blue sequin costumes posing together on stage
encore!

Performance opportunities

Every dancer gets their moment on stage

End-of-term performances for families, watching weeks, annual theatre shows, community showcases, award-winning competition teams, plus summer school and themed holiday workshops. At JLDA, performing is part of learning.

See what they get to do

Life at JLDA

Friendships first, dance steps a close second

A peek at the giggles, hugs and happy faces between the routines.

  • Five mini dancers in light blue JLDA t-shirts sharing a group hug in the studio
  • A big group of dancers grinning and flashing peace signs after class
  • Six dancers lying on the floor in a circle, laughing together
  • Two best friends in black JLDA vests with their arms around each other
  • Four young dancers posing back to back in pairs in the studio
  • A dancer giving her friend a piggyback in the studio, both laughing
  • Mini dancers pulling silly faces in the sunlit studio
  • Junior dancers in a hug line making peace signs

From our families

The highlight of her week

Real words from JLDA parents.

My daughter absolutely LOVES her time at JLDA. Her weekly class with Miss Jess is the highlight of her week! Miss Jess is amazing with the children and has created a lovely environment helping the children learn to dance whilst also making friends. It's been great to see my daughter's confidence grow. Would 100% recommend!

JLDA parent

Jessica is a wonderful teacher who takes the time to get to know her pupils and encourage them. There is the opportunity for families to go and see class performances at the end of each term so that you can see how your dancer is progressing. We can't recommend this dance school enough!

JLDA parent

My 7 year old girl goes to Miss Jess every week. Her and a friend loved it so much, pretty much the whole school class of girls go now too. Her confidence has progressed so much in a short space and she's absolutely thriving!

JLDA parent

Good to know

Wondering if it's right for your child?

More questions answered on our contact page, or just ask us anything.

Ready to see them shine?

Your child's first class is free. Find a class near you and book a trial in a couple of minutes.