MOUVE DANCE ACADEMY · NORTH LONDON

Dance Academy
in London

80+ weekly classes for ages 18 months to adult. Ballet (RAD), hip hop, contemporary, jazz, musical theatre and more — in Hendon, North London.

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WHAT IS MOUVE DANCE ACADEMY?

MOUVE by Dancing with Louise is a dance academy in North London offering professional dance lessons for children and adults from 18 months upwards. Based in Hendon NW4, the academy runs 80+ weekly classes across nine disciplines — including ballet (Royal Academy of Dance pathway), hip hop, street dance, contemporary, jazz, tap, musical theatre and dance gymnastics. Founded by Louise Leach — ISTD and LAMDA qualified with over 30 years of teaching experience — MOUVE teaches more than 1,000 students every week. Trial classes are available for all ages and styles with no commitment required.

WHAT WE TEACH

Nine Dance Disciplines

A complete dance education under one roof — from classical ballet to street styles, all taught to the same professional standard.

RAD PATHWAY

Ballet

Royal Academy of Dance pathway from Pre-Primary (age 3) through to Grade 8. Classical technique, musicality and performance — with optional internationally recognised exams.

AGES 5+

Hip Hop

High-energy and hugely popular with children. Builds coordination, rhythm and confidence through choreography to current music.

AGES 5+

Street Dance

Drawing on a wide range of urban styles, street dance builds individuality and improvisation alongside polished group routines.

AGES 7+

Contemporary

Blending technique with creative freedom, contemporary develops expression, storytelling and emotional intelligence through movement.

AGES 3+

Musical Theatre

Combining singing, acting and dance. Ideal for children who love performing and want to develop across multiple disciplines.

AGES 5+

Dance Gymnastics

Dance combined with gymnastic skills — cartwheels, walkovers and handstands. Builds strength, flexibility and fearlessness.

WHO IT'S FOR

Dance Classes for Every Age

Whether your child is 18 months or 18 years, there is a programme designed precisely for where they are right now.

AGES 18M – 4 YRS

My First MOUVES

Parent-and-child sessions introducing movement, rhythm and music through songs and stories. No pressure — just the joy of moving together.

View Tots Classes

AGES 3 – 6 YRS

Mini MOUVERS

First structured classes without parents in the room. Simple choreography, group work and the foundations of real dance technique.

View Mini Mouvers

AGES 7 – 11 YRS

Junior MOUVERS

Real technique across nine disciplines. RAD exam options, growing confidence and performance at the annual showcase.

View Junior Classes

AGES 12+

Teens & Elite

Advanced training, specialisation, performance teams and LAMDA drama qualifications for committed young dancers.

View Teen Classes

WHY CHOOSE MOUVE

A Dance Academy Built on 30 Years of Results

30+ Years of Experience

Founded by Louise Leach — ISTD and LAMDA qualified — MOUVE has been teaching children in North London since the early 1990s. Over 1,000 students attend every week.

Qualified, DBS-Checked Teachers

Every teacher holds recognised qualifications (ISTD, RAD, LAMDA) and a current enhanced DBS check. MOUVE has a written safeguarding policy and full public liability insurance.

Clear Progression Pathway

From first pliés at 18 months to RAD Grade 8 ballet and LAMDA qualifications in the teens. Every child has somewhere to go next.

Performance on a Real Stage

Every MOUVE student performs at the Arts Depot theatre in Finchley — a 395-seat professional venue — building stage confidence and lasting pride.

“More than a dance school — more like a family. Every child who walks through our door deserves to find their confidence, their voice, and their love of movement. That has always been the heart of what we do here.”

Louise Leach, Founder — MOUVE by Dancing with Louise

5.0
★★★★★

Google Rating · 114 reviews

30+

Years teaching in London

1,000+

Students per week

80+

Weekly classes

9

Dance disciplines

FROM OUR FAMILIES

What Families Say

★★★★★

After more than a year at MOUVE my daughter has gone from a shy little girl to someone who stands up tall and performs with real confidence. The teachers are brilliant — warm but professional. It feels like a family.

Parent of a Mini Mouvers student · Google Review

★★★★★

I love how the school takes it seriously without taking the fun out of it. My son does hip hop and my daughter does ballet — they are both obsessed. The annual showcase at the Artsdepot was genuinely brilliant.

Parent of two MOUVE students · Google Review

★★★★★

Louise has an incredible ability to bring out the best in every child. My daughter has been going for four years and the progress in confidence, technique and sheer joy of dance is remarkable.

Parent of a Junior Mouvers student · Google Review

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Your Questions Answered

What is MOUVE Dance Academy?

MOUVE by Dancing with Louise is a professional dance academy based in Hendon, North London. Founded over 30 years ago by Louise Leach (ISTD and LAMDA qualified), the academy runs 80+ weekly classes for children and adults from 18 months upwards. Disciplines include ballet (Royal Academy of Dance pathway), hip hop, street dance, contemporary, jazz, tap, musical theatre, drama and dance gymnastics. Over 1,000 students attend every week.

Where is MOUVE dance academy in London?

MOUVE is based in Hendon, North London (NW4 4QR) — at Bennett House, Sunningfields Road. The studio is easily accessible from Finchley, Mill Hill, Golders Green, Barnet, Edgware and Hampstead Garden Suburb. Free parking is available on site.

What dance styles does MOUVE teach?

MOUVE offers nine dance disciplines: ballet (Royal Academy of Dance graded syllabus), hip hop, street dance, contemporary, jazz, tap, musical theatre, drama and dance gymnastics (acro). Children can study a single style or combine multiple disciplines across the week. Classes are available from 18 months through to adult.

What ages can join the dance academy?

Classes are available from 18 months. Parent-and-child sessions (My First MOUVES) run from 18 months. Mini MOUVERS caters for ages 3–6, Junior MOUVERS for ages 7–11, and Teen programmes for ages 12 and above. Adult dance fitness classes (MOUVEit!) are also available.

How much do dance lessons in London cost?

Prices vary by class type and duration. Most children's classes are priced per term, with individual session rates typically ranging from £8 to £18. Trial classes are available so families can experience a class before committing. Contact us for current term pricing.

Do children need dance experience to join?

No. All beginner classes start from first principles. Children are placed in age-appropriate groups so they learn alongside peers at a similar stage. The most important thing on day one is that your child enjoys themselves.

Are the teachers at MOUVE qualified?

Yes. All teaching staff hold recognised qualifications from bodies including the ISTD (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing), RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) and LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art). All staff hold current enhanced DBS checks. MOUVE has public liability insurance and a written safeguarding policy.

Can my child sit dance exams at MOUVE?

Yes. MOUVE offers RAD graded ballet exams from Pre-Primary through to Grade 8. Exams are entirely optional — many children enjoy classes without taking formal exams — but they provide internationally recognised qualifications and clear progression milestones for those who want them.

Does MOUVE have performance opportunities?

Yes. Every MOUVE student is invited to perform in the annual showcase at the Arts Depot theatre in Finchley — a 395-seat professional venue. This gives children real stage experience in front of a large audience. Elite and senior students also take part in additional performances throughout the year.

How do I book a dance class in London?

Trial classes are available across all age groups and styles. Visit the free trial page to choose a class and book online. No payment details are needed until you decide to continue. You can also contact us on 0333 038 4858 or at info@dancingwithlouise.com.

What is the RAD ballet pathway at MOUVE?

The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is the world's largest dance education organisation. The RAD graded syllabus teaches classical ballet technique through progressive levels from Pre-Primary (age 3) to Grade 8 and beyond. MOUVE offers the full RAD pathway, with the option to sit externally assessed exams at each stage.

Are there dance courses for adults in London?

Yes. MOUVE offers adult dance fitness classes through the MOUVEit! programme — a Zumba-inspired class choreographed by Louise Leach, running five times a week in Hendon NW4, Hampstead Garden Suburb NW11 and online via Zoom. Adult Hip Hop classes are also available for beginners and experienced dancers.

BOOK A FREE TRIAL

Find Your Dance Academy in London

Trial classes are available for all ages and styles — from toddler dance to teen hip hop to adult fitness. No payment details needed. Come and see why 1,000+ families choose MOUVE every week.

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Dance academy in Hendon NW4, North London. Dance classes and dance lessons for children and adults. Members travel from Finchley, Mill Hill, Golders Green, Edgware, Barnet, Hampstead Garden Suburb and across London for dance courses at MOUVE.

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