It's not what we teach, it's how!

The Ohana Academy is more than a school of performing arts! We serve as a daily reminder to connect with our wider community, to embrace and experience life and art and vibrancy and fun.

We are the sum of the things we’ve done, the people we cherish, and the places we’ve been.

People = Everything.
Teach great people.
Watch them grow.

All of the senior members of staff at Ohana Academy have had professional dance careers either in Classical Ballet companies and or Musical Theatre productions throughout the world. Classes are taught by fully qualified, registered, DBS certified and insured teachers, in a fun and professional environment.  

We offer Disco Babies classes for newborn to 4 yrs and Dance classes from 2 yrs to Adults in RAD Classical Ballet, ISTD Modern Theatre, Tap and Imperial Classical Ballet, as well as Musical Theatre, Acro and Street Jazz.

We regularly enter dancers ranging from aged 4 to 21years old into competitions.

A safe, inclusive and fun space for everyone.

We accommodate dancers of all levels, from absolute beginners to prima ballerinas, babies to adults.  Our comprehensive timetable ensures that a wide range of dance styles is offered, so everyone is catered for.

Our pupils deserve quality teaching and guidance and this is more important to our school than the number of pupils in a class. We can offer you a level of individual attention and quality of instruction only found in large national institutions.

We pride ourselves on our inclusive nature. Children and adults with special needs and considerations are more than welcome. We kindly ask you to make us aware of any health related requirements when you or your child start with us.

our teachers

miss jo

Principal

Jo started ballet at the tender age of 2 yrs old, and from 7 yrs old she began to train in RAD ballet, ISTD tap & Modern as well as competing in local and national dance competitions.

She became All England Champion in several dance disciplines, and was offered a place at the Royal Ballet School at the age of 15.

After 2 years, she graduated with teaching qualifications including a Royal Ballet foundation teaching Diploma (fDipRBSTTC), Royal Academy of Dance Registered Teacher status (RADRTS) and her Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance Modern Theatre Associate (AISTD).

Jo went on to complete her teaching credentials with exceptional tutor and examiner of the ISTD, Elizabeth Harrison. Achieving all 3 of her professional ISTD ballet exams with Distinction in under a year as well as 3 additional ISTD teaching associates in Imperial Ballet, Tap & National.  All of Jo’s ISTD teaching credentials were upgraded in 2007 to Diploma’s in Dance Education.

career details
Our principal Joanne

miss ronni

Head of Tap & Modern

Ronni has been performing professionally in the industry since the age of 10, performing in   pantomime and acting productions such as ‘Dick Whittington - Hiss and Boo productions’ and ‘A 12th Night - The Principal Theatre Company’. At the age of 12 Ronni trod the boards, on one of London’s West End stages ‘The Theatre Royal Drury Lane’ in the production of ‘Life on Earth’.

Her passion for performing continued whilst she trained at the same local dance school as Principal Joanne Mason, who taught Ronni Ballet. Whilst at the dance school Ronni trained and took examinations in ISTD Tap and Modern, and RAD Ballet up to Advance 2.

Outside of the dance school Ronni has worked with professional choreographers and West End Musical Director - Stuart Morley, with the Millfield Youth Theatre, here Ronni not only gained tonnes of performing experience but also a wide knowledge of musical theatre.

career details
Our Principal Joanne

miss Lydia

Teacher & Performer

Lydia is a triple threat from North Wales, trained from the age of 3 in ISTD modern, tap, and jazz, as well as RAD ballet up to Advanced 1.

She competed nationally and internationally with her school’s competition team and in solo competitions, including the Janet Cram Awards.

Musical theatre has always been her passion—she even sang as part of the Diamond Jubilee choir in 2012 for the Queen. Lydia went on to train at The Hammond School in Chester, graduating with a first-class BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre Performance, where she played the lead role of Wendla in Spring Awakening.

Since graduating, Lydia has worked professionally across UK productions, pantomimes with ABD Productions, and as dance captain for an entertainment team in Turkey.

She is agency-represented and continues to audition and self-tape regularly. A dedicated teacher and choreographer, Lydia has shared her expertise with many schools in North Wales, including her alma mater. She is thrilled to join the Ohana family to inspire and nurture the next generation of performers.

career details
Our Principal Joanne

Miss Fraija

ISTD Modern & Tap

I’ve trained in all styles of dance and musical theatre since a very young age. Over the years I’ve been lucky enough to learn from lots of amazing teachers, finishing my pre-professional training at Ignite Dance Company.

I’m currently in my third year at Laine Theatre Arts and will be graduating in July with a degree in professional Musical Theatre. Alongside my professional training, I have obtained my practical DDE teaching qualifications in both modern and tap.

Teaching is a great passion of mine, as I love to help nurture the future generation’s enjoyment for theatre and dance!

career details
Our Principal Joanne

Miss Georgia

Commercial & Street

Georgia has been dancing since the age of 3 completing her ballet, tap and modern exams with BBO up to adv/grade 8 achieving distinction marks, as well as her street dance and musical theatre exams at distinction. Georgia then went on to complete her A Levels and BTEC in dance achieving top marks of triple distinction* which lead her wanting to continue her training professionally in the hope to pursue her dream dance career. After many auditions, she successfully gained a place at London Studio Centre which is where she went on to train professionally for 3 years, completing a BA Hons degree in Theatre Dance. 



Georgia has trained with many industry professionals, who all inspired her throughout her journey at London Studio Centre. After graduating in 2020, Georgia successfully signed to the agency Alexander Baker Management, and has been auditioning for professional work since. In the meantime however, she has founded a new love and passion for teaching.

Georgia loves working with children and has been so excited to have the opportunity to share some of the expertise and experience she has gained from training professionally and aims to inspire and mentor the next generation of dancers and help them along their dance journey. 



Georgia is a very hard-working and reliable individual, and these are not only attributes she takes pride in, but are also attributes she instil’s into her students during her classes. Dancing is so much more than technique, it is filled with various disciplines which she endeavours to portray to her students allowing them to grow as individuals both inside and outside of the studio.

career details
Our Principal Joanne

Miss Jen

Acro, Modern & Technique

Jen is a professional contortionist with over 15 years of experience performing in television, film, and live shows.

Her extraordinary flexibility and stage presence have earned her roles in numerous productions, including Game of Thrones, The Devil Inside, ITV’s Get Your Act Together, and Game of Talents, as well as commercials and music videos.

Beyond performing, Jen is a dedicated coach, running her own contortion, hand-balancing, and acrobatics school. She is also an IDTA Teaching Associate in Ballet, combining technical expertise with a passion for helping others master movement and artistry.

career details
Our Principal Joanne

Henry

Teacher & Performer

Henry Wakeford is a talented actor, dancer, and gymnast known for his role as a Prefect in the 2022 film Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical. He has also appeared in House of the Dragon and is represented by Bonnie & Betty Agency.

Beyond his on-screen work, Henry is passionate about teaching and choreography. He has shared his expertise with numerous schools in and around London, including his alma mater, and is excited to join the Ohana family to inspire and nurture the next generation of performers.

career details
Our Principal Joanne

Add/change/remove classes:

PLEASE TAKE CARE TO sTATE WHICH CLASSES YOU WANT TO ADD/CHANGE/REMOVE BELOW.

Ballet

Tap/Modern

Street

Ballet

Tap/Modern

Street

Disco Babies

Disco Babies

Acro

Musical Theatre

Other

Other

*INCOMPLETE FORMS WILL NOT BE SENT, PLEASE TAKE CARE TO FILL OUT ALL THE REQUIRED FIELDS.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
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classes

Children's classes

RAD Ballet

RAD Ballet classes are offered from 2 yrs upwards and aim to teach students discipline, co-ordination, rhythm, musicality and performance whilst in a fun a friendly environment.

The syllabi cover not just the classical ballet technique but also free movement and classical character work.  The children enjoy the character because of the heeled character shoes and long black character skirts as well as the rhythmic sections. Over the course of the 8 grades they learn steps from Hungary, Poland and Russia.

With the free movement section they must learn to dance with a scarf and so increase the sensitivity and fluidity of dance movement. The syllabi are split into grades depending on individual abilities and age.

Classical Ballet is the foundation of all other dance genres and so students will be required to attend 1 class a week.  Should students wish to take a dance exam in Classical Ballet they will be required to attend 2 classes a week.

ISTD Tap

ISTD Tap is offered from the age of 3 yrs  upwards.  This syllabus teaches rhythmic responses, light and shade through sounds, co-ordination, discipline, musicality and performance whilst in a fun and friendly atmosphere.

The students will require a pair of tap shoes with both toe and heel taps so that all the sounds and tones are performed correctly. Students will be required to take 1 class a week although should a student wish to take an exam in Tap they will be required to take 2 classes a week.

The syllabi is split into grades dependent on age and ability.

ISTD Modern Theatre

ISTD Modern Theatre is offered from 5 yrs upwards.  This syllabi teaches rhythmic response and light and shade through movement, co-ordination, discipline, musicality, improvisation skills and performance whilst in a fun and friendly environment.

Students will be required to take 1 class a week although should the student wish to take an exam in Modern Theatre they will be required to take 2 classes a week.

The syllabi is split into grades dependent on age and ability.

Street Jazz

Street Jazz is split into stages depending on age and ability and is offered from 5 yrs upwards.  Each class will learn a warm up routine as well as a variety of different dance routines in a variety of different street jazz styles.

Guest teachers will also teach specialised workshops throughout the year.

Musical Theatre

Step into the Spotlight!

Our musical theatre class is a fun, supportive space where kids sing, dance, and act their hearts out! With each session, they build confidence, teamwork, and creativity while exploring exciting performances and imaginative stories. Perfect for kids of all experience levels, our class sparks joy, laughter, and a love for the stage—helping every child shine in their own unique way.

Acro

Reach New Heights with Acro!

Our Acro class combines gymnastics, contortion, dance, hand balancing, and partner pyramids to create a fun, dynamic experience for kids of all levels. From basic skills to advanced tricks, students build strength, flexibility, coordination, and confidence—all while having a blast and exploring the exciting world of acrobatic performance.

Adult classes

Adult ballet

Adult ballet is a mixed ability class for beginners and advanced dancers exercises are adapted to suit. This is a great class for conditioning and toning.  

ISTD Tap

Tap dance is both a form of dance as well as the act of making a rhythmic sound.  It’s a fun way to keep fit whilst having fun and trying something different.

Classes are popular with both children and adults alike, but if you have rhythm then this could be the dance for you.  All you need is a pair of tap dancing shoes.

Tap focuses on rhythm, syncopation and self-expression through creative use of the feet. Other tap skills include timing, co-ordination, and fitness.  A variety of music is used in our tap classes to create different styles of tap including; Swing, Jazz, Latin, Musical Theatre, Pop and Contemporary music.

timetable

Click here to read our Terms & Conditions

Autumn Term:

Monday 1st Sept 2025 - Saturday 20th Dec 2025
(Half Term: 27th Oct - 2nd Nov) All dates are inclusive.

Spring Term:

Monday 5th Jan 2026 - Saturday 28th Mar 2026
(Half Term: 16th Feb - 22nd Feb) All dates are inclusive.

Summer Term:

Monday 13th Apr 2026 - Saturday 20th July 2026
(Half Term: 25th May - 31st May) All dates are inclusive.

Summer School 2025:

Monday 3rd Aug - Friday 7th Aug 2026

Venue 1:

Bush Hill Park United Reform Church,
25 Main Ave,
Bush Hill Park
EN1 1DJ

Venue 2 (Dance Studios 1,2&3) :

Heron Hall Academy
46 Queensway,
Ponders End,
EN3 4SA

DAY

VENUE 1 (BHPURC)

VENUE 2
(Studio 1)

VENUE 2
(Studio 2)

VENUE 2
(Studio 3)

MONDAY

4:00-4:45pm Beginners BALLET Show
Miss Jo

5:15-6:15pm G3
BALLET
Miss Jo

5:00-6:00pm Inter Foundation BALLET Miss Lydia

6:15-6:45pm Mini Pointe
Miss Jo

6:00-6:30pm Senior Pointe Miss Lydia


6:45-7:45pm G4 BALLET
Miss Jo

6:30-7:30pm Inter BALLET Miss Lydia

7:45-8:30pm G5 BALLET
Miss Jo

7:30-8:15pm G6 BALLET Miss Lydia

8:30pm FINISH or PRIVATE LESSONS

8:15-9:00pm G7 BALLET Miss Lydia

9:00pm FINISH or PRIVATE LESSONS

TUESDAY

4:00pm PRIVATE LESSONS
Miss Lydia

4:30pm PRIVATE LESSONS
Miss Lydia

5:15pm PRIVATE LESSONS
Miss Lydia

5:15-6:00pm Mini Street Henry

5:30pm FINISH

5:30-6:15pm G3 Tap
Miss Fraija

6:00-7:00pm Junior Street Henry

6:15-7:00pm G4 Tap Miss Fraija

6:00pm PRIVATE LESSONS
Miss Lydia

7:00-8:00pm Inter Street Henry


7:00-7:45pm G5 Tap
Miss Fraija

7:00pm PRIVATE LESSONS
Miss Lydia

8:00pm FINISH


7:45-8:30pm G5 Modern
Miss Fraija

8:00pm PRIVATE LESSONS
Miss Lydia


8:30-9:00pm PRIVATE LESSONS
Miss Lydia

9:00pm PRIVATE LESSONS
Miss Lydia


9:00pm FINISH

9:00pm FINISH

WEDNESDAY

5:30-6:15pm PRIVATE LESSONS Miss Jo


6:15-7:00pm G6 Tap Miss Jo

7:00-8:00pm Adult Tap Miss Jo

8:00-9:00pm Adult Ballet Miss Jo

9:00pm FINISH

THURSDAY

5:00-6:00pm Mini & Junior Acro
Miss Jen

5:30pm PRIVATE LESSONS
Miss Georgia

6:00-7:00pm Inter & Senior Acro
Miss Jen

6:00-6:45pm Musical Theatre
Miss Jo

6:00pm PRIVATE LESSONS
Miss Georgia

7:30-8:30pm Inter & Senior Acro
Miss Jo

6:45-7:30pm Street Festival Group
Miss Georgia


8:30-9:15pm Advanced Street
Miss Georgia

7:30pm PRIVATE LESSONS
Miss Georgia


9:15pm FINISH

8:30pm FINISH


FRIDAY

5:30-6:30pm INTER Foundation Ballet
Miss Jo

6:00-7:00pm INTER Ballet
Miss Lydia

6:30-7:00pm Pre Point & PBT
Miss Jo

7:00-7:30pm Pointe & PBT
Miss Lydia

7:00 PRIVATE LESSON
Miss Jo

7:30 PRIVATE LESSON
Miss Lydia


8:30pm FINISH


SATURDAY


9:00-9:45am Pre-Primary Ballet
Miss Ronni

9:00-9:45am Disco Duck/Baby Ballet 2-3yrs
Miss Fraija



9:45-10:30am Tiny tots & Beg tap combi 3-4yrs
Miss Ronni

9:45-10:30am Pre-Primary Tap
Miss Fraija



10:30-11:15am Primary Ballet
Miss Ronni

10:30-11:15am Pri Modern
Miss Fraija



11:15-12:00pm G1 Ballet
Miss Ronni

11:15-12:00pm G1 Modern
Miss Fraija


12:00-12:45pm G2 Ballet
Miss Ronni

12:00-12:30pm G1 Tap
Miss Fraija


12:45-1:45pm G5 Ballet
Miss Ronni

12:30-1:15pm G2 Tap
Miss Fraija


1:45-2:30pm Pre-Pointe & PBT
Miss Ronni

1:15-2:00pm G2 Modern
Miss Fraija


2:30-3:30pm G4 Ballet
Miss Ronni

2:00-2:45pm G3 Modern
Miss Fraija


3:30pm PRIVATE LESSONS
Miss Ronni

2:45pm PRIVATE LESSONS
Miss Fraija


4:15pm FINISH

3:45pm FINISH

Fees & apply

Standard Tuition

Pricing is based on the duration of the class.

  • 30 Mins - £30 per month - Baby Ballet / Tiny Tots Ballet / Beginners Pre Primary Ballet / Advanced Pointe / Beginners Tap / Grade 2, 3, 4 & 5 Tap / Grade 2, 3, 4 & 5 Modern
  • 45 Mins - £35 per month - Pre Primary 1 Ballet / Pre Primary Exam Ballet / Primary Ballet / Grade 1 Ballet / Grade 6, 7 & 8 Ballet / Street Jazz
  • 1 Hour - £40 per month - Grade 2, 3 & 4 Ballet / Vocational Ballet
  • Adult classes - £10 drop-in or £50 per 6 lessons - Ballet & Tap  (all adult classes are 1hr)

Private Tuition

Private tuition is also available to any students who wish to have additional classes on a one to one basis.

  • 15 Mins - £20.00
  • 30 Mins - £40.00
  • 45 Mins - £60.00
  • 1 Hour - £80.00

There is a registration fee of £14 applied to all costs above. If you have any queries regarding our classes or pricing please email us at: admin@ohanaacademy.co.uk

Application Form:

*INCOMPLETE FORMS WILL NOT BE SENT, PLEASE TAKE CARE TO FILL OUT ALL THE REQUIRED FIELDS.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

office hrs:

We'd love to hear from you.  If you have any questions, or you want to provide us with some feedback, please don't hesitate to get in touch.  

Our office hours are as follows:
Monday:
10:00am-3:00pm
Tuesday 11:00am-3:00pm
Wednesday 10:00am-3:00pm
Thursday 11:00am-3:00pm
Friday 10:00am-3:00pm

contact:

Please contact the admin email outside of office hrs. It is not possible to reach us by phone outside of these hours as we are teaching.

Email: admin@ohanaacademy.co.uk or principal@ohanaacademy.co.uk

where to find us:

Venue 1

Bush Hill Park United Reform Church,
25 Main Ave,
Bush Hill Park,
EN1 1DJ

venue 2

Heron Hall Academy
46 Queensway,
Ponders End,
EN3 4SA