The roots of Chatsworth Dance Centre were established in 1989 when Ann Atkinson (see "Our Teachers") established the AVA Dance Academy in Harrogate. Over the subsequent few years, Ann successfully built up the Academy to the point where she acquired Chatsworth Studios as her base in 1996.
Over the last 16 years, Chatsworth Studios have helped over 1,250 students achieve over 4,000 IDTA exam passes in Ballet, Modern Jazz and Tap as well as provide facilities and tuition for Freestyle, Musical Theatre and Singing.
As well as achieving great success in exams (many passes highly commended or honours), 7 highly acclaimed shows have been performed at the H.I.C. and the Royal Hall. Our next one is scheduled for spring 2012.
Chatsworth Studios has also proved to be a good grounding for vocational training for students wishing to progress to a career in dance or musical theatre – we regularly run audition classes which have proved successful.
In 2008, Chatsworth Dance Centre (Mike & Jan Starkings and family) took over the day to day running of the AVA Dance Academy in Harrogate from Ann Atkinson who remains at the Centre as both a tutor and advisor.
We believe our combination of Expertise and Enthusiasm provides top quality tuition and facilities.
- 50 classes a week
- 2 dedicated studios
- 6 qualified teachers
- Over 400 students (Girls, boys & ladies)
- From 18 months upwards (no upper limit!)
