Our Philosophy

Dance for Every Body and Every Stage of Life

At New Forest Academy of Dance, we believe that dance is for everyone — whether you’re just starting out at age two and a half, returning to movement as an adult, or enjoying a comfortable retirement. Our aim is to offer a space where every student can grow in confidence, creativity, and self-expression, regardless of their background, experience, or physicality. NFAD is a welcoming and inclusive dance school based in the New Forest, offering high-quality classes in a range of styles for children, teens and adults alike.

Dancers in a seated circle with arms in fifth position

Supporting Strong, Healthy and Confident Dancers

Our approach to training places dancer health and wellbeing at the centre. Drawing on specialist training with the Philip Cutts School of Dance and Sport Medicine, we focus on safe technique, physical literacy and sustainable progression. Students are guided to develop strength, mobility and artistry in ways that support long-term enjoyment and injury prevention — not short-term extremes of flexibility or pressure to conform to any one “dancer’s body” ideal.

Styles we teach and how we teach them

We offer a broad and engaging dance programme, with classes in:

  • Ballet

  • Tap

  • Modern

  • Contemporary

  • Street Dance

  • Musical Theatre

We follow the RAD, ISTD, and IDTA syllabuses, with exam opportunities available where appropriate. Aspiring teachers are supported through the Embody Future Teachers Programme. Our focus is on helping each student set meaningful goals and enjoy the process of achieving them — whether that’s performing on stage, completing a graded exam, or simply feeling more confident in themselves.

Syllabus logos

Opportunities to grow and perform

Dancers performing in A Tin Man's Tale at NFAD

We offer a wide range of performance opportunities that help students develop confidence and celebrate progress. These include:

  • In-class watching weeks

  • Appearances at community events

  • Our annual Musical in a Week

  • Large-scale whole school shows, staged every two years

All performances are inclusive and supportive — participation is encouraged, not pressured, and every dancer is guided with care and encouragement.

our values

At every stage, we aim to create a warm, professional and community-focused environment. We're proud to support students who love dance for all kinds of reasons — and who thrive in a place that values progress over perfection. Read more about our PROUD to be NFAD values