structured dance classes near Canterbury

Paid trials available, no long form to start, we will help you choose the right class.

Dance Classes Near Canterbury, Aylesham Studio, Book a Trial

Dance classes near Canterbury at our Aylesham studios, ages 18 months to adults, paid trials, small groups, and a friendly, structured atmosphere.

If you live in Canterbury and you are looking for more than a casual after school activity, Artists In Motion in Aylesham gives your child a proper dance education within an easy drive of the city centre. Many of our dancers travel in from Canterbury each week, so the route is tried, tested and part of plenty of family routines already.

AIM is a family run school with a friendly, professional atmosphere. Children are expected to work hard, listen and respect each other, but they are also welcomed as individuals. Parents tell us they like that the studios feel warm and supportive, while still having enough structure that their child actually learns, improves and grows in confidence.

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Check out our reviews on Google

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Rachel Ely
10 May, 2021

My son absolutely loves his AIM classes and as a parent I am extremely happy with the high level of teaching he receives. Everyone at AIM is helpful and professional and works towards a child centered approach.

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Natalie Douglas
10 May, 2021

My daughter takes part in two classes at AIM, Musical Theatre and Street Dance and she loves them both equally. She can't wait to show us what she has learned after each session and it's lovely to see her confidence grow each week. The lessons are fun and engaging and the teachers are friendly and approachable as well as being highly skilled and professional. My daughter is extremely happy here and a happy child makes for a happy mum. I highly recommend AIM.

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Ally Murray
10 May, 2021

Lisa and her lovely team are the most amazing dance school, giving children that live in the countryside and surrounding towns a chance to shine at all different dance styles. My daughter has been going to ballet class since she was two and love her dance family that she has come to know in the studio and on zoom sessions. She has learnt to share, take turns, rhythm beats/count and have fun with her friends. We can’t wait for her to grow in her dance knowledge with Artist in motion school of dance.

Prices and Payment Structure

30 Minute Class 45 Minute Class 60 Minute Class 75 Minute Class
£15.00 per month £19 per month £25 per month £29 per month

Classes for Canterbury children, teens and adults

From tiny dancers who want to copy everything they see on stage, through to teenagers who are serious about exams and performance, there is usually a class that fits.

Typical options include

Timetables are reviewed across the year, with after school and weekend options that work for busy Canterbury families. If you have more than one child, we do our best to place siblings in classes that sit close together in the schedule so you are not stuck at the studios all day.

Why Canterbury parents choose Artists In Motion

Canterbury families have plenty of choice, so it matters that your dance school feels like the right fit. Parents who travel from the city to AIM tend to be looking for three things, safe training, clear progression and a genuinely kind environment.

At AIM you will find

  • Small class sizes so teachers can actually see and support each child
  • Qualified and experienced staff who understand safe technique and child development
  • A clear system of grades and levels so you know how your child is progressing
  • Regular performance opportunities for students who enjoy the stage
  • A firm stance on kindness, respect and behaviour in and out of class

We work hard to keep the studios free from drama and bullying. If friendship issues crop up, staff address them quickly and calmly so that everyone can get back to enjoying their dancing. Canterbury students are encouraged to make friends across ages and styles so they feel part of the wider AIM family.

A short trip from Canterbury to AIM Studios

AIM Studios are based at Intex House on Cooting Road in Aylesham, a short, simple drive from Canterbury. Many parents travel in along the same routes they already use for shopping, work or school runs.

For a lot of families the weekly pattern looks like this, collect from school in Canterbury, quick snack in the car, straight to dance class, then home again in good time for dinner and homework. Adults who train with us often come in after work, use class as their switch off time, then head back to Canterbury feeling more relaxed and energised.

Parking is available outside or close to the studios, which keeps drop off and pick up straightforward even on busy evenings.

Exams, shows and performance opportunities

Students from Canterbury who want to work towards exams and shows have plenty of opportunity to do so. When dancers are ready, they can enter recognised graded exams that give a clear sense of progress, as well as valuable experience in focus and discipline.

Across the year AIM also runs

  • Full school shows in professional style venues
  • In house performances for families and friends
  • Holiday workshops and short courses
  • Occasional events and community performances

Not every child wants the pressure of the spotlight, and that is fine. Some Canterbury dancers treat class as their weekly time to move, relax, see friends and build confidence. Others live for costume calls and stage lights. Both choices are respected and supported by the teaching team.

Supportive environment for nervous or first time dancers

If your child is used to big city clubs in Canterbury, moving to a more focused dance school can feel like a big step. Our team is very used to settling in new students, including those who are anxious, shy or unsure of themselves.

Teachers and front of house staff take time to

  • Greet new dancers by name
  • Explain how the class works in simple terms
  • Pair new students up with friendly classmates
  • Give gentle encouragement rather than barking instructions

Parents can stay and watch on the first visit if that helps, or wait in reception, depending on the class and age group. The aim is always the same, to help your child walk out of their trial feeling proud, not overwhelmed.

Trials, fees and uniforms for Canterbury dancers

If you are not sure which class is right, a paid trial is the best place to start.

You will get

  • A low cost paid trial spot in a suitable class
  • A chance for your child to meet the teacher and the group
  • Honest feedback on whether the level and style are right

Ongoing fees are kept as simple as possible with clear monthly payments. There are no hidden extras tucked away in the small print. Uniform is introduced in stages, starting with comfortable clothing and suitable footwear, then moving to full AIM uniform when your child is ready to commit. The online uniform shop means Canterbury parents can order the correct items without guessing at brands and colours.

How to get started if you live in Canterbury

If you are based in Canterbury and thinking about dance classes, you can get started in a few simple steps.

  1. Visit the AIM website and open the page for dance classes near Canterbury or the main Aylesham timetable
  2. Choose a class that matches your child’s age and experience, or ask the team for a recommendation
  3. Complete the enquiry or paid trial form with your details and preferred times
  4. Wait for your confirmation with class details, directions to AIM Studios and guidance on what to wear and bring

On the day of your trial, arrive a little early so your child can see the studios, meet the teacher and take a breath before class begins. From there, the next step is simple, if they come out smiling and asking when they can come back, you know you have found the right dance school.

Where You Can Find Us

Studio Address

AIM Studios, Intex House, Cooting Road, Aylesham, CT3 3EP

By Car

  • 15 minutes from Canterbury via the A2.
  • 20 minutes from Dover via the A2.

By Bus

  • From Canterbury: 89 bus from Canterbury Bus Station to Aylesham; runs about hourly; journey ~18–24 minutes.
  • From Dover: 982 / 983 buses towards Aylesham; weekdays only; journey ~50 minutes (check timetable).
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Frequently Asked Questions

How easy is it to travel from Canterbury to AIM Studios
Our nearest studios for Canterbury families are AIM Studios at Intex House, Cooting Road in Aylesham. By car it is a short, direct trip from Canterbury, so children and adults can travel in after school or work, enjoy class, then be home again without a late night. Many families use the same route they already take for shopping or commuting, and there is parking outside or close to the building which keeps drop off and pick up simple.
Do you offer a free or paid trial for dancers from Canterbury
We offer a low cost paid trial so Canterbury families and adult dancers can try a class before committing to regular lessons. The trial lets you or your child meet the teacher, see the studios and experience the group. The small fee secures your place, helps us manage class sizes and gives a genuine feel for whether AIM is the right school for your family, not just for one lesson but for the long term.
What ages from Canterbury can join your classes
Dancers who live in Canterbury can join us from around three or four years old through to teens, and where timetable space allows we also run classes that are suitable for adults. Preschoolers, primary school children, secondary students and adult beginners are all welcome. Classes are grouped by age and experience so everyone works at a level that feels achievable and safe but still has enough stretch to keep them progressing and excited to learn more each week.
Which dance styles are available for Canterbury students
At AIM Studios near Canterbury we teach a wide range of styles for children, teens and adults. These include ballet, tap, modern and jazz, commercial and street inspired dance, acro, aerial hoop and musical theatre, along with stretch and strength based sessions that support safe technique. The timetable can change each term, so we always advise Canterbury parents to check the current schedule and ask if you need help matching styles to your child’s personality and goals.
Can we realistically fit travel from Canterbury around school and work
Yes. Many families travel straight from Canterbury schools and workplaces to AIM Studios. A typical pattern is collect from school, quick snack in the car, class at AIM, then back to Canterbury in good time for dinner, homework and bedtime. Adults often come in after work and use class as their switch off time before heading home. Because the journey is short and parking is close to the building, lessons feel like a manageable part of the week rather than another stressful rush.
Can Canterbury dancers take exams, shows and performance work with you
Students from Canterbury can work towards recognised dance exams when they are ready, and they are invited to take part in our shows, in house performances, holiday workshops and occasional community events. Some dancers love the focus of exams and the buzz of costume and stage lights, while others prefer to keep lessons as their weekly time to move, have fun and build confidence. Both paths are respected by the teaching team, and we will always support families to choose what feels right for their child and their schedule in Canterbury.
My child is shy and has never danced before in Canterbury, can they still join
Absolutely. Many of our Canterbury students arrive at AIM as complete beginners or as children who tried a school club but never had formal training. Our teachers are used to supporting shy or anxious dancers. We greet them by name, pair them with friendly classmates and give clear, calm instructions rather than loud pressure. Parents can usually stay close by during the first visit if that helps. The aim is that your child walks out of their trial feeling proud of themselves and keen to come back, even if they were nervous to start with.
How do I book a trial class if I live in Canterbury
To book a trial from Canterbury, visit our website and go to the page for dance classes in Canterbury or the main Aylesham timetable. Complete the enquiry or trial booking form and our team will confirm a suitable class, send directions to AIM Studios on Cooting Road and explain what to wear and bring. We will also answer any questions you have about levels, exams, costs or how to settle a nervous child into their first lesson, especially if they are used to busy city clubs and are trying a more focused dance school for the first time.

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