About Us

Acacia School of Dance is a place where creativity, confidence, and connection take centre stage. We believe every child has a unique rhythm, and our mission is to help them discover it, bringing the physical, mental and emotional benefits of dance to EVERYONE. With a wide range of classes across all major dance genres, we guide dancers from their very first plié to the thrill of live performance. Our supportive team, age-based curriculum, and inspiring culture ensure that every student thrives in their own time and style.

Our Journey

From a small weekend grouP to a full-service performing arts hub, Acacia School of Dance has blossomed into a dynamic studio with a heart and mission to bring the physical, mental and emotional benefits of dance and its transferable life skills to everyone .

Along the way, we've introduced Boys' and Adults' classes, workshops, theatre outings and performing opportunities at local venues such as The Grand, Battersea Arts Centre and Wimbledon Theatre. Through all the growth, we’ve stayed committed to one thing: building confident, expressive, and joyful children through dance.

Where It all Began

Acacia School of Dance was born in 1987 when Joan rented a church hall to teach just ten children every Saturday, after some previous experience before starting her dancing career. With a cassette player (remember them?), a wardrobe of costumes, and a heart full of dreams, Acacia quickly grew into a creative home for young movers.

Today, Acacia welcomes over 100 students each week, which include children and even grandchildren of yesteryear students — and the spirit of those early Saturday mornings still lives in every class.

Our Values

At Acacia, our values guide every step, spin, and leap we take:

Confidence Through Creativity

We believe that every child has something unique to offer. Our classes are designed to nurture self-belief through movement, music, self-expression and imagination.

Progress Over Perfection

We celebrate effort, growth, and individual journeys. Whether it’s a first plié or a stage performance, every step forward is a win.

Kindness and Community

We want the benefits of dance to be accessible to everyone and lifelong friends are made; where each and every child or adult feels safe, seen, and supported —regardless of background, ability, or experience level.

Passion with Commitment

We want to bring the meaning of DANCING, to each student, while developing a safe and disciplined technique that never kills the love of dance. From studio to stage, we encourage our dancers to move with joy, respect, commitment and responsibility.

Our Amazing Teachers

Miss Joan Gibbs

Joan Gibbs – Founder & Principal

Joan founded Acacia in 1987 with aspirations to form a community of dancers and families that mirrored the one she grew up with. Her mission was create a space where every child could feel seen, celebrated, and confident through dance. With over 40 years of experience as both a professional dancer and dance teacher in both recreational dance and Vocational schools and colleges, and top training at Laine Theatre Arts, Joan brings a rare combination of technical knowledge and child-centred teaching. Her classes are known for blending structure with imagination, and her mentorship style has helped dozens of students grow into expressive, empowered dancers. Joan still teaches most classes and does most of the choreography for performances.

Miss Gabriella Veysey

Saturday Primary & Grade 1 Ballet, Modern and Tap Teacher

Gabriella trained in classical ballet with Miss Joan from the age of 3, Modern and Tap from 5, studied contemporary dance and choreography at university and has a larger-than-usual background Ballet knowledge, still dancing with a part-time company, She leads with perseverance (attaining her ISTD teaching qualification alongside her full-time work), precision, and patience—blending traditional ballet training, with a wonderful understanding of children with special needs and those having emotional difficulties. Gabriella is passionate about helping young dancers understand the “why” behind movement, not just the “how,” continuing her full-time job as Head of Science in a large secondary school. She is known for always being very calm!

Starlings

(Ages 3-5)

Book my class

Starbursts

(Ages 6-11)

Book my class

Aces

(Ages 12-18)

Book my class

Adults

(Ages 18+)

Book my class

What our clients say…

"Miss Joan is amazing at communicating with the children, combining a very imaginative approach with discipline. She has a great understanding of her pupils' individual abilities and characters, stimulating their imagination and helping them grow in confidence and self expression. She has decades of experience in teaching dance at all ages, from children to adults. The atmosphere at the school is always happy and enthusiastic and over time it has become a big family. We couldn't recommend it highly enough"

Valeria R., parent

"Acacia School of a Dance is a real hidden gem. Miss Joan combines decades of experience in the teaching of dance, but also has a natural sensitivity and understanding of children’s characters and what makes them tick. She is so good and unassuming and should and could definitely charge more for what she does!"

Margherita O.-A., parent

News/Events

Acacia Dance Video Hub

Coming September!

We’re excited to announce that you'll soon be able to
join our parent/student hub and have access to music and videos to help with practising technique, exam amalgamations and catch up with new work if you've missed any classes. Keep an eye on your emails and our socials for the official launch date!

Acacia Show 2026

Our biggest event of the year is just around the corner!

🗓 Rehearsals: Saturday, 14th November
🎭 Show Day: Saturday, 21st November

Join us for a day of celebration, sparkle, and stage magic.

Secure your tickets now:
👉 https://stagestubs.com/acacia-dance/acacia-show2026

Let’s celebrate the talent, teamwork, and joy our dancers bring to the stage!

FAQ's

Can my child join if they’ve never danced before?

Absolutely! We welcome beginners at every age and place them in classes that match their comfort level and confidence.

What should we wear to class?

We recommend easy-to-move in leggings and t-shirt with bare feet, You can try Tap in outdoor shoes before buying Tap shoes. Don't buy any special clothing as there's a uniform; details are shared at enrolment. We sell Ballet shoes at the class so they can be tried on. Some other items are available in class, and we also have an online supplier.

Can parents watch classes?

Children learn best when their attention isn't divided between the parent and teacher, so we have a 'Watch Week' once a term, when parents can watch any classes. Younger or shy children may need their parents in the room with them to begin with, and this is always possible.

It's worth remembering that children are often engaged with the class and then get a little 'clingy' when they see Mum or Dad, which 'breaks the spell'. Being patient with a child's desire to engage is important; they may really enjoy dancing, but even adults going to a new place, with a new teacher and classmates and a new activitiy can feel a little overwhelmed. Encouraging them to try the class is all part of building resilience.

What if my child is shy?

.Younger children, (esoecially 3-5 year olds), may want to watch for a while first, and it's best to let them take the lead. Some will join in on their own after a few minutes, others will take a few weeks. It IS worth persevering as many dancers and teachers who love dancing were reluctant at first! (I was one of those children). We'll always come to get you if your child needs you. Parents of new young children who join in straight away can wait nearby in the changing room, or elsewhere in the building where other parents are congregating.

Can we take dance exams?

Absolutely! We enter students for ISTD Grade and Vocational Graded exams. (Imperial Ballet, Modern Theatre and Tap).

Younger children can take the Primary Class exams, but once they reach Grade 1 level, they work to the higher 'Grade' standard so they're prepared for Vocational exams, in case they decide later that they're really interested and would like a career in dance, teaching or related theatrical disciplines. You can also be awarded UCAS points for Grade 6, Intermediate, and Advanced 1 or 2. These are earned by passing Grade 6 and Vocational exams, so committed students can use them for their non-dance university applications.

Adults of all levels can take ISTD Popular Tap Tests if they want to (Levels and Medals), and a few adults have surprised us all by beginning as adults and going on to take Grade and Vocational exams in Ballet, Modern Theatre and Tap!

My daughter has been doing ballet, tap and modern and we started over a year ago. She really loves her classes, her confidence and coordination has grown massively. Miss Joan goes over and above for her students and has created lovely community. We are so glad we found this school.

Nathan C., parent

Acacia Dance School is an amazing place to learn dance. The instructors are professional, patient, and passionate. Classes are well-structured for all levels, and the atmosphere is welcoming and full of positive energy. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to improve their dance skills and enjoy a great experience!"

Tania C., parent of older teenager