Royal Ballet School Approved
Proud host venue for The Royal Ballet School Associate Programme, bringing world-class Royal Ballet School training to the South West alongside Severn Dance Studios’ exceptional training programmes.
The best dance studio in the South West
Welcome to Severn Dance Studios, selected by The Royal Ballet School as its Associate Centre in the South West.
Nestled in the heart of Gloucestershire’s Stroud district, our state-of-the-art facility is thoughtfully designed to inspire dancers of all levels, from aspiring professionals to those seeking the joy and wellness that dance provides.
Classes for everyone
From pre-vocational training to recreational classes, we offer a wide range of dance styles:
Ballet Classes (RAD)
Discover the art of Ballet from age 3+ in our Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) classes. We nurture confidence, creativity, and strong foundations, welcoming all – from eager beginners to those aiming for a dance career. Students can work towards RAD examinations or simply enjoy dancing for fun, with supportive teachers and a structured, inspiring syllabus. Our professional pre-vocational program is also available for aspiring young dancers.
Adult Dance Classes
Step into our friendly Adult Tap classes – perfect for beginners and those returning to dance. Enjoy lively rhythms, great music, and a welcoming community with no pressure and plenty of encouragement. Stay tuned for our upcoming Adult Ballet classes, designed to build strength, grace, and confidence at any stage of life.
Tap Dancing Lessons (ISTD)
Experience the energy of rhythm and movement in our ISTD Tap classes from age 5+. Whether pursuing ISTD exams or joining for the pure fun, students enjoy upbeat routines, dynamic music, and an inclusive atmosphere that boosts coordination, confidence, and musicality.
Urban Street Dance Classes
Unlock creativity and self-expression in our Street Dance program, delivered by Defined Dance. Designed for children aged 4+, these classes combine authenticity, teamwork, and excitement, helping every student build confidence and explore their unique style. Dancers can train for fun or get involved in competitions as they progress.
Jazz Dance Classes
Jazz at Severn Dance Studios is vibrant and engaging, open to ages 10 and up. Our classes focus on dynamic movement, rhythm, and self-expression, with lively music and supportive teaching – no exams, just a chance to develop confidence, have fun, and shine through dance.
Core Barre Workout
Barre Fitness is coming soon! These classes blend strength, flexibility, and elegant movement, offering a fantastic way to tone, stretch, and energise your body. Stay tuned for launch updates.
Our teachers
All our ballet and tap instructors are fully RAD and ISTD qualified. In addition, every member of our teaching staff is first aid trained and holds a valid DBS certificate.
Sally Prout
Dip RBS (TTC), ARAD, AISTD (CDE)
Principal and Director
Teacher’s profile
Sally trained at Bush Davies School of Education and Theatre Arts, followed by The Royal Ballet School in London, where she earned her Teachers Diploma.
Upon graduation, she was honoured with a special award from Dame Ninette de Valois, founder of The Royal Ballet, for achieving the highest results in her final year. Sally began her teaching career in 1984 at The Bristol School of Dancing. In 1985, she founded her own dance school while also teaching at The Hereford Ballet School. Over the years, she has taught at several institutions including the Corraine Collins Dance Studios in Cheltenham, Monmouth Haberdashers’ School for Girls and Westonbirt School for Girls.
As her own school flourished, Sally chose to dedicate herself to its full-time development. She is delighted to lead the newly established Severn Dance Studios and is passionate about providing more dance opportunities for the wider community.
Sally is a proud Life Member of the Royal Academy of Dance.
Louise Watson
Dip NBS, AISTD (CDE)
Head of Pre-vocational Training
Teacher’s profile
Louise began her dance training in her hometown of Sunderland before advancing to The Northern Ballet School in Manchester at the age of sixteen.
Over the course of her three years of professional training, she performed in and choreographed numerous productions staged at The Dancehouse Theatre. Notably, she choreographed a Ballet set to Walt Disney’s Fantasia soundtrack, performed live by the Hallé Orchestra.
During her time at Northern Ballet School, Louise taught classes at the school’s Associate programme and completed the three-year teacher training course, earning her Teaching Diploma.
After graduating, Louise relocated to Gloucestershire to join The Sally Prout School of Dancing. She is now a proud Partner of the school, contributing to its continued growth and creative development.
Louise will be leading our new Pre-Vocational Programme, designed to equip young students with the foundational skills and preparation necessary for entry into specialised vocational dance training.
Sarah Spaven
Dip RAD RTS, ISTD (DDE)
Head of Staff
Teacher’s profile
Sarah trained at The Urdang Academy in London before continuing her professional studies at Stella Mann College, where she completed a three-year National Diploma in Professional Dance and Musical Theatre.
In 2017, she achieved Registered Teacher Status with the Royal Academy of Dance after completing the Professional Dancers’ Teaching Diploma. She also holds DDI qualifications in Ballet, as well as DDI and DDE qualifications in Tap through the ISTD. Following a successful professional career—which included numerous touring productions and competitive Latin dance, culminating in a place at the ISTD Grand Finals in 2012 at the iconic Tower Ballroom in Blackpool—Sarah transitioned fully into teaching. She joined The Sally Prout School of Dancing and was appointed Assistant Principal in September 2019.
More recently, Sarah has taken on the role of Head of Teaching Staff at Severn Dance
Studios. She looks forward to sharing her performance experience and technical expertise with the next generation of dancers.
Jade Elliott
Street Dance Teacher & Founder of Defined Dance
Teacher’s profile
Jade began dancing at the age of two, training in Ballet, Tap and Jazz at The Sally Prout School of Dancing. At ten, she expanded her repertoire to include disco, commercial and street dance.
Jade Elliott
Street Dance Teacher & Founder of Defined Dance
Teacher’s profile
Jade began dancing at the age of two, training in Ballet, Tap and Jazz at The Sally Prout School of Dancing. At ten, she expanded her repertoire to include disco, commercial and street dance.
She continued her training through College and University, graduating from the University of Gloucestershire with a BA (Hons) in Performing Arts, which provided opportunities to train within the industry alongside professionals.
Throughout her education, Jade consistently excelled – achieving Distinction in every dance exam, winning numerous awards at national competitions, and earning the position of Dance Captain for the University’s Theatre School. One of her proudest achievements during this time was leading the Theatre School in a performance at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
In her professional career, Jade has taught at several performing arts and private schools as a Choreographer, working across a wide range of genres and supporting the direction of theatre productions. She continues to share her passion and expertise
through Defined Dance, a branch school of The Sally Prout School, which she founded in 2015.
Alongside teaching, she remains an active performer, most recently competing in the European Dance Championships in Germany.
She continued her training through College and University, graduating from the University of Gloucestershire with a BA (Hons) in Performing Arts, which provided opportunities to train within the industry alongside professionals.
Throughout her education, Jade consistently excelled – achieving Distinction in every dance exam, winning numerous awards at national competitions, and earning the position of Dance Captain for the University’s Theatre School. One of her proudest achievements during this time was leading the Theatre School in a performance at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
In her professional career, Jade has taught at several performing arts and private schools as a Choreographer, working across a wide range of genres and supporting the direction of theatre productions. She continues to share her passion and expertise
through Defined Dance, a branch school of The Sally Prout School, which she founded in 2015.
Alongside teaching, she remains an active performer, most recently competing in the European Dance Championships in Germany.
Your path to excellence
Your path to excellence
..
Severn Dance Studios is more than a place to dance – it’s a centre of excellence.
As the regional hub for the South West, we provide unparalleled opportunities for dancers to pursue their dreams. Whether you’re aiming for a professional career or simply want to experience the joy of movement, our studio is your destination.
Why choose Severn Dance Studios?
Join us today
Discover the South West’s best dance facility. Book your class or visit us to see how we can help you achieve your goals.
Severn Dance Studios Limited
Verdant business park
Bristol Road, Cam, Dursley
GL11 5JA
Get in Touch
Give the Gift of Dance
Looking for a gift that truly inspires? Give the gift of finding their passion!
Our vouchers and class packages are the perfect way to share the joy of dance with a friend or loved one. Whether you’d like to cover their next term of training or provide a flexible monetary voucher so they can choose the perfect class for themselves, we have options to suit every dancer.
It’s more than just a present – it’s an invitation to move, create, and shine.
What they say about us
The girls had an absolute ball. They’re so excited to go again next week. Please pass on my sincere thanks to Rebecca for being so welcoming and patient to them. To have a facility so professional and beautiful on our doorstep is absolute joy, so thank you once again.
Great place to polish your dancing skills or star new passion in your life, you can use the skills learned towards your DOfE awards or just have fun, safe chilled place full of professional teachers.
My children love going here. The studios are amazing and the teachers are fab! We’re very lucky to have this facility on our doorstep.
Excellent state of the art facilities, easy to get to with ample parking. Our granddaughter thoroughly enjoys ballet and tap with Miss Sarah who is very professional and well organised.