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Geraldine Lamb Dance School performers on stage

Geraldine Lamb

A love of dance that lasts a lifetime

Dance classes in Saltash & Plymouth

Award-winning classes in Saltash & Plymouth, from first steps at 18 months to Silver Swans over 55. Same family since 1918. No experience needed.

Recognised & regulated by

  • Royal Academy of Dance (RAD)
  • IDTA
  • Acrobatic Arts
  • Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT)
  • Council for Dance Education & Training
  • Ofqual
  • LAMDA
Geraldine Lamb dancers in pastel costumes on stage
Young ballet dancers in royal blue and white
Dancers en pointe under starry stage lights

1918

Our story

A century of dance, still in the family

The Geraldine Lamb Dance School was established in Plymouth in 1918 and remains in the same family today. We encourage a natural love of music and movement, build our students' confidence and, of course, have a huge amount of fun.

Former students have performed professionally all over the world, including the West End and Broadway, on stage, in film and on television. Equally, our students go on to succeed in all walks of life, looking back on their days at GLDS with real affection.

Read our full story
Growing in every way

Dance isn’t just about learning steps

At Geraldine Lamb Dance School, we nurture dancers physically, mentally and emotionally, building skills that last a lifetime.

Jazz dancers in sequin jackets
Young dancers in pastel skirts
Tap soloist mid-routine
Young dancer leaping with silk scarf
  • Physically

    Coordination, strength and flexibility.

  • Mentally

    Focus, memory and perseverance.

  • Emotionally

    Confidence, self-expression and resilience.

Why families choose us

Dance education you can trust

Students come first

Every child is nurtured and emotionally supported, helping them achieve the very best of their ability.

Safe, expert training

DBS-checked, fully-insured teachers trained to protect growing bodies and build good habits early.

Award-winning school

Proud to be leading the way in dance education across the South West, with alumni on the West End & Broadway.

A world of opportunity

Exams, performances and a lifelong love of movement, plus friendships and memories that last forever.

Lovely dance school with a family feel.

Joanna Lucy Austin Birkett, Parent

Dedicated teachers who are family orientated, supportive and encouraging.

Heidi Hanfrey, Parent
Gallery

Life at GLDS

Performances, studio joy and show-stopping moments from our stages and socials.

View full gallery
Solo dancer in the spotlight
Musical theatre performance energy
Partnered lift on stage
Junior tap class on stage
Students in navy leotards
Young dancers in pink skirts on stage
Performance line on stage
Full show cast on stage
Find a class

A style for every dancer

From tiny toddlers to graceful over-55s. Pick an age group to see this term's actual classes, or browse by style. From £35 per half-term block, adult classes from £8.

Saltash · Plymouth

Parent & Toddler Ballet

Ages 18 months – 3 years

A magical first taste of dance, shared with a grown-up. Music, movement and imagination in a warm, welcoming space.

  • Builds confidence & coordination
  • Shared with a parent or carer
  • Songs, stories & props

Ballet

Ages 3+ to adult

Classical ballet taught the right way: safe, anatomically considerate and full of artistry. RAD registered.

  • RAD graded syllabus & exams
  • Safe, anatomically considerate training
  • From pre-school to advanced

Tap

Ages 4+ to adult

Rhythm, musicality and a whole lot of fun. Learn to make music with your feet.

  • Graded examinations
  • Develops rhythm & timing
  • Fun for every age

Modern

Ages 4+ to adult

Expressive, versatile and dynamic: the foundation of theatre and commercial dance.

  • Graded syllabus & exams
  • Strength & flexibility
  • Great for performance

Acrobatic Arts

Ages 5+

Safe, progressive acro training that blends dance and gymnastics, delivered by certified Acrobatic Arts teachers.

  • Certified Acrobatic Arts syllabus
  • Strength, balance & flexibility
  • Safe, progressive levels
Getting started

Your first class in three steps

No experience needed. Come for a taster, see how it feels, then decide.

  1. Step 1

    Find the right class

    Tell us your dancer's age, or browse the timetable. We'll help you choose if you're not sure.

  2. Step 2

    Book a taster

    Reserve a place online in a couple of minutes. No experience needed, and there's no pressure to enrol on the day.

  3. Step 3

    Come along and dance

    Wear comfortable clothes you can move in. We'll welcome you, and take it from there.

Our teachers

World-class teachers, teaching locally

Experienced, caring faculty with deep knowledge of dance and the current theatre scene.

Sue Cook, Principal & Director

Sue Cook

Principal & Director

Granddaughter of Geraldine Lamb, Elmhurst-trained, with over 40 years' teaching experience and life membership of the Royal Academy of Dance.

Kirsty Nicholson, Dance Teacher

Kirsty Nicholson

Dance Teacher

Former GLDS pupil; RAD BA(Hons) and Licentiate, Acrobatic Arts and Alixa Flexibility qualified, and the driving force behind Acro and GCSE Dance at the school.

Lara Cook, Dance Teacher

Lara Cook

Dance Teacher

Fourth generation of the family; Disney Cruise Line performer, RAD PDTD graduate, and founder of Speech & Drama with Lara.

Yui Kyotani-Cook, Dance Teacher

Yui Kyotani-Cook

Dance Teacher

International principal ballerina and Thálie Award winner, now sharing a world-class career with our students.

Company on stage in pastel costumes
Dancers en pointe under star cloth
Jazz dancers in sequin jackets
Loved by families

A very special place to dance

Parents tell us why GLDS feels like home: dedicated teachers, growing confidence, and a genuine family feel.

I trained at the Royal Ballet School in London, and I believe it's crucial that children learn to dance in a way that is safe and considerate of their anatomy. Geraldine Lamb's teachers have all had the very best training; ensuring the children aren't pushed beyond what their bodies can do, talent is nurtured and the children are emotionally supported. Geraldine Lamb really is a very special place.

Lola Skuse

Parent

A wonderful, welcoming dance school providing a full range of exciting dance classes and opportunities. Seeing my daughter thrive and her confidence grow through the support of the teachers and fellow classmates is heartwarming. Couldn't recommend GLDS enough!

Katie Maycock

Parent

A fantastic dance school which both my son and daughter enjoy attending, supporting them to learn the art of dance and teaching them soft skills for life such as friendship, teamwork, perseverance and building confidence. There are many different styles of dance and opportunities available.

Claire Spence

Parent

Fantastic dance school with dedicated teachers who strive to get the best out of all their students. My daughter loves all her dance classes, MT classes and LAMDA and has been going here since she was 6. She never wants to miss a lesson! Highly recommend Geraldine Lamb Dance School.

Tracey Kennedy

Parent

Lovely dance school with a family feel.

Joanna Lucy Austin Birkett

Parent

Dedicated teachers who are family orientated... very supportive and encouraging with their students.

Heidi Hanfrey

Parent

Accredited & registered

Professional associations

Our teaching is recognised and regulated by the industry's leading awarding and governing bodies.

Royal Academy of Dance (RAD)
IDTA
Acrobatic Arts
Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT)
Council for Dance Education & Training
Ofqual
LAMDA

Questions parents ask

Join the family

Ready for your first class?

Whether it’s your child’s very first ballet class or you’re returning to dance yourself, there’s a warm welcome waiting at Geraldine Lamb Dance School.

She never wants to miss a lesson!

Tracey Kennedy, Parent

No experience needed · Come for a taster