DANCE TOGETHER

GROW TOGETHER

Afonso School of Performing Arts is a vibrant, inclusive dance and theatre school based in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, where confidence grows, talents shine and every child belongs.

Welcome

Afonso School of Performing Arts is a place for children to learn, grow and be inspired in both dance and musical theatre.

Award-winning Principal, Alicia, brings her high-level of expertise and West End performing experience directly into our Berkhamsted studios.

Unlike larger franchise schools, we've kept our family feel even as we've grown to almost 50 classes per week. We're one of the few local studios offering formal IDTA examination pathways alongside creative, non-exam options. Our 100% exam pass rate and track record of students progressing to top colleges like Laine Theatre Arts and Emil Dale Academy speaks for itself, but what parents tell us they love most is how their kids don't want to leave at the end of class, (or when they grow up either!)

We welcome children of all ages and abilities. Whether a beginner, or more advanced student looking for a new dance family, we will assist you in finding the perfect class for them.

Toddler posing for Preschool Ballet performance in costume

Preschool

AGES 2-4

Lower School

AGES 4-7

Middle School

AGES 8-12

Upper School AGES 13+

"The teaching staff are fantastic and it has such great family feel"

– Gemma, Parent of Rose & Sophie


"
My girls love Afonso. The teaching staff are fantastic and it has such great family feel with the older children looking out for the younger ones. My youngest has been dancing there for 3 years and has come on so much. My other daughter has SEN and has found the summer school wonderful, super inclusive and is excited to try the main classes."

" she would never want to dance anywhere else"

– Lindsay, Parent of Holly


"
My daughter has danced with Afonso for over 11 years. She has loved every minute! The support/encouragement of the staff, confidence building, friends and so many opportunities means she would never want to dance anywhere else. Thank you to all the staff, you are wonderful."

"it's really helped her confidence, love of music and even her reading"

– Sarah, Parent of Olivia


"
My daughter does ballet, modern jazz and musical theatre with Afonso on Saturday mornings and really loves it! It’s really helped her confidence, love of music and even her reading (finally a reason to read on her terms, now she needs to read song lyrics!!)"

"it feels like one big family"

– Louise - Parent of Clementine


"
Fantastic classes run by such lovely staff. My daughter absolutely adores her time here and her confidence has come on in leaps and bounds. It feels like one big family and what they managed to produce during lockdown was nothing short of amazing! Was so lovely to have something normal for them to do. Cannot recommend them enough."

Past Student Stories

Zara Garvie, Age 18
An original Afonso kid, starting at aged 7. Now about to start her professional training at the prestigious college, Laine Theatre Arts.

"I have loved my time at Afonso and wouldn't be where I am today without it and the amazing teachers".

Lillie Stewart, Age 18
Another Afonso original following her dreams. Lillie has just completed sixth form at Arts 1 and will join the Emil Dale Academy this September.

"Training at Afonso helped me to build the confidence to let my true passion for musical theatre shine out. I wouldn't be who I am today without the opportunities they have given me to perform and grow".

Faq's

Can my child try a class before enrolling?

Absolutely! We offer trial classes so your child can come along, have some fun and see if the class feels right for them. It’s a great way for them to meet the teacher, make new friends and get a feel for what we do before joining us for the term.

We welcome children to the main school from around 3 to 18 years at Afonso School of Performing Arts in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire. Just book online or WhatsApp 07590348812. Children aged 2-4yrs can also join our Parent & Toddler drop-in classes.

What should my child wear for their trial?

For their trial class, your child can simply wear something comfortable that allows them to move freely - there’s no need to buy a special uniform beforehand. Any clothing and bare feet or suitable footwear are perfect. As they settle in, we can let you know what uniform or clothing is recommended for their chosen class. We want your child to feel comfortable and confident from their very first class with us at The Vyne Theatre & Studios in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire.

My child is almost 2, when can they start?

Your child can start from around 2 years old in our Parent & Toddler classes. These classes are designed especially for our youngest dancers, aged 2–4 years, and a parent or carer stays with them throughout the class.

It’s a relaxed and fun introduction to dance, music and movement, helping little ones build confidence while enjoying time together.

Where are your classes based?

The majority of our classes take place at The Vyne Theatre & Studios in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire. We welcome children and young people aged 3-18 from Berkhamsted and the surrounding areas. We offer ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, commercial, acrobatics, musical theatre, acting and singing, with classes for different ages and experience levels.

Our Parent & Toddler classes for aged 2-4 is based at All Saints Church in Berkhamsted.

Can I pay in instalments?

Yes, we offer payment by Direct Debit instalments, allowing you to spread the cost of your child’s classes throughout the term.

We know that makes things easier for busy families, and we want joining us to be as straightforward as possible. Instalment payments are available for our classes for children and young people aged 3-18.

What classes are available for my child?

Depending on their age, we offer ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, commercial, acrobatics, musical theatre, acting and singing for children and young people aged 2-18.

Not sure where to start? Just let us know your child’s age and what they’re interested in, and we’ll help you find the classes we think they’ll enjoy. We welcome complete beginners as well as children who already have experience.

Do you hold performances or showcases?

Yes! We love giving our students the opportunity to perform and share what they’ve been working on. Our main school show takes place in a professional theatre in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, every two years, giving students the chance to experience the excitement of performing on a real stage. In between our main shows, we also hold class presentations and open Musical Theatre examinations, so there are plenty of opportunities for children and young people aged 3-18 to build confidence and enjoy performing.

How much are the classes?

Prices vary depending on the type and length of the class. We keep our fees as straightforward as possible and are happy to help you find the right option for your child. For current prices and availability, please get in touch with us by email or WhatsApp on 07590 348812, and we’ll be happy to help.

Is there a set uniform?

Yes, we have a set uniform for all of our classes. There’s no need to purchase anything before your child’s trial, so they can simply wear something comfortable and suitable for movement. Once their trial period is complete and you decide to join us, we’ll provide you with all the information you need about the uniform for their chosen class.

Are exams and shows compulsory?

No, exams and shows are completely optional, although they are a huge and very special part of the Afonso experience. For many of our students, they are the highlight of the year - the excitement of performing, working towards a goal and celebrating everything they’ve achieved together.

Very few students choose not to take part, but we completely understand that performing or taking exams isn’t for everyone. Students who choose not to participate are still given equal opportunities in class and are fully included during rehearsals and exam preparation.

Last updated: August 2026

our location

All main school classes:

Vyne Theatre & Studios

Northbridge Road

Berkhamsted

HP4 1EH

(Limited onsite and street parking available)

Parent & Toddler classes only:

All Saints Church

Shrublands Road

Berkhamsted

Based at Vyne Theatre & Studios in Berkhamsted, Afonso School of Performing Arts welcomes families from across Hertfordshire including Tring, Hemel Hempstead, Boxmoor, Bovingdon and Kings Langley. Just 5 minutes from Berkhamsted station and easily accessible from the A41, we're the local choice for quality dance education

Northbridge Rd, Berkhamsted HP4 1EH, UK
Afonso Stage Door logo - Berkhamsted
Holiday Camp logo for Afonso School of erforming Arts, Berkhamsted

What are you waiting for?! BOOK NOW!

get in touch

Let us know if you’re interested in booking a class and we will get back to you as soon as possible!

Afonso School of Performing Arts

Vyne Theatre & Studios
Northbridge Road,

Berkhamsted,

HP4 1EH

(Overflow park behind Audley House)

Parent & Toddler classes only:

All Saints Church

Shrublands Road

Berkhamsted

(Street parking available but limited)

Available on WhatsApp

Phone: 07590348812

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Dance classes in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire | Serving Tring, Hemel Hempstead & surrounding areas.