MIDDLE SCHOOL (8-12 yrs)

Our middle school students work on skill development with creative and expressive focus. This stage introduces structure and precision while nurturing individuality and performance confidence, whilst still keeping the joy alive.

Classes are 45 minutes and include IDTA Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Musical Theatre, working towards examinations, plus commercial and lyrical styles which are more choreography based, and acrobatics for tricks and tumbles.

We also offer LAMDA training with more focus on singing and acting. Perfect for anyone wanting to start auditioning.

Lessons run weekly during term time and we welcome children from beginners to more advanced.

NEW - ACROBATICS

NEW - PERFORMANCE TEAM

ballet

🦢 Grade 1+ BALLET

Ages 8-12 years

A more formal ballet class now, focusing on posture, alignment, and technique at the barre and in the centre. We enter our students for IDTA examinations.

Saturdays. Please contact us for the most suitable class for your child.
£9.44 p/w (Paid termly)
Vyne Theatre & Studios, Berkhamsted

🦢 Grade 1+ BALLET

Ages 8-12 years

A more formal ballet class now, focusing on posture, alignment, and technique at the barre and in the centre. We enter our students for IDTA examinations.

Saturdays. Please contact us for the most suitable class for your child.
£8.58/week (Paid termly)
Vyne Theatre & Studios, Berkhamsted

MUSICAL THEATRE

🎭 musical theatre

Ages 8-12 years

A much-loved class blending drama, dance, and singing. Perfect for performers who love to act and express themselves on stage and a fantastic compliment alongside the technical dance genres.

Multiple classes Tuesday/Saturday. Please contact us for the most suitable class for your child's age.
£9.44 - £11.62 p/w (Paid termly)
Vyne Theatre & Studios, Berkhamsted

🎭 musical theatre

Ages 8-12 years

A much-loved class blending drama, dance, and singing. Perfect for performers who love to act and express themselves on stage and a fantastic compliment alongside the technical dance genres.

Multiple classes Tuesday/Saturday. Please contact us for the most suitable class for your child's age.
£8.58/week (Paid termly)
Vyne Theatre & Studios, Berkhamsted

JAZZ

🪩 modern & theatre jazz

Ages 8-11 years

A choreography and skill-based class that encourages dancers to explore their creativity. Mastering the key skills of jazz such as jumps, turns and kicks, as well as improving flexibility, strength and developing expression.

Saturdays. Please contact us for the most suitable class for your child.
£9.44 p/w (Paid termly)
Vyne Theatre & Studios, Berkhamsted

tap

🎩 tap

Ages 8-12 years

A fun and percussive class that teaches rhythm and coordination through beginner tap patterns and sounds. Tap encourages a better sense of musicality and even introduces an element of maths to the lesson.

Saturdays. Please contact us for the most suitable class for your child.
£7.26 p/w (Paid termly)
Vyne Theatre & Studios, Berkhamsted

🎩 tap

Ages 8-12 years

Saturdays. Please contact us for the most suitable class for your child.
£6.60/week (Paid termly)
Vyne Theatre & Studios, Berkhamsted

COMMERCIAL

💥 INTER commercial

ages 10-12 years

A choreography focused class where performance and style is encouraged. A great class to compliment the technical dance classes such as ballet or jazz, to really explore the individual's talent.

Thursdays, 17:00-17:45
£9.44 p/w (Paid termly)
Vyne Theatre & Studios, Berkhamsted

LYRICAL

🎶 INTER Lyrical

ages 10-12 years

Merging modern, ballet and contemporary, this class works on expressive, fluid movement. Developing emotion and connection to the lyrics of a song. No previous experience necessary, but preferred.

Thursday, 17:45-18:30
£9.44 p/w (Paid termly)
Vyne Theatre & Studios, Berkhamsted

"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."

Preschool

AGES 2-4

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Lower School

AGES 4-7

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Middle School

AGES 8-12

BOOK A CLASS

Upper School AGES 13+

BOOK A CLASS

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

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