a place for everyone to dance
fun & inclusive dance classes for everyone in Leamington Spa, Rugby & Harbury
welcome to
SPELLBOUND
here you can find out more about classes and our school in general...we love welcoming new students
who are we & what do we do
Spellbound Academy of Dance was founded by Principal Miss Katie Harcourt in September 2020. We first opened our doors in Leamington Spa and Rugby offering 9 weekly classes across 3 days. We are now proud to offer over 40 weekly classes 6 days a week! Spellbound is a busy and developing school with over 175 students taking classes on a weekly basis with multiple teachers leading them.
At the heart of Spellbound is our motto, a place for everyone to dance! We believe that everyone should be able to access high quality dance training in a fun and inclusive environment. Across the school, opportunities are offered to everyone no matter their previous experience and grade. We don't hold auditions for any of our opportunities - they are truly for everyone!
Throughout the year, we offer our students a wide range of opportunities including:
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IDTA (International Dance Teachers Association) examinations
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Annual show in a professional theatre
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Local performances in the community
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School trips (MOVE IT, theatre trips etc)
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Competitions for those who wish to take part
Students at Spellbound are encouraged to be involved as much or as little as they like.
New students are always welcome at Spellbound and we love meeting all the new faces who come through our doors!
class
UNIFORM
whilst students are not required to wear our branded uniform, we do ask that they wear the correct items as below and can be purchased through Class Manager here.
spellbound
TEACHERS
our dedicated teaching team love passing on their knowledge and expertise...
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
principal
KATIE HARCOURT
I have been dancing since the age of 3 taking classes in a wide variety of styles from Ballet to Street! Over the years, I have taken a number of examinations with the IDTA achieving top marks.
During my amateur career, I have been given many opportunities to perform on some of the country's best stages including The Royal Albert Hall, Sadlers Wells Theatre and the Birmingham Hippodrome. These are the types of opportunities I want to continue passing onto the students at Spellbound!
As a teacher, I have taken examinations in Freestyle Dance, Ballet & Acrobatic Dance and continue to train in new styles to provide the school !
instructor
HANNAH CASSIDY
I began dancing as a young child taking multiple classes in Tap and Ballet. I then decided to try Irish Dance for a change, where I competed in Feis' aged 6.
I have multiple professional qualifications in different disciplines such as Level 1 qualified Cheerleading Coach with the British Cheerleading Association and IDTA Freestyle Associate!
instructor
KIAN TAYLOR-JACKSON
I’ve been lucky enough to have performed at festivals and shows all over the UK, as well as being a part of the UK Team competing worldwide. I have won multiple competitions such as becoming British Champion and in 2022 the European Champion and Vice World Champion. As of this year, I am also the Team Captain for the UK.
I’ve trained in the majority of dance styles available with my qualification being in Freestyle however my speciality is in the Hip Hop side of dance, specifically body popping.
instructor
ANNA VOLYNETS
I have had the opportunity to teach in dance schools across the world, since graduating in Kiev at the National University of Culture and Art. I have also performed myself all over the globe in countries such as Germany, USA and Norway.
I love teaching Thursday classes at Spellbound in Rugby, bringing my choreography to students each week.
instructor
LUKE CALCUTT
Since passing my Freestyle Associate examination, I have loved leading my own classes here at Spellbound in Leamington, including acrobatics and cheerleading.
I have also taken my Level 1 BCA Cheer qualification to enhance my cheerleading lesson delivery and have since seen great progress.
I love performing in wonderful theatres and stages, including Disneyland Paris earlier this year.
instructor
EMILY GYLES
I have completed RAD and IDTA exams in many disciplines including my favourites, tap and MT jazz, in my earlier dance days. I then attended The Urdang Academy and graduated with a first class Honours Degree in 2024.
Alongside training at the Urdang Academy, I started my dance teaching career in London, which opened my eyes to sharing the joy of dance with others. Since starting, I always strive to create a safe space for people to express themselves in a range of dance styles and help them find their passion too.
instructor
MIA GARDNER
I have trained since the age of 3 with the IDTA curriculum for a number of different styles including ballet, musical theatre, jazz, freestyle and more. Since returning to the world of dance, I most enjoy creating a safe and inclusive environment for my students to thrive both on and off stage.
In my performance days I have danced on some amazing stages including Disneyland Paris, Birmingham Hippodrome, Blackpool Winter Gardens and The Belgrade.
I look forward to continuous learning and up-skilling in my professional dance career to give my students the best classes and choreography every time.
instructor
TIA DAVIES
I immediately fell in love from the age of 4 and tried lots of different styles, training in singing and drama too.
I started my teaching journey at the age of 19, and haven’t looked back since. I have taught across the UK and overseas, choreographed for the dance World Cup, and performed at some of the biggest dance competitions and theatres in the world.
I have a Level 4 Teaching Diploma in Performing Arts and I am Acrobatic Arts and Cheerleading Certified.
I absolutely love teaching, and I am thoroughly blessed that I get to do what I love as a job.