Brooks Dance Academy, Shoreham & Lancing

13/06/2026

✨ NEW TEACHER ANNOUNCEMENT ✨

We are incredibly excited to welcome Lee Payne to the Brooks Dance Academy faculty from September 2026!

Lee brings with him an outstanding career spanning dance, theatre, film and choreography, having performed and taught across the UK and internationally for over 25 years.

His credits include:
⭐ Lead Tap Dancer with Riverdance
⭐ Performer at the London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony
⭐ Guest Tap Dancer with Diversity
⭐ Semi-finalist on Sky One’s Got to Dance
⭐ Performer with Enrique Iglesias
⭐ Performer and Tutor at the London Tap Dance Intensive
⭐ Tutor at Performers Brighton

Alongside his extensive performance career, Lee is a highly respected choreographer and educator who is passionate about inspiring the next generation of performers.

From September, Lee will be leading two exciting new Friday evening classes:

🥁 Base Rhythm
Fridays | 5:00pm–6:00pm

🌊 Rhythm Flow (Open to Pro/Adv Adults)
Fridays | 6:00pm–7:00pm

These brand-new classes will focus on tap rhythm, musicality, coordination, creativity and performance, offering students a unique opportunity to train with one of the UK’s most experienced and versatile tap artists.

We are thrilled to have Lee joining the Brooks team and can’t wait for our students to experience his energy, expertise and passion for movement.

Please join us in giving Lee a huge welcome! 🤗

Classes open to all Brooks students and open to any keen tap dancers locally with permission from their dance teacher. Email: [email protected] ✨

TapDance NewForSeptember

08/06/2026

🌟 Congratulations to our All England National Finalists! What an incredible achievement for our dancers 🌟.

We also want to say a huge well done to everyone who took part in the SOUTH finals, which was a huge achievement in itself! 🔥

To qualify for the All England National Finals, dancers first had to earn their place at local festivals before competing at the South Regional Finals in Fareham during half term. With solo, duet and trio sections often featuring 20+ competitors, dancers needed to place Winner or Runner-Up to qualify, while groups had to achieve Winner, First Runner-Up or Second Runner-Up. An amazing accomplishment and one that reflects months of hard work, dedication and talent.

🔥 Our National Finalists are as follows 🔥

💥 SOLOS

🥇 11 Years Lyrical – Edie Clark
🥈 11 Years Lyrical – Elodie Duncan
🥇 14 Years Modern Ballet – Lily Duggan
🥇 14 Years Lyrical – Heidi Martin
🥈 14 Years Contemporary – Heidi Martin
🥈 14 Years Jazz/Modern – Indy Gray
🥇 15 Years Classical Ballet – Emily Tonsi
🥇 15 Years Modern Ballet – Emily Tonsi
🥈 15 Years Contemporary – Emily Tonsi
🥈 16 Years Contemporary – Poppy Redman
🥈 17–21 Years Modern Ballet – Daisy Adhangale

💥 DUETS

🥇 Intermediate Classical Ballet Duet – Heidi Martin & Lily Duggan
🥇 Intermediate Contemporary Duet – Heidi Martin & Lily Duggan
🥇 Intermediate Jazz/Modern Duet – Heidi Martin & Lily Duggan
🥈 Intermediate Modern Ballet Duet – Lucy Welch & Indy Gray
🥇 Senior Contemporary Duet – Emily Tonsi & Sammi Murr
🥇 Senior Jazz/Modern Duet – Heidi Ogden & Emily Tonsi

💥 TRIOS

🥈 Intermediate Contemporary Trio – Lucy Welch, Indy Gray & Margarita Abramova
🥈 Intermediate Jazz/Modern Trio – Darcey Thomas, Margarita Abramova & Lily-Mai Overy
🥇 Senior Contemporary Trio – Heidi Ogden, Daisy Adhangale & Matilda Paul

💥 SMALL GROUPS

🥇 Intermediate Contemporary Small Group – Under Pressure
🥇 Intermediate Jazz/Modern Small Group – Walk On By
🥈 Intermediate Mod Ballet Small Group – Walking with Clouds
🥇 Senior Modern Ballet Small Group – Home to Me
🥈 Senior Lyrical Small Group – What He Wrote
🥈 Senior Jazz/Modern Small Group – Liquid Spirit
🥉 Senior Jazz/Modern Small Group – Fallin'

💥 LARGE GROUPS

🥇 Intermediate Contemporary Large Group – Deep Breaths
🥇 Intermediate Narrative/Character Large Group – Peter Pan
🥇 Intermediate Jazz/Modern Large Group – The Look
🥈 Intermediate Jazz/Modern Large Group – The Speakeasy
🥈 Intermediate Classical Ballet Large Group – Cinderella Waltz
🥇 Senior Contemporary Large Group – Driven
🥈 Senior Contemporary Large Group – Feeling Good
🥇 Senior Classical Ballet Large Group – Gershwin
🥇 Senior Open Large Group – God Gave Me Feet For Dancing
🥉 Senior Jazz/Modern Large Group – Evil
🥉 Senior Modern Ballet Large Group – Twilight Romance

Congrats to all these dancers, their teachers and choreographers who include: Jackie Brooks, Lucy Brooks, Katie O'Neil, Maria Doick, Isabella Doick, Lilly Lovell, Heidi Ogden and Chloe Shelley 🎉

We are so proud of every dancer who represented the school and wish all of our finalists the very best of luck at the National Finals! ❤️✨

20/05/2026

A reminder that we are taking a two-week half-term 💥
Monday 25th May
until Sunday 7 June

08/05/2026

✨ A NEW CHAPTER FOR BROOKS DANCE ACADEMY ✨

Following today’s email to our community, we are incredibly proud to share that from September 2026, Lucy Brooks will officially take over as Principal of Brooks Dance Academy, as Jackie Brooks steps into a new role within the school focusing on teaching and student development ❤️

Established in 1995, originally as The Shoreham School of Dance, Brooks Dance Academy has flourished under founder Jacqueline Brooks, ex-professional dancer and Arts Ed graduate. Over the past 30 years, the school has grown into the wonderful community it is today, now based at Brooks Studio in Lancing.

Following one of our most successful seasons to date – and as we celebrate 10 years since opening our very own studio in Lancing – this feels like the perfect moment to begin an exciting new chapter for the academy while staying true to everything that has made Brooks so special over the years.

Jackie will continue as Principal throughout the current academic year, working closely alongside Lucy to ensure a smooth transition into this next chapter for the school.

After decades of dedication to teaching and building the academy, Jackie is looking forward to dedicating even more time to ballet coaching, exam preparation and supporting students training for high-level ballet competitions 🩰✨

Lucy has been part of the academy for many years as a teacher, choreographer and Senior Company Director, and is incredibly proud to continue the family legacy while leading Brooks Dance Academy into the future.

Alongside this change in leadership, we are also preparing for a number of exciting developments beginning from September 2026, including:

🖤 Expanded timetables with more classes and levels
🖤 Refreshed studio spaces and investment into our facilities
🖤 And lots of exciting announcements still to come 👀

While there will be exciting developments ahead, the heart of Brooks Dance Academy will always remain the same – a bespoke, supportive, inspiring and family-led environment where every student can thrive.

We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of all our families, past and present, and cannot wait to share more with you over the coming months ❤️

With love,
Jackie & Lucy
Brooks Dance Academy

11/03/2026

⭐️ Full results post ⭐️ Our best results on record 💥 Worthing Festival 2026

Solos
🥇Nancy Ballet 11
🥇Cassidy Jazz 11
🥇Juliette Lyrical 11-12
🥇Darcey Lyrical 12
🥇Margarita Jazz 13
🥇Margarita Lyrical 13
🥇Heidi M Contemporary 14
🥇Heidi M Lyrical 14
🥇Heidi M Commercial 14
🥇Indy G Ballet 14
🥇Sammi M Jazz 15-16 (95 marks 🚀)
🥇Emily T Lyrical 15-16
🥇Emily T Contemporary 15-16
🥇Sammi M Contemporary 15-16
🥇Emily T Modern Ballet 15–18
🥇Heidi Ogden Lyrical 17+

Duos and Trios/Quartets
🥇Nancy and Edie 12&U Classical Duets
🥇Juliette and Nancy 12&U Stage Duets
🥇Heidi and Lily 14&U Stage Duets
🥇Darcy and Darcey 14&U Classical Duets
🥇Lucy, Indy and Margarita 14&U Classical Trio/Quartet
🥇Emily and Heidi 21&U Stage Duets
🥇Emily and Sammi 21&U Classical Duets
🥇Tilda, Daisy and Heidi 21&U Stage Trio/Quartets

Groups
🥇Senior Stage Group
🥇Senior Classical Group
🥇Senior Small Stage Group
🥇Senior Small Classical Group
🥇Teen Stage Group
🥇Teen Classical Group
🥇Teen Stage Small Group
🥇Teen Classical Small Group
🥇Junior Stage Group

Silver
🥈Rosie-Mae Ballet 10
🥈Cassidy Ballet 11
🥈Cassidy Character 11
🥈Nancy Jazz 11
🥈Juliette Character 11
🥈Juliette Ballet 11
🥈Edie Jazz 11
🥈Edie Lyrical 11-12
🥈Nancy Lyrical 11-12
🥈Bonnie D Ballet 12
🥈Bonnie D Jazz 12
🥈Darcey Character 12
🥈Margarita Ballet 13
🥈Heidi M Jazz 14
🥈Lily D Contemporary 14
🥈Lily D Jazz 14
🥈Lily D Mod Ballet 14
🥈Sammi M Lyrical 15-16
🥈Emily T Jazz 15-16
🥈Poppy commercial 15-16
🥈Poppy contemp 15-16
🥈Daisy A Mod Ballet 17
🥈Heidi O Mod Ballet 17
🥈Daisy A Contemporary 17
🥈Heidi O Contemporary 17

Duos and Trios/Quartets
🥈Nancy and Edie Classical Duet 12&U
🥈Elodie and Cassidy Classical Duet 12&U
🥈Juliette and Bonnie Stage Duet 12&U
🥈Darcey and Indy Stage Duet 14&U
🥈Darcey, Margarita and Lily-Mai Stage Trio/Quartet 14&U
🥈Heidi and Lily Classical Duet (Contemp) 14&U
🥈Emily, Sammi and Savannah Stage Trio/Quartets 21&U
🥈Sammi and Emily 21&U Stage Duets
🥈Sammi and Poppy 21&U Stage Duets

Groups
🥈Senior Classical Group
🥈Senior Small Stage Group
🥈Teen Stage Group
🥈Teen Classical Group
🥈Teen Stage Small Group
🥈Teen Stage Small Group

Bronze results in Instagram comments x

02/03/2026

First weekend at Worthing Music and Arts Festival and we are so proud of all our dancers for giving some of their best performances yet! Congrats to all the dancers taking part✨ Can’t wait for the rest of the week ⭐️

Very pleased with some incredible group results so far 👏.

Senior Classical Groups
🥇 Driven (90)
🥈 Feeling Good

Inter Classical Small Groups
🥇 Walking with Clouds

Inter Stage Small Groups
🥇 Walk On By (90)
🥈Under Pressure
🥈 Life On Mars

Inter Stage Groups
🥇 The Look
🥈 The Speakeasy

23/02/2026

Eastbourne Festival 2026 💥 Thanks for a fantastic week of dance! We had a blast and we are so proud of all our students for all their hard work.

Coming away from group weekend with 18 🥇🥈🥉 group medals and 13 🏆 trophies from the end of the Festival award ceremony. Absolutely outstanding results from this team and particularly special for some of our seniors who have danced here since the very beginning of their journey with Brooks ❤️.

Congrats to all the other schools for your stunning work and thanks to the volunteers and chaperones for making it all run so smoothly this week.

I think that’s a team record 🥰👏✨

Trophy Ceremony
🏆Age 11 Aggregate: Juliette Cushing
🏆Age 12 Aggregate: Darcey Thomas
🏆Age 15 Aggregate: Emily Tonsi
🏆Highest Mark for Ballet Any Age: Indiana Gray
🏆Highest Mark for Contemporary Duo/Trio: Darcy and Darcey
🏆Highest Mark for Lyrical Any Age: Emily Tonsi
🏆Highest Mark for Street/Commercial Any Age: Poppy Redman
🏆Highest Mark for Classical Improvisation: Juliette Cushing
🏆Highest Mark for Contemporary Groups
🏆Highest Mark for Classical Groups
🏆Anne Ford Trophy for Most Promise in Ballet: Margarita Abramova
🏆Nathan James “Joy of Dance” Award: Emily Tonsi

Group Results
🥇 Senior Modern Ballet Small Group(88) Q "Home to Me"
🥇 Senior Contemporary Large Group (89) Q "Driven/Fratres"
🥇 Senior Modern Ballet Large Group Q "Twilight Romance"
🥇 Senior Classical Ballet Large Group (88) Q "Gershwin"
🥇 Teen Classical Ballet Large (88) Q "Cinderella Waltz"
🥇 Teen Jazz/Modern Large (89) Q "The Look"
🥇 Teen Character/Narrative Large (88) Q "Peter Pan"
🥇 Teen Modern Ballet Small Q "Walking with Clouds"
🥇 Teen Jazz/Modern Small (89) Q "Walk On By"
🥇 Teen Contemporary Small (88) Q "Under Pressure"
🥈 Senior Jazz/Modern Large (89) Q "Evil"
🥈 Senior Open Large (90) Q "Feet For Dancing"
🥉 Senior Jazz/Modern Large (89) Q "Beethoven in Havana"
🥉 Senior Jazz/Modern Small Q "Fallin"
🥉 Senior Jazz/Modern Small Q "Liquid Spirit"
🥉 Teen Jazz/Modern Large Q "Charleston"
🥉 Teen Musical Theatre Large "Sparkle and Shine"
🥉 Junior Jazz/Modern Large Q "Unwritten"

03/12/2025

Introducing the Brooks Rockettes 🎄🤶
Having a very festive final week of term ✨☃️

31/08/2025

A reminder to all that we start back on Monday 8 September. Welcome packs will be sent out this week to all registered students. Make sure you email us at [email protected] if you have any questions, would like to enrol, register for a free trial or anything else!

31/07/2025

Excited to have Amelia joining our team to develop talent and excellence in Musical Theatre for our students ❤️

Hey old friend… Had the most rewarding experience this morning taking on some of the wonderful dancers for their new MT solos. It was more than incredible to put my dancing shoes back on! So epically grateful to Lucy and Jackie for trusting me with their wonderful performers. Very excited to see what magic can be made 🤩