This Is More Than Dance. It’s a Place Where Children Grow
- Eleri - Studio Owner
- Sep 3, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 17, 2025
At Flame, we often say we’re not just teaching dance steps, we’re inspiring well-rounded children.
Yes, your dancer will learn technique, timing, rhythm, and performance. But they’ll also gain something far more valuable: confidence, creativity, joy, self-expression, life skills, and a sense of belonging.
No child's dance journey is the same, but one thing stays constant: our commitment to nurturing the whole child. Every class, every teacher, and every interaction is shaped by the values that sit at the heart of Flame.
Here’s what really makes us different - and why we’re so proud of the space we’ve built together.
🌱 Our Values
🧒 Child-First Teaching
We believe great dance education starts with understanding children.
That’s why we don’t treat our 2-year-olds like mini adults, and why we don’t expect our 9-year-olds to learn the same way as teens. Dance is taught differently at every stage, with care and attention to what each child needs most at that moment in their growth.
We meet children where they are, and help them take the next step with confidence.
From the moment they join us in our playful Ti a Fi parent-and-child sessions, they’re welcomed into a space where their confidence and motor skills can grow. In Mini Me, we begin gently building independence and social skills. In Hwyl a Sbri, we blend creativity with technical foundations, making sure early ballet, tap, and commercial dance feels joyful and age-appropriate. 👉 Learn more about what our early years classes look like in this quick guide to our 3–6s programme.
As children progress into our 6+ classes Primary and Grade 1–2, and Year 2-3 and 4-6 Commercial, we layer in more structure and discipline - but always with warmth. This is where we often see their focus grow, their effort deepen, and their self-esteem take flight.
By the time they reach our Grade 3/Year 7-9 and up classes, students are ready for more detailed corrections, focused technique work, and expressive performance training. But our child-first approach never disappears. We still prioritise connection, motivation, and kindness, especially as children navigate the emotional shifts that come with adolescence. 👉 Here’s what to expect in our classes for children aged 6 and up. Explore the 6+ journey here.
🛡️ Safety and Trust
Children can’t thrive unless they feel secure. That’s why we work so hard to build classrooms full of warmth, structure, and positive relationships.
Our teachers know your child’s name. They celebrate their efforts. They give gentle, constructive feedback. And they create an environment where trying your best matters more than being the best.
When children feel safe, they’re free to be curious, creative, and brave.
🎵 Joyful Learning
Yes, fun is part of the plan! Whether it’s a scarf dance in preschool, a rhythm relay in tap
class, or the buzz of perfecting choreography in our older grades, joy is at the centre of how we teach.
Children retain more, engage more deeply, and grow more confidently when they’re enjoying themselves. At Flame, we use stories, music, play, and creativity to help children fall in love with dance and with learning.
💪 Building Confidence
One of the most common things we hear from parents is how much their child’s confidence has blossomed since starting classes with us.
The child who once clung to their grown-up now skips into class with a smile. The dancer who used to whisper now leads with pride. The teen who doubted themselves now stands tall with self-belief.
These shifts aren’t accidental. They come from the environment we create. One where every child feels safe to try, to make mistakes, and to shine in their own way.
We’ve seen children who were non-verbal begin to find their voice, and those too nervous to perform in school take the stage with us with joy just weeks later.
Confidence isn’t something we expect, it’s something we grow, gently and consistently, with care, trust, and belief in every child.
⚖️ Fairness & Inclusivity
Every child deserves to feel seen, supported, and celebrated and at Flame, we make sure that happens in real, tangible ways.
We treat all children the same and provide the same opportunities to all. That means every class performs the same number of routines in the show, line positions are rotated so everyone has a turn at the front, and our teachers are intentional about sharing attention evenly in class.
We don’t save the spotlight for a select few. Everyone has a turn. Everyone is part of the story.
Fairness isn’t just an idea, it’s something we build into every system, every show, and every class. Because we know that when children feel included, they feel confident. And when they feel confident, they thrive.
💬 Open Communication
We know how important it is to feel informed and supported as a parent. That’s why we use the Band app, newsletter emails, and updates to keep you in the loop. If you ever have questions - we’re here, and happy to talk.
💡 What Makes Us Different
Our values shape everything we do, but it’s the way we put them into practice that makes us different. From the way we structure our lessons to the way we communicate with families, we’ve created an experience that parents tell us is both professional and deeply personal. Here's how we bring those values to life in real, tangible ways:
🎓 Real Dance Training, Without the Pressure
We follow the ISTD syllabus for Ballet, Tap, and Modern Theatre, giving students a solid, structured foundation. Exams and shows are available (and often loved!) but always optional and never forced. Every child progresses at their own pace and has control over their journey.
👉 Want to understand what exam day looks like at Flame? Read our 2025 Exam Celebration post.
👉 Curious about our annual performance? Take a look behind the scenes in our Show Weekend Reflection.
👯 A Journey That Grows With Your Child
From Ti a Fi and Hwyl a Sbri to vocational classes, there’s a clear, supportive path your child can follow. We’ll let you know when they’re ready for the next step and celebrate each stage of their journey.
👉 Want to understand how your child will progress over time? Check out our Progress Pathways guide.
🗣️ Bilingual Early Years Classes
Our youngest dancers learn through both English and Welsh. This gentle bilingual approach supports language development, builds confidence, and celebrates our Welsh culture in an accessible, playful way.
🧑🏫 A Team of Nurturing, Passionate Teachers
Our staff are more than qualified and experienced, they’re kind, patient, and passionate about working with children. Every class is led with care, consistency, and connection.
👉 Meet the incredible teachers who make it all happen on our meet the teachers page.
🏡 A Studio That Feels Like Home
We’re a big school with a small community feel. Families often tell us that Flame feels like a second home, a place where their child feels safe, happy, and known.
🧠 More Than Just Dance
Your child may not dream of becoming a professional dancer, but they will leave with better balance, focus, coordination, confidence, resilience, and joy. We’re proud to help raise capable, expressive, kind young people, not just good dancers.
💫 Thank You for Being Part of It
We know you have choices when it comes to your child’s activities. So thank you for trusting us with their time, their hearts, and their growth. 👉 Not yet part of the Flame family? We’d love to welcome you. View our timetable and book a free trial today.
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