What Makes Carnaby School of Dance Special?
Personalised Tuition, Expert Teaching and a Love of Dance
At Carnaby School of Dance (CSD), we believe that exceptional dance education is about so much more than learning steps. It is about developing sound technique, nurturing artistic expression, building confidence and helping every dancer achieve their individual potential.
Established in 2010 by School Principal Laura Carnaby, CSD has built a reputation for professional dance tuition in Oldham, Greater Manchester, combining high teaching standards with a caring, individualised approach.
Whether a dancer is preparing for a recognised Examination, refining their technique or continuing their training for personal enjoyment, our aim is to provide high-quality tuition that is tailored to their needs, abilities and ambitions.
But what really makes CSD special? It begins with our commitment to every individual dancer:
Expert Teaching and a Commitment to Excellence
At CSD, we believe that excellent dance education begins with excellent teaching.
Our school was founded by Laura Carnaby, whose professional training at the Royal Academy of Dance has led to a career spanning dance performance, teaching, teacher training, examining and lecturing.
Laura holds a BA (Hons) in Ballet Education, the Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Dance and postgraduate qualifications in dance education. Alongside running CSD, she has undertaken professional work as an examiner, tutor and guest lecturer, bringing extensive experience of dance education and assessment to her teaching.
This depth of knowledge informs the standards we uphold throughout the School.
We believe that strong technical foundations, musicality, artistry and an understanding of the principles behind each movement are essential to a dancer's development. Our teaching combines these traditional foundations with thoughtful, individualised instruction to help students understand not only what they are learning, but how to improve.
Every correction has a purpose, every exercise contributes to development, and every dancer deserves teaching that recognises their individual strengths and areas for improvement.
Personalised Tuition: Helping Every Dancer Reach Their Potential
No two dancers are exactly alike. They learn at different rates, respond to different teaching approaches and have their own ambitions.
That is why personalised tuition is such an important part of the CSD philosophy.
Our approach places the individual dancer at the centre of their training, allowing teaching to be adapted to their technical ability, learning style and specific goals.
Private Lessons provide an opportunity to concentrate on individual requirements in greater depth, whether that means refining technique, addressing particular challenges, strengthening Examination work or developing confidence in specific areas.
Our small-group classes also offer focused instruction in an environment where dancers can receive meaningful feedback and benefit from a more individual approach than may be possible in larger classes.
We believe that quality matters more than quantity. By prioritising individual attention, we aim to ensure that every lesson has a clear purpose and that each dancer understands what they are working towards.
For us, progress is not simply about moving through a syllabus. It is about developing a deeper understanding of dance and building the skills needed to continue improving.
Specialist Dance Examination Coaching
CSD is proud to offer training through three respected dance education organisations: the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) and bbodance.
Our specialist Examination Coaching focuses on RAD Ballet Examinations, ISTD Tap and Jazz Examinations, and the bbodance Level 3 Dance Teaching Assistant Award.
Preparing for a Dance Examination requires much more than remembering a sequence of movements. Students must develop secure technique, musical understanding, performance quality, accuracy and the ability to apply corrections effectively.
Focused coaching allows us to work carefully through the requirements of each Examination, identify areas for improvement and help dancers approach their assessments with greater understanding and confidence.
We place great importance on the detail behind a successful Examination performance, from correct placement and coordination to musical interpretation and presentation.
However, we also recognise that every dancer's journey is different. Our role is to support students in working towards their own potential, providing constructive feedback and clear guidance throughout the process.
We believe that the skills developed through Examination training extend well beyond the Examination room. Discipline, concentration, perseverance and the ability to respond positively to feedback are valuable qualities in any area of life.
Small Classes, Focused Learning and Meaningful Progress
The learning environment plays an important role in the quality of dance tuition.
At CSD, we value the benefits of smaller teaching groups, where students can receive individual feedback while still enjoying the experience of learning alongside other dancers.
Smaller classes allow teaching to be more focused, with greater opportunity to address technical details, refine movement quality and ensure that students understand the work being taught.
They also allow lessons to be adapted more readily to the needs of the dancers present.
Combined with private tuition, this approach supports a more considered and personalised training experience, where progress is approached thoughtfully rather than hurriedly.
Our aim is to create an environment in which students feel comfortable asking questions, responding to corrections and challenging themselves, knowing that their development is the priority.
From First Steps to Advanced Training
Dance can be enjoyed at different stages of life, and at CSD, we are passionate about helping dancers develop their skills, confidence and understanding of dance through high-quality, individualised tuition.
Whether a student is beginning their dance journey, refining established technique or working towards a recognised Examination, our approach is centred on their individual abilities, ambitions and goals.
Through focused training in RAD Ballet and ISTD Tap and Jazz, students can develop strong technical foundations, musicality, artistry and the discipline required to progress. Our specialist Examination Coaching provides additional support for dancers preparing for assessments, helping them refine their work and approach their Examinations with confidence.
We also welcome adult dancers who wish to develop their skills, return to a much-loved hobby or discover the enjoyment of ballet and tap later in life.
Whatever their age, experience or aspirations, we believe every dancer deserves thoughtful teaching, individual attention and the opportunity to reach their potential. Our aim is to make every lesson purposeful, rewarding and inspiring, supporting each student in taking the next step in their dance journey.
More Than Technique: Confidence, Discipline and Artistic Expression
Although technical excellence is central to our approach, we recognise that dance education offers much more than physical training.
Through consistent practise and thoughtful instruction, dancers learn patience, concentration, resilience and the importance of attention to detail.
They discover how to approach challenges, respond constructively to feedback and take responsibility for their own progress.
Dance also provides an opportunity to develop musicality, creativity and artistic expression.
Learning to communicate through movement is an essential part of becoming a well-rounded dancer, and we believe that artistry should develop alongside sound technique.
Our aim is to help students become confident, independent learners who understand their own strengths and recognise the opportunities available to them.
These qualities remain valuable whether a dancer aspires to further professional training or simply wishes to continue enjoying dance throughout their life.
An Award-Winning Dance School
We are proud that our commitment to dance education has been recognised through a number of awards and accolades, including:
Netmums' Favourite Winner
ThreeBestRated Dance School
Dance School of the Year 2022–2023
Distinguished Teaching – Best of Oldham 2024
Quality Business Awards – Best Ballet School in Oldham 2025
UK Dance Awards 2026 finalist for Excellence in Dance Education
UK Dance Awards 2026 finalist for Outstanding Studio Culture Award
These achievements are a welcome recognition of the work that goes into running a professional Dance School and maintaining high standards of teaching.
However, our greatest measure of success is the progress we see in our dancers: improved technique, greater confidence, a deeper understanding of their training and the satisfaction that comes from achieving a personal goal.
We remain committed to continually developing our teaching and ensuring that the quality of each student's experience remains at the heart of what we do.
Why Choose Carnaby School of Dance?
Choosing the right Dance School is an important decision, particularly when you are looking for specialist training or support with recognised Examinations.
At CSD, we combine extensive teaching experience, recognised syllabi and a commitment to individual progression.
Our approach is built around several key principles:
Expertise: Professional knowledge and experience underpinning every lesson.
Personal attention: Teaching that recognises the needs, abilities and ambitions of each dancer.
Technical excellence: A commitment to sound foundations, precision, musicality and artistry.
Purposeful training: Clear goals, constructive feedback and meaningful progression.
A caring environment: High expectations balanced with encouragement, patience and respect.
We believe that every dancer deserves to be taught with care, professionalism and an understanding of what they are working towards.
Whether preparing for an Examination, refining technique or continuing dance for personal fulfilment, our aim is to provide tuition that is both purposeful and rewarding.
Discover the CSD Difference
Since opening in 2010, Carnaby School of Dance has remained committed to helping dancers learn, develop and flourish through quality Dance Education.
As our School continues to evolve, our focus remains firmly on what matters most: excellent teaching, individual attention and helping every dancer make meaningful progress.
If you are looking for professional dance tuition in Oldham, with an emphasis on personalised learning and technical development, we would love to hear from you.
Explore our classes and discover how Carnaby School of Dance can support your dance journey.
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