The Nicholson Academy

A Place To Belong. A Place To Shine

Award winning dance and performing arts training for children

ABOUT US

A Place to Belong. A Place to Shine.

Founded in 1982, The Nicholson Academy has been inspiring children and young people through dance and performing arts for over 40 years. Originally established by Brenda Nicholson as The Brenda Lee School of Dance, the academy has grown into a thriving performing arts community led by Principal Natasha Zauscinski.

At TNA, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to grow in confidence, creativity, and self-belief within a supportive and welcoming environment. Whether taking their very first class or training towards performances, examinations, and competitions, every student is encouraged to reach their full potential while building friendships and creating lifelong memories.

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TNA Tiny Stars

AGES 1-5

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TNA Rising Stars

AGES 6-11

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TNA Shining Stars

AGES 12+

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"Communication, Professionalism, Value"

– Kirsty Fox, Parent

"My daughter has been coming to Nicholsons since she was 3 years old (7 years now), every teacher that has interacted with my daughter is extremely knowledgeable and I can honestly say the improvement in my daughter's ability over the last 7 years is absolutly incredible. My daughter does tap, ballet and modern as well as acro class and competition classes which she competes with her troupe in.

Watching our children in the shows makes you burst with pride for all the children, it's like a big family and everyone talks to everyone, the older girls look put for the you get girls and the younger girls look up to them.

The dances are incredible and well thought out and every teacher shows such care towards each child and their abilities and pushes them to what they know they can do.

Highly recommend Nicholson to everyone ❤️"

"TNA offers it all"

– Michael Clark, Parent

"Been involved with this academy for eighteen years plus. What a fantastic experience it has been! Two girls through the years at all levels and it’s been amazing! Through exams, shows and competitions, this school offers it all!!

An important thing to consider when choosing a dance school is the qualifications of the instructors. It is vital!

At TNA, all instructors are fully qualified and continue to push themselves to achieve more with all the certs and updates.

A fantastic approach to teaching and how every student is considered plus amazing opportunities offered!

TNA offers it all!

Cannot recommend this dance academy enough!!"

"TNA make everyone feel so welcome"

– Hayley Reilly, Parent

"Miss Natasha has taught both our daughter's from being 3/4 years old. One has since moved on from dance but our other daughter still absolutely loves dance class and she is 11.

The dance school make everyone feel so welcome, they adapt all their classes to ensure inclusion. We love being part of the Nicholson Academy family. X"

"TNA isn’t just a dance studio, it’s a community, a family "

– Rebekah Williams, Parent

"My little boy (3) has been attending TNA since just after just 1st birthday and will soon be turning 4. He does the lil Beatz dance class and he attends musical theatre. He loves attending Dance and Drama each week and has made lots of friends. He adores all the staff and has a good relationship with some of the girls in the older classes too. My son has a lot of energy and attending these classes has helped him learn positive ways to Chanel that energy and his listening ears have improved massively. I would highly recommend TNA to anyone looking for extra classes for their children. TNA isn’t just a dance studio, it’s a community, a family ♥️"

Past Student Stories

Sarah Ratcliffe, parent

My daughter has been going to the Nicholson academy 7 years and they feel like family. My daughter had leg surgery on both legs when she was 5 and they was amazing with her and now she does every class available to her and loves dancing and she says it’s her second home. The staff are so lovely and friendly.

Cherona Sylvester, parent

My daughter has gained so much confidence through coming to The Nicholson Academy. I love seeing how happy she is every week and how much she enjoys dancing X

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Faq's

What age can my child start dancing?

Children can start their dance journey with us from 2 years old. We offer age-appropriate classes designed to introduce our youngest pupils to dance in a fun, nurturing and encouraging environment.

Does my child need any previous dance experience?

Not at all! We welcome complete beginners as well as children who have danced before. Our teachers will help your child settle into the right class for their age and experience.

Can my child try a class before committing?

Yes! We offer a 4-week trial for just £15, giving your child plenty of time to experience their class, meet their teacher and make new friends before you decide whether TNA is right for them.

What styles of dance do you offer?

We offer a wide variety of classes including Ballet, Tap, Contemporary Modern Jazz, Street Dance, Acrobatics and Musical Theatre, with additional opportunities available as pupils progress.

Where is The Nicholson Academy?

We are based in Droylsden, Tameside, welcoming families from Droylsden and surrounding areas including Denton, Audenshaw, Ashton-under-Lyne and beyond.

What should my child wear for their first class?

Don’t worry about buying a full uniform before your child has even started! For their trial, comfortable clothing that they can move freely in is absolutely fine. We’ll explain our uniform requirements once they’re ready to join us.

Does my child have to take exams?

No. Exams are a fantastic opportunity for pupils who would like to take them, but we understand that every child has different goals. We want children to enjoy dancing and progress at a pace that’s right for them.

Will my child get the opportunity to perform?

Yes! Performance is a big part of life at TNA. Throughout their time with us, pupils can have opportunities to take part in shows, performances and other exciting events.

Do you offer competitions?

Yes. We have competition opportunities for pupils who would like to take their dancing further. Competition work is additional to regular classes and isn’t compulsory.

My child is shy. Will they be okay?

Absolutely. We know walking into a new class can feel daunting, especially for a quieter child. Our teachers and assistants will help them settle in gently and won’t expect them to immediately join in with everything.

Building confidence is one of the loveliest parts of what we do.

Can my child join if they don’t want to become a professional dancer?

Of course! Most importantly, we want our pupils to love dancing.

Some children dance simply because it’s their favourite part of the week, while others may eventually want to pursue vocational training or a career in the performing arts. Both are equally welcome at TNA.

Do you offer classes for children who want to take their training further?

Yes. As pupils progress, there are additional training opportunities available, including higher-level classes and selected/invitation classes where appropriate.

Our teaching team can advise pupils and families about the best pathway for their individual goals.

How do I know which class to book?

If you’re unsure which class would be most suitable, please get in touch. We’ll happily recommend the best starting point based on your child’s age and previous experience.

What happens after the 4-week trial?

If your child loves their classes and would like to stay, we’ll give you all the information you need about becoming a TNA pupil, including fees, uniform and everything else you need to know.

There’s no pressure — the trial is there to give your family the opportunity to see whether we’re the right fit.