Co-op Juniors Theatre Academy classes
Perform. Shine. Belong.
Dancing and Acting Classes
Everyone welcome – no experience required
Our weekly dance, acting and performance classes in Ipswich and Kesgrave give children aged 4-18 the chance to move, create and shine in a fun, supportive environment. Dance is so much more than learning steps – it builds strength, flexibility and coordination while boosting confidence and wellbeing.
Classes run term-time throughout the year and we hold workshops during the school holidays.
Taking part in dance and drama helps children develop focus, resilience and self-expression, supporting their mental health as well as their physical fitness. Just as importantly, it’s a place to make friends, feel included and be part of a welcoming community.
We nurture every child’s potential – whether they dream of the stage or simply want to enjoy the many benefits that dance, movement and performance brings.
Many of our Academy students go on to audition and join the Theatre Company.
Showcase
All students in our Academy classes are given the opportunity to perform in our annual showcase, usually in May.
The showcase takes place at a local theatre and it’s a chance for the young performers to show parents, grandparents and friends their hard work and talent.
There’s no obligation for the children to take part, but we find that it’s great for their confidence and it’s also a lot of fun!
Everyone welcome
All abilities
Safe and nurturing
About our classes
All classes are held at our Warehouse Studios, Paul’s Road, Ipswich, IP2 0AN, unless otherwise stated on the timetables below.
Kesgrave classes are held at Cedarwood Primary School, Wilkinson Drive, Kesgrave, Ipswich, IP5 2ES.
To book a free trial with us, use the button below to go to our booking platform, Class Manager. You will need to register some details first and then you can choose your free trials.
Acro
A unique blend of dance and gymnastics.
Acro focuses on strength, flexibility and tricks, from rolls and balances to flips and aerial moves.
Acro timetable
Monday
17:30-18:15 (Ages 7+)
Ballet
The foundation of dance training.
Ballet develops posture, balance, strength and technique, giving you skills that support every other style.
Read more about our ballet exams.
Ballet timetable
Monday
Intermediate: 20:15-21:15
Tuesday
Primary: 16:30-17:15
Grade 1: 17:15-18:00
Grade 2: 18:00-19:00
Grade 3: 19:00-20:00
Grade 4: 20:00-21:00
Wednesday
Grade 5: 16:30-17:45
Intermediate Foundation: 17:45-19:00
Grade 6: 19:00-20:15
Grade 7: 20:15-21:30
Ungraded Ballet
All the benefits and enjoyment of ballet, without the grades or exams.
Ungraded Ballet timetable
Dates and times to be confirmed.
To register your interest – please email sarah.cutting@coopjuniors.co.uk
Adult Ballet
You’re never too old to try ballet. This class is perfect for those who want to revisit their love of ballet or for complete beginners with no experience.
Adult Ballet timetable
Dates and times to be confirmed.
To register your interest – please email sarah.cutting@coopjuniors.co.uk
Commercial
A mix of street, hip hop and pop styles – commercial is what you see in music videos.
It’s fast, stylish and a great way to grow performance confidence.
Commercial timetable
Tuesday
Class 1: 17:15-18:00 (Ages 9-11)
Class 2: 18:00-18:45 (Ages 12-14)
Class 3: 18:45-19:30 (Ages 15+)
Contemporary
A creative style combining ballet and modern dance.
Contemporary encourages freedom of movement and storytelling through expression.
Contemporary timetable
Monday
Class 1: 18:00-18:45 (Ages 9-13)
Class 2: 18:45-19:30 (Ages 14+)
Jazz
A dynamic style that mixes technique with performance.
Jazz classes explore sharp, powerful movements and expressive choreography.
Jazz timetable
Monday
Class 1: 18:15-19:00 (Ages 7-11)
Wednesday
Class 2: 19:30-20:15 (Ages 12+)
Tap
Learn to create rhythms with your feet through fun, energetic routines.
Tap builds coordination, timing and musical awareness.
Tap timetable
Monday
Class 1: 18:00-18:45 (Ages 7+)
Class 2: 18:45-19:30
Class 3: 19:30-20:15 (Ages 11+)
Class 4: 20:15-21:00
LAMDA (Acting)
Develop your acting and communication skills in a supportive environment.
LAMDA classes cover voice, movement and character work, with the option to take graded exams.
LAMDA timetable
Monday
Level 2: 17:00-18:00 (Ages 12-15)
Thursday
Level 1: 17:00-18:00 (Ages 7-11)
Centre Stage
A mix of genres including ballet, tap, modern and performance.
These classes are unique and very popular, increasing confidence and performance skills.
Centre Stage timetable
Tuesday
Class 1: 17:15-18:00
Class 2: 18:00-18:45
Class 3: 18:45-19:30
Saturday
Class 1 Kesgrave 4-6 years: 09:00-09:45
Class 1 Warehouse 4-6 years: 09:15-10:00
Class 2 Kesgrave 7-9 years: 09:45-10:30
Class 2 Warehouse 7-9 years: 10:00-10:45
Class 3 Kesgrave 10-12 years: 10:30-11:30
Class 3 Warehouse 10-12 years: 10:45-11:45
Class 4 Kesgrave 12+ years: 11:30-12:30
Class 4 Warehouse 12+ years 11:45-12:45
Mother and Baby
Brand new for 2026, our Mother and Baby classes are an excellent way to connect with other parents, as well as a perfect way to enjoy time with your baby.
Mother and Baby timetable
Dates and times to be confirmed.
To register your interest – please email sarah.cutting@coopjuniors.co.uk
Tots Dance
A great introduction to movement and dance for pre-school-aged children.
Tots Dance timetable
Dates and times to be confirmed.
To register your interest – please email sarah.cutting@coopjuniors.co.uk
Ready to join our academy? Try us for free!
Try a free trial for any class we offer.
Classes run throughout the year at our studios in Ipswich and Kesgrave.
Book via the button link below. You will be redirected to Class Manager and prompted to register first.
Meet our tutors
Our dedicated team combines a wealth of experience, professional qualifications and a genuine passion for teaching.
Each tutor brings their own expertise and creativity, inspiring every student to learn, grow and thrive in a supportive environment.
Sarah Cutting
Principal
Read Sarah's bio
Sarah is the dedicated Principal of the Academy, bringing over 20 years of experience as a tutor and more than eight years of leadership to the role.
Her connection to the Academy runs deep – she began training here at just four years old and has been an integral part of its community ever since.
In addition to her work at the Academy, Sarah has successfully run her own dance school for over two decades, offering highly regarded Shows and Workshops that continue to inspire and nurture young performers.
Sarah is known not only for her technical expertise and passion for dance, but also for her warm, nurturing approach to teaching. As a mother of two young daughters who also love to dance, she understands the importance of creating a supportive environment where children can build confidence and truly flourish.
One of Sarah’s greatest joys is watching students grow – from their very first steps in class to confidently performing on stage. For her, witnessing that journey is what makes teaching so rewarding.
Under Sarah’s leadership, the Academy continues to be a place where young dancers are encouraged, challenged, and celebrated every step of the way.
Ellena Bacon
Tutor
Read Ellena's bio
Ellena trained at the Italia Conti Theatre Academy of Theatre Arts and graduated with a Trinity National Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre, after having completed a foundation year at Evolution Foundation College.
Ellena’s professional credits include: Rapunzel (UK Tour), Fairy Fortywinks in Sleeping Beauty (Weymouth Pavillion) Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz (UK tour), Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz (The Shaw Theatre, London), Linda Manero in Saturday Night Fever (Avondale Theatre).
Ellena is a choreographer and Technique Class Tutor for the Co-op Juniors Theatre Company and has enjoyed working with them on Christmas Spectacular! 2021-23, Cats, Oliver JR, Matilda JR, Moana JR and Magic Of Christmas. Ellena also teaches Commercial, Jazz Technique & Contemporary Dance for the Co-op Juniors Theatre Academy.
Chloe Giles
Tutor
Read Chloe's bio
Chloe danced from the age of 3 locally before training full-time at the Royal Academy of Dance. She graduated with a First Class BA (Hons) in Ballet Education, a Distinction in the Licentiate and a Distinction in Advanced 2 Ballet.
She also holds further teaching qualifications with the ISTD and NATD, and is a Silver Swans Licensee. She started teaching ballet at Co-op Juniors Theatre Academy in 2019 and enjoys working with all ages and abilities.
Louise Yule
Tutor
Read Louise's bio
Louise is a Drama teacher, performer and Director with over twenty-five years of experience in the theatrical field.
As the Artistic Director of her company “Yule Shine,” she engages in Primary education and various Theatre school settings for children and young adults.
Her early years with The Co-op Juniors provided her with extensive experience in performing large-scale productions and musicals at The Ipswich Regent, Wolsey, and Spa Pavilion.
Louise has directed her creative works in prestigious venues such as Sadlers Wells, The Royal Albert Hall, Disneyland Paris, The O2, and Loughborough Open Air Theatre.
Additionally, she has authored a diverse range of scripts for young children, which were performed at The New Wolsey, Seckford Theatre, and The Royal Hospital International Summer Schools. Her creative monologues have also been collaborated with High Tide Writing Creatives.
Louise rejoined The Co-op Juniors Theatre Company as a Drama tutor for The Creative Warehouse Project and currently instructs LAMDA Level 1 and 2 acting classes where she continues to inspire young creatives and enjoys watching their confidence soar. Her sessions include a range of fun activities developing character, accents, improvisation and much more.
Qualifications and Training:
- BA (Hons) Performing Arts
- A-Levels and GCSEs in Drama and Community Theatre
- Carrick School of Speech and Drama
- LAMDA grade training and festivals
- Linda Shipton School of Dance A.I.S.T.D. ballet and modern grades
- Stage fighting/combat trained
Tutor
Read Nicole's bio
Nicole’s bio to follow shortly
Evie Smith
Tutor
Read Evie's bio
Evie trained in ballet, tap, and modern dance from a young age to vocational level before achieving an Extended Diploma in Dance.
She went on to train at the Royal Academy of Dance, and following graduation became a fully qualified and Registered Teacher of the RAD, a full teaching member of the ISTD, and also gained her Silver Swans® licence.
She is also an approved mentor for the RAD BA (Hons) Dance Education programme, supporting and guiding trainee teachers.
Evie became Principal of Gipping School of Dance in 2018 and, alongside this, freelances for various schools and companies across Suffolk, teaching ballet, tap, modern, jazz, and contemporary.
Sienna Taylor
Tutor
Read Sienna's bio
Sienna began her dance training with Jeannie Ingram, attending Jeannie’s Ballet classes as well as the Kesgrave Academy. At the age of 6, Sienna joined the Co-op Juniors Theatre Company, performing with them for 12 years during which time, Sienna performed her dream role of Victoria, the White Cat in Cats.
Sienna is a highly skilled dancer with a wealth of performance experience. Training in Ballet and Contemporary dance with the Angela Rowe Ballet School, Sienna is also experienced in Musical Theatre and Jazz. As well as performing with the Co-op Juniors, Sienna has also performed with the National Youth Ballet and will shortly begin her Ballet Teacher Training.
Our 2024 Showcase
About Co-op Juniors Theatre Company
We are one of the largest youth musical theatre groups in the UK, proudly working with young people aged 7-21, from any background, to produce vibrant, innovative and original theatre.
Our performances take place across Suffolk’s top venues, giving our young performers the chance to experience professional-standard productions whilst developing their skills, confidence and passion for the arts.
Ages 7-21
We welcome young people from all walks of life, whether they’re seasoned performers or stepping on stage for the first time. Auditions are held for every production, and anyone with enthusiasm and commitment can take part.
Professional Quality
For more than 80 years, we’ve inspired young performers and delighted audiences across Suffolk. Guided by a passionate team of tutors, crew and volunteers, we’re proud to run a professional company that puts care, creativity and community at its heart.
100+
Young Performers