Children’s Ballroom and Latin Classes

New Students

Initially, we are offering two classes, ages 3-5yrs and 6-10yrs, but it is our intention to open this up to older age groups as demand increases.

We welcome girls and boys from age 3 to 10 to join our classes. We encourage new students to come and try a class as a free taster before signing up for a term of lessons. We are happy for children to join mid-term.

Grafton Dance Centre

Grafton Hall has been a venue for ballroom dancing since 1952. ‘The Grafton’ (as is commonly known by ballroom dancers) has been frequented by many of the best ballroom and latin dancing champions from across the world since 1971. In 2010 Paul Burbedge took over the running of the studios and created Grafton Dance Centre. Paul is pleased to announce, with the assistance of Sarah Gornall, that Grafton Dance Centre will be initially offering children’s Ballroom and Latin dance classes for the ages of 3-5 and 6-10 year olds.

We are associated with and will be working towards the IDTA Rosette and Star Dance Syllabi. Latin dances include Cha Cha Cha, Samba, Jive, Rumba and Paso Doble. Ballroom dances include Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep, Tango (International) and Viennese Waltz.

Please email us at info@graftondancecentre.co.uk for further information or to book a trial class.

Our Teachers

Paul Burbedge – AMIDTA

Professional ballroom dancer and teacher, Paul Burbedge, has been dancing since the age of 9. He has danced competitively in the USA, Japan and New Zealand, as well as various countries across Europe, representing Scotland and New Zealand in World Championship competitions. His competitive dancing career has spanned 20 years, giving him the knowledge and deep understanding that makes him the talented and intuitive dance teacher that he is today.

In 2005 Paul created Strictly Fun Dancing taking classes at various venues in London. In circa 2007 he was asked to teach ballroom dancing at Guildford School of Acting. Much of his time is now spent managing the weekly classes whilst facilitating the management of other classes and hires at Grafton Dance Centre.

After many years of teaching adults Paul now feels this is the time to introduce children’s dance classes to Grafton. Dance and music have a plethora of proven benefits to children’s well-being and after the pressures on children’s mental and physical health over the last couple of years, now seems the perfect time to open up ballroom and latin dance opportunities for this age group.

Sarah Gornall – ARAD BA (Hons)

Sarah grew up in the North-East of England before moving to London to complete her degree in 2017.

She trained in RAD ballet from the age of 3 and completed all grades. She was a Yorkshire Ballet associate before going on to graduate from London Studio Centre with a 1^st class BA (hons) in Theatre Dance in 2020. Since then, she has worked as a freelance dance artist specialising in contemporary dance and Latin American/ ballroom dancing.

She began assisting classes from the young age of 13 and progressed to teaching, gaining strong experience in coaching RAD ballet, latin and ballroom (IDTA), contemporary, jazz and musical theatre for children and adults of varying ability. Sarah aims to create fun and focused classes, allowing children to grow as individuals in a creative environment.

★★★★★ 5/5

Client Testimonials

"I have been dancing for nearly four years and absolutely love being at the Grafton! The teachers are brilliant and classes are always fun and everyone is very friendly. Whether you are a novice or experienced dancer looking for classes/social dancing, I highly recommend you visit the Grafton - you will be made very welcome!!"

"I've tried lots of schools around London, but since I discovered the Grafton I don't go anywhere else. The teaching is top notch and all levels catered for without too much pressure. I have felt very safe to be back dancing after all this time. Lots of careful considerations given to make sure people are comfortable and not put at risk during these rather weird times."

"The Grafton Ballroom Studio is a fantastic place. Great facilities, brilliant teachers who really care about their students, and friendly, welcoming people. The ballroom has a warm relaxing atmosphere and classes are well organised, fun and for all levels."