About us
At Sarah Anne Westcott Dance Studios, we believe dance is about so much more than steps, it inspires confidence, creativity, joy, and friendships that last a lifetime. From those very first wobbly moves to the excitement of performing on stage, we celebrate every dancer’s unique journey. With welcoming studios in Bideford, Torrington, and Minehead, we provide a positive and supportive space where children of all ages can express themselves, grow at their own pace, and most importantly, have fun. Through music, movement, and connection, we help dancers flourish both inside and outside the studio.
Where it all began..
Founded in 1981, our story began at Grenville Studio on The Strand, where, supported wholeheartedly by her parents, Miss Anne first opened the doors of the dance school. At the start, only Ballet and Tap were offered, but within the very first year, Modern Dance was added to the timetable. In 1982, we proudly hosted our very first Summer School, with Miss Anne single-handedly teaching an entire week of classes!
As the years went by, our team began to grow, and we’ve been fortunate to welcome many wonderful teachers who have each played a part in inspiring and supporting our students’ learning.
Our journey
From humble beginnings with two part-time teachers and a Bluetooth speaker that barely worked, iDance has become one of the fastest-growing youth dance studios in the region. We’ve introduced performance troupes, launched our own mini dancewear line, and performed at community events from local fairs to state showcases. Every year brings new milestones—but our mission remains the same: to create confident, creative kids through movement.
Our Values
The Heart Behind Every Step
Nurture
We believe every dancer’s journey is unique, and our role is to provide the encouragement, guidance, and care they need to grow both in skill and in confidence.
Empower
We believe dance has the power to empower every child to discover their strength, resilience, and voice.
Community
We believe dance is most powerful when it is shared. Our studios are welcoming spaces where friendships are formed, families are supported, and achievements are celebrated together.
Inspire
We strive to inspire every dancer who walks through our doors. Inspiration is the spark that ignites passion, creativity, and a lifelong curiosity.
Self Belief
We believe every dancer has the potential to shine and that begins with self-belief. We create an environment where students feel supported to trust in their abilities, celebrate their progress, and step onto the stage with confidence
Resilience
We believe resilience is a quality that dance instils for life. Through practice, discipline, and perseverance, our students learn that progress comes from dedication and that challenges are opportunities to grow stronger. Teaching the value of patience, persistence, and hard work.
Building Confidence
Providing a safe, supportive environment where every child feels encouraged to try. building confidence, we empower our dancers to believe in themselves, embrace challenges, and shine brightly both on stage and beyond. we know that dance is one of the most powerful ways to build confidence as it provides opportunities for students to discover just how much they are capable of.
Meet the team!
Miss Anne
School founder & Principal
Registered BBODance Teacher
Senior BBODance Examiner
Trainee Royal Ballet School Affiliated Teacher
Miss Bev
Dance Teacher
Ba(Hons) Dance
PGCE
Registered BBODance Teacher
Trainee Royal Ballet School Affiliated Teacher
Miss Sophie
Dance Teacher
Registered BBODance Teacher
Miss Jade
Dance Teacher
FAQ's
Can my child try a class before enrolling?
Absolutely! We offer a 4-week trial for just £20. Think of it like a class pass, your child can try as many classes in their age group as they like during those four weeks. It’s a great way for them to explore, find their favourites, and settle in before choosing the right class for them.
Absolutely! We offer free trial classes every week. Just book online or give us a call.
What should my child wear to class?
Comfortable clothing like leggings, joggers, or shorts with a t-shirt is perfect for moving freely. We will do our best to find a pair of dance shoes they can borrow while they settle in.
Do you hold performances or showcases?
Yes! We celebrate with an informal end-of-year showcase, plus a spectacular biannual school production at the Queen’s Theatre in Barnstaple. Our performance company also shines at community events throughout the year.
Yes! We host an end-of-year showcase and perform at several community events throughout the year.
Term Dates
2025/2026
(Bideford & Torrington)
Autumn Term
Term starts: 6th September
Term ends: 20th December
Winter Term
Term starts: 5th January
Term ends: 28th March
Summer Term
Term starts: 20th April
Term Ends: 18th July
Our Locations
Bideford
12 Ropewalk
Bideford
EX39 2NA
Torrington
Castle Hill Community Centre
Castle Hill
South Street, Torrington
Devon
EX38 8AA
Minehead
36 Irnham Road
Minehead
TA24 5UD
Get In Touch
Let us know if you’re interested in booking a class and we will get back to you as soon as possible!