Leanne Hughes Theatre SchoolBook a free trial

Growing together

Life at LHTS.

Performances, celebrations and shared experiences—there is so much to enjoy as part of our school family.

LHTS students smiling together in a group hug at the studios

Our values

More than dance.
A place to belong.

At LHTS, we value kindness, respect and looking out for one another. We encourage our young people to celebrate each other’s achievements, support each other through challenges and grow in confidence together. Alongside their dance training, we want every student to feel valued, connected to their community and part of our LHTS family.

Two young LHTS dancers making a heart with their hands

Growing together

Friendships from
the first steps.

Shared smiles, encouragement and friendships are part of everyday life at LHTS. Our youngest dancers learn together and grow in confidence as part of our school family.

Shows, festivals and examinations

Opportunities to
take the stage.

Dancer performing in a flowing pink dress

Whether dancing for enjoyment or working towards competitive goals, every student’s achievements matter to us.

LHTS students performing together on stage in colourful costumes
The joy of performing together.

Our summer show

Every summer, our whole-school show takes place at the beautiful The Venue theatre in Milton Keynes, giving students the opportunity to perform in a full-scale, professionally produced show. It is a chance to celebrate their progress, build confidence and experience the excitement of performing together.

Festivals and competitions

Participation in local and national dance festivals and competitions is by invitation. These opportunities allow selected students to take their performing further. We are proud to count All England Dance winners among our pupils.

ISTD examinations

Students may have the opportunity to take ISTD examinations in Ballet, Tap and Modern, celebrating their progress and developing their technique. Examinations are encouraged, but they are not compulsory. View ISTD examination fees 2026–27.

Our annual prize giving

Each year, our LHTS family comes together to celebrate our students’ achievements. Students receive their examination certificates from the previous year, and we present our LHTS awards—a special moment to recognise their progress and share in their successes.

More chances to dance

We also run themed days of dance throughout the year and an annual summer intensive programme, giving students more opportunities to enjoy dancing together, develop their skills and try something new.

Professional performance experience

LHTS students have appeared in West End productions of Matilda, Les Misérables, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Billy Elliot. Their professional performance experience also includes The Nutcracker at the London Coliseum, regional pantomimes and performances at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom.

On stage and behind the scenes

Our summer show.

Every summer, our whole school comes together for a show at The Venue, Milton Keynes. From our youngest performers taking their first steps on stage to our experienced seniors, it’s a chance to celebrate their progress, build confidence and make wonderful memories together.

Here are a few special memories from our last production, ‘Timeless 2026’—from the excitement backstage to the joy of performing together.

Next show: 17–18 July 2027 · The Venue, Milton Keynes

A glimpse of life on stage

See our students
perform.

From expressive storytelling to the energy of a group performance, watch our students bring their training to life.

Blue Suede Shoes

Intermediate Jazz / Modern · All England Dance Finals 2026

Anastasia

Intermediate Musical Theatre · All England Dance Finals 2026

Let It Be

Junior Modern · All England Dance Finals 2026

The Highway Men

Senior Modern · All England National Finals 2024

Part of our LHTS story

From our studios
to the stage.

LHTS ballet dancer performing on pointe

Many LHTS students go on to further professional training in dance and the performing arts. Our alumni have built careers across dance companies, the West End, touring productions, music videos and cruise entertainment, as well as working as vocalists, choreographers, directors, teachers and stage managers.

These are just a few of the many LHTS alumni working professionally across the arts and entertainment industry. We are proud of every path our former students have taken, both on stage and behind the scenes.

Their next chapter

LHTS students have gained places at a wide range of performing arts colleges, full-time schools and specialist training programmes.

Professional and sixth-form training

Laine Theatre Arts · Bird Conservatoire · Addict Academy · Wilkes Academy · Urdang Academy · Performers College · ArtsEd · Performance Preparation Academy (PPA) · Stella Mann College · Arts1 Sixth Form · Dancebox Studios & Theatre Works

Full-time performing arts schools

Sylvia Young Theatre School · Tring Park School for the Performing Arts

Associate and specialist programmes

The Royal Ballet School Associates · London Junior Ballet Associates · Tring Park Classical Ballet Academy · London Studio Centre Associates · Tap Attack

We celebrate these achievements alongside every student who dances for enjoyment, friendship and confidence.

Cordelia Braithwaite

Leading roles with Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures, including The Red Shoes, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella and Romeo and Juliet.

Ivano Turco

Musical theatre credits include Prince Sebastian in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella and Jamie New in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.

Adam Scott

A career across performance, choreography, directing and teaching, with creative work for La Voix and Marella Cruises. Adam also serves on the All England Dance adjudication panel.

Maddie Waller

Musical theatre credits include Kathy Selden in Singin’ in the Rain at the Théâtre du Lido in Paris, Chicago and Pretty Woman.

Scarlett Hewitt

Professional dance credits include the Thursford Christmas Spectacular and La Nouvelle Eve in Paris.

Chloe Bright

A graduate of Guildford School of Acting’s MA in Stage & Production Management, with professional credits including Assistant Stage Manager on Mamma Mia! The Party in London.

Every student’s journey matters. Whether your child dreams of the stage or comes for fun, friendship and confidence, there is a place for them at LHTS.