Aspirations Performing Arts
About Us
Welcome to Aspirations Performing Arts in Sussex! Since 2011, we’ve been passionate about nurturing young talent and providing exceptional classical ballet training for students aged 5 to 19. Our well-rounded program spans over 20 years of excellence and includes Russian Classical Ballet (Vaganova), Acrobatic Arts, International Dance Technique (Jazz), Stretch, Contemporary, Tap, LAMDA, and Musical Theatre, as well as Anatomy and Physiology—preparing dancers for future success in the performing arts.
For our youngest stars, our daily TOTS (pre-school dance curriculum) offers a seamless introduction to movement and creativity, preparing them for our graded classes. All of this takes place at our charming studios located in The Old School in Cuckfield—where the magic of dance truly comes alive!
We pride ourselves on fostering valuable industry connections. From alliances with vocational colleges and associate schemes to offering exclusive performance opportunities, we ensure our students are equipped to shine. Our boys-only program and regular masterclasses with guest instructors bring even more specialized experiences. And for those looking for extra enrichment, our ‘Bolshoi Edge’ training program offers the perfect complement to our weekly curriculum.
Aspirations Performing Arts is more than just a school—it’s a family. Across our four divisions—Pre-School (TOTS), Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools—we maintain a culture of inclusivity and camaraderie. Seniors mentor younger students and everyone comes together in our dazzling productions, creating memories that last a lifetime.
For students aspiring to professional careers in the arts, we offer pathways to Vocational Programs, Full-Time Classical Academies, or Tertiary Education Pedagogy Degrees. From the age of 13, some can also begin our three-year teaching assistant qualification, ensuring they are prepared for success in any direction they choose.
Join our dance family at Aspirations P.A. and experience a supportive, inspiring, and educational journey with every step!
Our Ethos
Miss Amanda and her team take pride in igniting a passion for dance within each individual. It’s not just about the steps- they show students how to move their bodies in the right way. The lessons learned here go beyond the dance floor, helping students in all areas of life. With a focus on strong social, cultural, moral, and ethical values, every child is set up to shine in any situation.
Miss Amanda, the School Principal has been teaching for over 30 years. However she realises the importance of change, self-evaluation and education to ensure Aspirations is a school for the future not one residing in the past.
“When I was a child, I would sit and watch the older students dancing gracefully in their classes, aspiring to be like them one day. Now, as a dance teacher, I have the incredible gift of inspiring others to dream big in all aspects of their life, to be successful and happy far beyond the studio’
Miss A
Exams & Assessments
At Aspirations Performing Arts, we enter our students for exams with accredited societies. Besides these formal exams conducted by external examiners, we also regularly hold in-house assessments to make sure all our students are reaching their milestones—mentally, physically, and socially. We place a huge emphasis on mental well-being, offering workshops to promote a healthy mindset and body. This way, our students are ready to face tomorrow with optimism, confidence, and self-assurance.
ASPIRATIONS CORE VALUES
Our Core Values underpin everything we do and aspire to do within the school. We call them ‘MY WISH’
MINDFULNESS
YES
WISDOM
To create a safe space for artistic expression and self-awareness for all
To strive to be open and positive in all our attitudes
Encouraging continuous learning and decision-making.
INSPIRATION
SUPPORTIVE
HONESTY
Offering inspiration to every student regardless of age or ability
Creating a safe and encouraging environment for everyone involved to build a strong, connected dance community
Fostering transparent communication and trust.
ASPIRATIONS SCHOOL PROMISES
As a school, we believe that having a promise to our students and the wider community is essential because it fosters trust, collaboration, and a shared commitment to the growth and well-being of everyone involved.
OUR PROMISE TO OUR STUDENTS
" We promise to uphold our core values, to stay present and be aware of our actions. We promise to retain a positive attitude to uplift every individual to their full potential. We commit to involving each student in decisions regarding their training, ensuring every voice is heard and respected. We pledge to create a supportive and encouraging environment, practicing honesty to foster trust within our dance family. We promise to create a nurturing space for growth and learning, to uphold our tagline of empowering young hearts. "
OUR COMPANY PROMISE
" We pledge to serve our wider community by building strong alliances with local small businesses, community organisations and individuals. We are committed to making dance and theatre arts a central part of our community. We promise to offer activities for all, free from discrimination to ensure the arts thrive for future generations."
About
OUR CLASSES
We hold our classes after school hours and on weekends, so students can keep up with their regular academic education. Many of our past students have gone on to train professionally at prestigious schools like Italia Conti, Arts Educational School, Rambert Ballet School, and Laine Theatre Arts. We also offer regular performance opportunities through workshops, holiday schools, and by inviting industry guests to the school.
Meet the faculty
SCHOOL PRINCIPAL MISS AMANDA
Since graduating from Northern Ballet School in 1995, Miss Amanda has taught at esteemed institutions such as Laine Theatre Arts , Italia Conti , and The late London Russian Ballet School bringing expertise, passion, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Her classical instruction blends The English Classical Ballet system, Vaganova Ballet Technique, and the teachings of Master Finis Jhung, ensuring dancers develop strong technique, mindfulness, and self-awareness.
After a severe injury in early 2025—caused by years of unknowingly poor training habits in her own youth – she took six months to recover and refine her teaching approach, prioritizing safe technique, injury prevention, and mental well-being. This led to the creation of Bolshoi Edge, a program dedicated to developing elite dancers through a holistic, sustainable, and safe training method.
She advocates for age-appropriate costumes and thoughtful music choices, believing choreography should captivate through technical excellence, not suggestiveness. With additional studies in physiology, anatomy, and nutrition, as well as qualifications in personal training, NLP, hypnotherapy, and Early Years Child Care, Miss Amanda is highly skilled in nurturing dancers of all ages, and is committed to lifelong learning.
TEACHER: JAMES WILLOUGHBY MOORE
James trained in Musical Theatre from the age of 12 and was fortunate to be offered a role in the hit musical Matilda; the cast performing on the 2012 Royal Variety Show. After prestigious Dance Captain placements, James graduated from Laine Theatre Arts with a Diploma in Musical Theatre. There followed many opportunities from ‘The Hired Man’ playing opposite John Owen Jones & Jenna Russel to the lead role of Pepper in Mama Mia ( Westend / UK / International Tour) to the more recent I should be so lucky: The Stock, Aitken Waterman Musical.
Having taught for Laine Theatre Arts and an array of other schools, Aspirations is very lucky to have James on board with his charisma, talent and enthusiasm.
GUEST TEACHERS
Industry professionals regularly visit the school, giving students the chance to step outside the box and explore new dance styles or refine technique with specialists. These sessions enhance adaptability, creativity, and technical ability while exposing students to the latest industry trends. Learning from other experienced choreographers and coaches also builds confidence and valuable connections, preparing them for future opportunities in dance.