The Sophie May School of Dance

The Sophie May School of Dance is a dance school located at May Studios in Haynes West End, Bedfordshire. Established in 2012, the school is committed to delivering the highest standard of dance education, empowering and inspiring students to develop their dance technique, knowledge, and performance skills in their chosen genres.

Dance is a proven form of physical and psychological exercise, providing numerous benefits such as improved strength, posture, poise, confidence, etiquette, concentration, and social skills. These skills can be applied not only within the studio but also in everyday life. The Sophie May School of Dance offers a diverse range of over 60 classes per week, including bbodance syllabus dance classes in classical ballet, tap, and modern, as well as non-syllabus classes in jazz, street, contemporary, singing, and acting. Classes cater to a wide range of ages and abilities.

As a registered exam centre with bbodance, the school can enter students into nationally recognised graded and vocational examinations. The school is led by husband and wife team, Sophie and Dean May, along with a team of dedicated teachers and assistants.

Sophie May, or “Miss Sophie,” is the principal of the school. With over 20 years of dance experience, she is trained in classical ballet, tap, modern, jazz, musical theatre, and commercial dance. Sophie began teaching at a young age and continued her training while working full-time to support her teaching qualifications and dream of opening her own school and studios.

Sophie is a fully qualified and registered dance teacher, holding Level 4 & 5 Diplomas in Dance Teaching from bbodance. She is authorised to enter students into nationally recognised examinations. Sophie's favourite dance style is tap, and she has a special interest in it as she majored in it during her first teaching diploma. She maintains a professional membership with People Dancing, The Foundation for Community Dance, and holds the necessary certifications and qualifications, including a full DBS check, a level 3 Designated Safeguarding Officer certificate, and a first aid certificate.

Sophie is dedicated to her professional development and consistently attends training courses to enhance her skills. Recently, she has qualified in Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT).

Under Sophie's guidance, several students have achieved great success in the performing arts industry, pursuing professional careers as dancers and dance teachers. Former students have been accepted into prestigious vocational schools like Laine Theatre Arts, London Studio Centre, Bird College, Performers College, The Hammond, and Emil Dale Academy. Many others have completed their teacher training and are now successful dance teachers at the school and beyond. Every former student who pursued professional training is currently employed.

Sophie has also had the privilege of auditioning and accepting many bbodance scholars, a highly regarded accomplishment in the dance industry.