Valerie Brown extends her warmest welcome to the sports community. The Valerie Brown School of Dance and Drama in the United Kingdom, established in 1995, offers top-notch dance classes in styles such as ballet, tap, modern, jazz, streetdance, acrobatics, musical theatre, and drama. Classes cater to everyone, from beginners to advanced dancers, including children as young as 3—or even younger in the Parent and Child classes. The school teaches the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) syllabi, along with SQA national qualifications.
While students are encouraged to take RAD and ISTD exams, it is entirely optional. Vocational-level training is available for older students. Many former students have built successful careers as performers and teachers in the dance industry.
Valerie Brown, founder and principal, began her dance journey at two and a half in Glasgow. She trained at the Dean Academy of Dance and Drama, graduating in 1993 as a registered RAD teacher and ISTD associate in tap and modern. Valerie now holds the RAD teaching diploma and ISTD associate diploma. Her lifelong passion for dance and teaching shines through at the school. Living in Motherwell with her husband and three children, she is deeply grateful for the ongoing support of parents and students.
The school is supported by a talented teaching staff. Lisa McCleary, who started dancing at age two and joined the school at twelve, now teaches tap, ballet, modern, jazz, streetdance, and acrobatics. Lisa also holds a degree in Zoology and is pursuing ISTD Diplomas in Dance Education for modern and tap dance.
Sarah Peachey, another key team member, began at the Bernadette Sloan Dance School and was a Scottish Ballet Junior Associate. She holds British Association of Teachers of Dance (BATD) Membership and a first-class Honours degree in Community Arts from the University of Strathclyde. Sarah completed the Licentiate course at RAD headquarters in London with Distinction, receiving the Iris Truscott Scholarship for her outstanding performance.
Valerie Brown's School welcomes students of all ages and experience levels. Whether you're dreaming of a dance career, seeking dance fitness, or have a child who loves to dance, this school is ideal. With over two decades of history and a dedicated professional team, the Valerie Brown School of Dance and Drama is committed to high-quality dance education and nurturing each student's passion for dance.