LOCAL FEATURES

Teddington Dance Studio (TDS) was founded 14 years ago by former professional dancer Natalie Randhawa, who began dancing at the age of three when like many her mum took her to her first ballet class.

After working as a professional dancer and completing her degree in dance education Natalie decided to start her own dance school in Teddington. Thus, she established TDS in 2012.

Initially TDS ran all classes from local community centres and church halls across Teddington, but in 2022 Natalie decided TDS needed a permanent home.

Luckily, they found a "derelict" building on Teddington's The Causeway and after a huge refurb in 2023, TDS officially moved to its current home, which has two studios fit for professional dancers with sprung floors, mirrors, air conditioning, and sound systems.

, I wanted to get the best facilities for the students," Natalie told Teddington Nub News. 

She added: "It's like a little hub for them. Some of the kids will come even when they're not dancing and just hang out, It's lovely as they have somewhere to come and chill that's also a safe space. 

TDS runs 60 weekly classes for children (Credit: TDS)

Natalie explained that TDS began with only eight students on its very first day but now has over 200.

She said: "It's growing and it's been incredible."

TDS started with just Natalie as a teacher, but the founder now has a wonderful team of super hero's that teach along side her. 

"I still teach the majority of the classes but also have the best team who are all fully qualified within their expert field including a wealth of industry knowledge" Natalie explained. 

TDS offers classes for children aged two-and-a-half up to adult age for all genders

TDS accepts students as young as two-and-a-half (Credit: TDS)

 Core classes are in Ballet, Tap, Modern, and Jazz, but it also offers classes in Drama, Musical Theatre, Commercial Jazz Singing, and Conditioning.

Natalie says the preschool classes are "really popular" because they run during the daytime. 

TDS also runs adult classes, but its focus is on children as it runs 60 classes a week for children. 

TDS helps train students for professional dance exams (Credit: TDS)

Natalie  explained: "We run a wide range of classes. If students want to go on to train professionally,  we have to give them the absolute best and the absolute most. 

TDS' drama classes are London Academy of Dramatic Arts (LAMDA) focused and its Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Modern classes are taught according to the syllabuses of both the I.D.T.A and I.S.T.D, allowing students to work towards graded dance examinations.

TDS currently has 200 students (Credit: TDS)

These exams are held multiple times a year and have proven to be extremely rewarding and enjoyable for students. 

TDS has an impressive track record, with a 100% Distinction & Merit rate in all exams taken and former students have gone on to attend professional schools in the field, such as the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA), Addict, TTC and Arts Educational.

Currently, TDS has two students auditioning for Vocational establishments for the next academic year. 

According to Natalie, these exams are extremely beneficial for students as they can gain  UCAS points when applying for university, even for students opting for courses outside of dance or performing arts.

TDS is also a recognised studio by the Council for Dance Education and Musical Theatre, which says you must "follow nine key requirements to qualify, including safeguarding, critical policies, fully qualified staff and recognised qualifications. 

Having grown up and started a family in the local area, Natalie says that Teddington has "a great community".

She added: "And we're like a massive family at the studio, we really like to celebrate every child where everyone is involved. Everyone is as important as the other."

"I'm so lucky to be able to do a job that I absolutely love," she said.

Speaking about transitioning from a professional dancer to a teacher, she said that she wants to "inspire the next generation

It's not just about dancing," she added. TDS teaches you more than dance, it teaches you discipline, to be on time, grow in confidence and lots more… 

 She said: "There are other dance studios that are more recreational which is great as we can't all be the same but at TDS, we follow a certain etiquette. 

For example our ballet students are expected to wear their hair in a bun and have a set uniform because that is the way it should be. 

"I suppose, like any sport, we try to get across the best discipline for our students. 

We definitely teach more than just to dance , over the summer the Year 11s have not missed one lesson over their GCSEs because their time management is fantastic and they know that having an hour or two out of revision is not going to affect their grades."

Natalie  added that she sees TDS as an "outlet" for her students. 

She said: "Just to have something else and different groups of friends who support each other is so important. 

" So, even though only ten per cent of our students go off to professional schools, there's so many benefits as we teach them life skills. For example, our drama classes give students confidence for future job interviews."

Speaking about her students, Natalie said: "I'm super proud of them all it's not easy. It's actually very tough. 

"Most of the students go to school all day,  they come to the studio many evenings throughout the week, attend extra coaching with us at the weekends. We have a very busy schedule attending exams and competitions, and they're giving their all, so it makes me super proud of them. 

\tds hosts yearly showcases (Credit: TDS)

As well as running classes, TDS also hosts yearly showcases.

In March this year, TDS' showcase at Hampton Hill Theatre sold out within three days.

"It was sold out quicker than a Taylor Swift concert," Natalie joked.

The showcase included 200 students, thousands of costumes, and 40 chaperones.

Natalie continued: "It was absolutely fantastic."

"The kids love it, and it's as close to a professional production as we can make it," she added. 

"We have full tech and sound teams, and the kids learn about the theatre etiquette of performing on an amazing stage in these venues. We couldn't do it without the incredible support of our TDS parents who give 100% to the studio too. 

In March 2026, TDS will be hosting their  drama showcase.

Moreover, TDS often gets involved in the local community.

For example, it performed at this year's Christmas Lights Up event in Teddington and gives talks in schools about dance and performing arts.

Several of TDS' students also have leading roles in Teddington's various school productions this year.

TDS will be accepting new students in its pre-school classes in January 2026.

You can find out more about TDS on its website here.

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