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Ducky Shincrackers

Adult Dance Classes in Brighton

for adults who love to Dance

DUCKY SHINCRACKERS: Adult Dance Classes in Brighton Tap Ballet Jazz

Rachel Pittman, Owner and Teacher

"Whether you were a prancing, dancing child OR a desperate dancing dreamer ………it’s never too late to pick up those dancing shoes again or learn a new skill.  No matter your age, shape, size or sense of humour… we welcome you and look forward to seeing you in class.  Your home for Adult Dance Classes in the Brighton area."

Rachel Adult Dance Brighton Class Teacher
  • Annie Wallace
    3 weeks ago
    Love these classes, I have been in attendance of Tap and Jazz for several years now. Rachel is fun, energetic teacher who is super supportive- especially for beginners with no prior dance experience, like myself. I always leave feeling amazing and like I have achieved something, had a workout and made some great friendships
  • Louise H
    3 weeks ago
    Highly recommend these wonderful classes, whether you are a complete beginner or have some experience. Fun, friendly and a great workout too! Rachel is a supportive, patient and very talented teacher. Fab music, this class always makes me smile! Everyone always made to feel very welcome.
  • Hannah Carter
    3 weeks ago
    As part of the Improvers Tap Class, on a Thursday evening, I cannot recommend Ducky Shincrackers highly enough. To say the classes are brilliant, friendly and giggle-filled would be underselling them because they are that and so very much more. Rachel is a patient and talented teacher and works with the class to bring out the best in us. No one gets left behind and there is a lot of laughter along the way as everyone learns together and supports each other. If you want to get your brain and your feet working in harmony (and I have two left feet!) - then get your dancing shoes on as you really won’t regret it. The best fun to be had in Brighton on a Thursday night.
  • Suzanne Ferron
    2 weeks ago
    Tap dancing class is a great workout for brain and body and a lot of fun to boot. Rachel is a great teacher and class is friendly and relaxed - even when you keep getting the steps wrong. Give it a go - you won’t regret it!
  • Jane Griffiths
    2 weeks ago
    I have been dancing with Rachel for a number of years now and I can highly recommend her classes. I am in the Tuesday intermediate tap class which is a lot of fun and inclusive, and no one is left behind (which is good for me as I never thought I would be able to tap dance).

Tap dancing is a great way to get fit and have fun at the same time. Not only is tap a form of cardio exercise that can help you burn calories and improve your cardiovascular health, but it is also a fantastic way to strengthen and tone your legs, glutes, and core muscles. Plus, tap is a high-energy activity that is sure to get your heart rate up and keep you motivated.

One of the great things about tap is that it can be enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness levels. Whether you are a beginner looking to get your feet wet or an experienced dancer looking to challenge yourself, there is a tap class that is right for you.

In your tap class, you will learn basic tap steps and combinations, and you will work on building your endurance and coordination as you progress. You will also have the opportunity to learn and perform choreographed routines to music, which can be a great way to stay motivated and have fun while you exercise.

Overall, tap dancing is a fantastic way to get fit and have a great time while doing it. So why not give it a try? You might just find that you have a new favourite workout!

"Don't be a Cement Mixer be a... Ducky Shincracker!"

ducky shincracker

noun: informal 1940’s slang term meaning…. a good dancer! “Ooooh look at him, Babs, he’s a right ducky shincracker……me first!”

cement mixer

noun: informal 1930’s slang term meaning…. a terrible dancer “Mind your toes, Bob, she’s a cement mixer….and she’s on her way over!”

Central Brighton Courses

Central Brighton Studios

Welcome to our Central Brighton Studios! Our prime location in the heart of Brighton makes us the perfect choice for dancers of all levels. Our purpose-built facility is equipped with state-of-the-art features including sprung floors, designed to absorb impact and reduce the risk of injury. Our secure entrance ensures a safe and private environment for our classes. We also provide changing rooms for your convenience. Come experience the best in dance instruction and join us at our Central Brighton Studios.

CLASSES

Welcome back to dance! As many of you know, I recently recovered from major surgery and am currently limiting the number of classes to regain my stamina and fitness.

Get ready to dance with us! Our classes are in high demand and filling up fast. But don't worry, we have started a waiting list for new classes to be added, including Beginner and Improver levels and an Intermediate-Improver tap class

New 2023 Bookings:

Classes will run for 8 weeks :

Monday 30th Jan – Friday 31st March

NO CLASSES half term off (Feb 13th-19th)

ALL TERM CLASSES TAKE PLACE IN THE CENTRAL BRIGHTON STUDIO

TUESDAYS

7.00 - 8.00 PM
£ 80 per Term
  • Stand Wow Ballet
8 weeks

THURSDAYS

7.00 - 7.45 PM
£ 80 per Term
  • Brand New Beginners Tap
8 weeks

THURSDAYS

7.45 - 8.30 PM
£ 80 per Term
  • Beginners/Improvers Tap
8 weeks

Booking Information

To proceed with booking a class or being added to the waiting list, please fill out the Booking Form provided.

If you are a new dancer and haven’t danced with us before, please also fill out the New Joiner Form.

We’re excited to have you join our classes and have a great time dancing together.

Class Term Booking / Waiting List

Classes filling fast, fill out booking form. I'll contact you with options. Running waitlist, adding new classes soon. Limited Spots Available - Join the Waitlist Today!
Booking now

New Joiner Form

All new participants are required to complete the new joiner form before being allowed to attend class. This can be done online by clicking on the provided link.
REQUIRED

Drop-In Booking

A very limited number of places available, priority will be given to term bookings. Payment details will be sent directly upon Form completion.
unavailable

SHOP FOR DANCEWEAR

Rachel has carefully selected a range of high-quality and affordable dance clothing and accessories that are suitable for our classes. While professional dance attire is not required, you may find it more comfortable to wear during class. These items can be purchased through our recommended supplier.
Curated

The Team

Rachel Pittman:Teacher Adult Dance Classes Brighton

Rachel Pittman

Owner & TAP/JAZZ

Collette Goodwin

Collette Goodwin

Ballet

Our Dance Collection

This class is designed for those who are new to tap dancing and those who have had little previous alternative dance training. It’s the perfect place to establish a strong foundation in tap technique. It covers the basic elements of tap such as posture, rhythm, foot placement, coordination, and steps like Taps, Beats, Digs, Springs, Shuffles, Paradiddles, Ball Changes and short, slow combinations of steps.

Alternatively, If you are looking to go back to the basics and feel that the next level is too overwhelming, you are welcome to stay in this level for as long as you like. Here you will be able to focus on your tap foundation and perfect your technique, before progressing to more advanced levels.

This class is for those who have mastered the basic steps in Level 1 and are ready to take on more complex combinations that will form the basis of our warm-up exercises. You will learn combinations such as Time Steps, Shuffles, Pickups, Waltz steps, and Cramp rolls. It will be taught in slow and repetitive bursts to help build muscle memory and increase precision and speed.

Alternatively, if you have some tap dance experience and are looking to learn the warm-up exercises before transitioning to the next level, this class is perfect for you.

Our adult dance classes run by Adult Dance Brighton are suitable for all ages and offer much more than just improving your dance skills. We have a very sociable atmosphere and the eclectic range of music adds to the variety of the tap dance lessons.

To join the Intermediate class, you should already be familiar with most of the warm-up exercises from Level 2 and be ready to learn more complex combinations such as Suzie Q’s and corner work. The class will maintain a steady pace while still reviewing the details of the steps.

Alternatively, if you are an experienced tapper who can pick up the warm-up exercises on the fly, but still needs a little breakdown on each exercise before moving on to the next level, this class is for you. Each week we will review at least one warm-up exercise/combination in detail, and there will also be dedicated time to learning new steps and routines.

You are confident of the exercises in level 3 and are ready to take the next challenge of working them quicker and learning more complicated combinations and a greater level of new work and routines each week.

OR 

You have been tapping confidently for a number of years and can pick up the warm up exercises and combinations at an up-beat speed without much step breakdown.  The classes run by Adult Dance Brighton are suitable for all ages and will give you a lot more than a spring to your steps. There is a very sociable ambiance and the eclectic range of music adds to the varied nature of the tap lessons.

Our class with Collette is a unique and exciting opportunity to work on a variety of familiar ballet exercises, learn new skills, and work towards a beautiful dance routine each week. The twist? The music. Instead of the traditional “Plinky Plonk Piano” music, expect a diverse range of beautiful and inspiring music, including power ballads, Prince, and Puccini. This class will be an enjoyable and musically rich experience.

Our jazz and musical theater-based class will feature a new, sassy routine every week, set to a variety of music. The class is open to all levels, and will cover a range of warm-up exercises, including stretches, isolations, arms, corner work, and combinations. Each week, we’ll learn part of a new routine, building towards a diverse repertoire of fabulous dances. Come prepared to work on your technique, learn new choreography, and have fun!

Frequently Asked Questions

Most frequently asked questions and answers

Please note that within the Dance class only water can be consumed and the entire premises is a

“NUT FREE ZONE”

(although we do allow a little crazy !)

What should I wear to Dance?

Comfortable and breathable clothing works best, with appropriate shoes for the class.  If in doubt, you can’t go wrong with Leggings & T-Shirt.

Tap dancers need to keep their lower legs and ankles fairly free and are better off learning on a lower-heeled tap shoe. 

Ballet requires ballet shoes or socks. 

Above all…come as casual or as fabulous as you like!

Rachel has selected some practical dance clothing that you can purchase via International Dance Supplies. Pre filtered on the site by Rachel, so a lot easier to navigate.

Access to Studios?

We have secure gated entrances to the Studios.  Once you have registered and booked a course you will be supplied all relevant access information directly, via e-mail.  Make sure you join the WhatsApp and Facebook communities too. 

What are our COVID Rules?

We will be strictly following the UK Government Guidelines
  • If YOU FEEL UNWELL or have ANY SYMPTOMS during the class, please alert the teacher and leave the studio IMMEDIATELY
  • REMEMBER….WE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR EACH OTHER XXX

Do you have changing rooms?​

Yes, we have a Male & Female separate changing room, which is a large open space with a shower and WC’s.

If you are transgender or gender non conforming (TGNC) you are very welcome to use the changing room that matches your gender identity, regardless of whether you are making a gender transition or appear gender non-conforming.

Travel to and from the studios?

For all Studio information, including travel, please refer to the Studio Information Page.

Get in touch to find out more about our classes

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