Gillian Jones Dance Academy

Where young dancers grow in skill, confidence & joy

Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Acro classes for ages 3 to 19 in East Belfast, Newtownabbey and Lisburn, led by Gillian Jones, Examiner and Fellow of UKA Dance with over 35 years of teaching experience.

Gillian Jones Dance Academy students in black dance uniforms smiling in the studio

A registered UKA Dance School

UKA Dance logo International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA) logo Acrobatic Arts logo

35+ years teaching

Access NI checked teachers

Gillian Jones with academy dance teachers
35+

years of dance teaching

Welcome to Gillian Jones Dance

First-class training in a safe, encouraging environment

Under the direction of Creative Director Gillian Jones, all our students receive first class training from highly qualified teachers in a safe and encouraging environment.

Whether your child wants to dance for fun and fitness, or train to be a professional dancer, our teachers provide support in a friendly manner whilst maintaining a reliable approach. Every child is encouraged to reach their full potential and to build the confidence that carries them through every part of life.

Why Gillian Jones Dance

Experience, care and a love of performance

Expert teaching

Gillian is an Examiner and Fellow of UKA Dance and a Member of the International Dance Teachers Association, with 35+ years of experience across all genres.

Exams & UCAS points

Dance Award Assessments from age 3–7 and Ofqual Regulated Grades from age 8–19, earning UCAS points towards university and college.

Dance Extravaganza

Every student has the chance to perform in our annual Dance Extravaganza, building stage presence, teamwork and lasting memories.

Safe & supportive

A caring, inclusive environment where every child is known by name. All our teachers have Access NI checks completed.

Classes for every age

A clear path from first steps to grade exams

View All Classes
Ages 3–4

Pre-school

Designed around the capabilities and interests of little ones, improving motor skills, balance, co-ordination and rhythm.

Ballet · Tap

Ages 5–7

Primary

Imaginative classes that build technique and confidence, with Dance Award Assessments available from age 3–7.

Ballet · Jazz · Tap

Ages 8–11

Juniors

Developing skills further while introducing stage performance, with Ofqual Regulated Grade exams in Jazz, Tap and Ballet.

Ballet · Jazz · Tap · Acro

Ages 12–19

Seniors

Fun, fitness, confidence and stage presence, plus Ofqual Regulated Grades with UCAS points and teacher training from 16.

Jazz · Tap · Classical Ballet

Days we dance

Three local venues, three evenings a week

Choose the venue closest to home. Each location page has the full timetable and venue details.

Tuesday

East Belfast

Belfast Operatic Company Studio, Heron Road, Holywood Exchange

View timetable →

Wednesday

Newtownabbey

Mossley Parish (Church of the Holy Spirit), Manse Road

View timetable →

Thursday

Lisburn

Pond Park Primary School

View timetable →

Meet the academy

Led by Gillian Jones, Creative Director

Gillian has been teaching dance for over 35 years and has wide experience in all genres of dance. She is an Examiner and a Fellow of UKA Dance and a Member of the International Dance Teachers Association.

For many years Gillian choreographed and performed in many musicals, winning Best Choreographer at a variety of festivals. She was also involved in light entertainment programmes for the BBC as a resident choreographer.

35+

Years teaching

3

Local venues

3–19

Ages taught

Student receiving a dance award certificate Primary dancers in blue sailor costumes for the Theatre Showcase Dance exam medals and certificates awarded to students
What parents & students say

A wonderful dance community

Our daughter has been attending since she was 6 and is now 10, and we’ve seen such amazing growth in both her dance skills and confidence. Gillian is fantastic with children of all abilities and creates such a supportive, encouraging environment.

Zoe Kyle

Parent

I’ve been dancing at Gillian Jones Dance Academy for 10 years. I’ve literally grown up here… It’s such a good workout and the best part is just catching up and dancing with all my friends. I honestly couldn’t imagine a week without it!

Maisie Scott

Student

My daughter has been attending lessons with Gillian Jones Dance Academy for 3 years now since the age of 3! She has grown in confidence as well as skill! Gillian has always been so friendly, approachable and accommodating.

Caoimhe Hamill

Parent

Full cast of Gillian Jones Dance Academy on stage at the annual Theatre Showcase
Performance & theatre

Our annual Dance Extravaganza

Every year our dancers, from age 3 to young adults, take to the stage in our annual Dance Extravaganza. It's a showcase of all the children's efforts, a highlight of the dance year that both children and adults really look forward to.

Join us

Ready to start your child’s dance journey?

Get in touch to find the right class and venue. We’ll respond within 2 working days.

or email dancegillian@outlook.com