Blackpool · Established 1952
Inspiring Performers For Over 70 Years
DanceDramaFriendshipConfidenceCreativity
Our story
70 years of Whittaker's
We are rich in history, proud to be the longest standing dance and drama centre in Blackpool — and we now love to share that expertise with a new generation of students.
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Heritage, community and professional tuition sit at the heart of everything we do. Hundreds — if not thousands — of pupils have passed through the Whittaker's ranks, and many now bring their own children back through the same front door.
Read our full storyWhy Whittaker's
Why families choose Whittaker's
More than a dance school — a place where children and adults grow in confidence, make lifelong friends and discover a love of performing.
Build Confidence
Every child is seen, encouraged and given the chance to shine — on stage and off it.
Make Friends
Friendships made in our studios last decades. Many of our parents danced here too.
Professional Teachers
Qualified, DBS-checked teachers with genuine professional performance careers.
Perform on Stage
Our students perform at Blackpool's Grand Theatre — a real stage, real lights, real audience.
Examinations
Graded ISTD, RAD and LAMDA examinations with certificates that count.
Classes For Everyone
From two-year-olds to adult beginners and returners. All ages and abilities welcome.
Established in 1952
Set in the heart of Blackpool
The Whittaker Dance and Drama Centre was founded in February 1952 by Beryl Johnson Whittaker. Eighteen years on from Beryl's death it remains in the same family — with husband Jack still involved and their daughter Sheila as principal.
Beryl trained at Blackpool Theatre Arts and later performed at the Tower Circus as a leading dancer, appearing in the 1948 Royal Command Performance at the London Palladium alongside Danny Kaye and Julie Andrews.
Regardless of your background or expertise, we offer structured support to guide your journey in dance and drama — empowering you with the skills to motivate and inspire future artists.
Performance showcase
Where the work goes
From the studio floor to the Grand Theatre stage — a glimpse of our students in action.
Our classes
Find your spotlight
Seven disciplines, taught by qualified professionals, for students from two years old to adult beginners.
Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing
Tap
Rhythm you can hear — the most joyful noise in the building.
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Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing
Modern
Contemporary lines, big movement and real stage presence.
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London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art
Drama
Voice, character and the confidence to be heard.
Learn More“Our daughter walked in shy and came out of her first show beaming. The teachers genuinely care about every single child.”
Rachel P.
Parent
Meet the team
The people behind the centre
Qualified, experienced and endlessly encouraging — our teachers are the reason families stay with us for years.
Principal
Sheila Ganley
Daughter of founder Beryl, Sheila has led Whittaker's for decades and teaches ballet, tap, modern, Irish and LAMDA drama. She played Eliza Doolittle in the centre's landmark 1981 Grand Theatre production.
Ballet & Acro
Michelle McCaw
Michelle teaches Royal Academy of Dance ballet alongside our full Acro programme, from Mini through to Intermediate. Placeholder biography — send us her words and we'll drop them straight in.
Tap, Modern & Irish
Amanda Southworth
Amanda brings energy and precision to tap, modern-jazz and Irish classes for children and adults alike. Placeholder biography — ready for your copy.
The studio
135 Hornby Road
A beautiful Victorian building in the heart of Blackpool, with sprung studio floors, a warm reception and seventy years of history in its walls.
Accredited tuition
Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing
Whittaker's are proud members of the ISTD, and all our students can take their examinations through this membership — one of the world's leading dance examination boards, with the widest range of dance genres available.
Join us
Ready to become part of the Whittaker family?
Book a free trial class today and see why generations of Blackpool families have grown up on our studio floor.