We are delighted to feature the Formby School of Dancing and Performing Arts as our Formby Business of the Week

This week, we are delighted to feature the Formby School of Dancing and Performing Arts as our Business of the Week.

Established for almost fifty years, Formby School of Dancing and Performing Arts is proudly recognised as one of the leading performing arts schools in the North West. Based at the beautiful Victoria Hall, Formby, the school boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including a stunning mirrored Dance Studio with ballet barres and a professional Harlequin dance floor. The school also features its own fully equipped Theatre and Rehearsal Room, complete with the latest sound and lighting technology — used for both in-house performances and specialist stage and microphone technique lessons.

Set within its own secure grounds and offering ample parking, Formby School of Dancing and Performing Arts provides a safe, welcoming environment for children to thrive.

Led by Principals Hayley Batchelor-Hannah and Alistair Hannah

The school’s ethos is built on nurturing each child’s unique talents, from the shy beginner to the confident performer. The dedicated team takes pride in not only developing technical skills in dance, drama, and singing but also fostering personal growth, building self-esteem, confidence, and lifelong friendships.

Children aged from 3 to 18 years are offered an exciting range of classes. Younger pupils start with specially designed pre-school classes to nurture a love of music, dance, and movement, while school-aged children advance into specialised classes across Classical Ballet, Tap, and Modern, with optional ISTD exams — where the school proudly holds a 90% distinction rate.

For those with greater ambitions, students have opportunities to compete in local festivals, perform in pantomimes and professional productions, and work on theatre and microphone skills. Drama students, aged 7 to 18, also shine in annual productions and festivals, developing improvisation, script work, and stage confidence.

In Musical Theatre classes, children hone their vocal technique, learn harmony skills, and take part in professionally-run concerts, cabaret performances, and recording studio work — providing an authentic experience of live performance life.

Meet the Principals:

• Hayley Batchelor-Hannah trained at Elliott-Clarke Theatre School and Merseyside Dance Centre, and has enjoyed a successful career performing and choreographing professional shows and musicals worldwide. She brings a wealth of professional experience and passion to her teaching.

• Alistair Hannah began his professional singing career at the age of 11, appearing on Scottish television and later touring theatres and cabarets internationally. His broad experience in music, acting, and production gives students invaluable insight into the world of performance.

Success Stories:

Many former students have gone on to achieve remarkable success:

• Eleanor Worthington-Cox – Olivier Award winner, BAFTA nominee, and international star of stage and screen, credits the school for her early development.

• Ryan Collinson – Starred as Billy in Billy Elliott on the West End and now acts in Disney’s Penny on Mars and Ackley Bridge.

• Jenny Burwood – Trained at LIPA and London Studio Centre, now performing, choreographing, and teaching across the UK.

Formby School of Dancing and Performing Arts is more than a dance and drama school — it’s a family, inspiring the next generation of performers to dream big, work hard, and shine brightly.