PPAS Summer Schools 2025: Where Young Dancers Transformed Into Performers
London's Most Electrifying Dance Summer Experience Returns
When hundreds of young dancers flood into BASE Dance Studios each August, something magical happens. The energy is electric. The passion is palpable. And over five intense days, students aged 5-25 don't just learn choreography—they discover who they are as performers.
Welcome to PPAS Summer Schools, where confidence is built one eight-count at a time.
Two Weeks, Infinite Possibilities
Week 1: Summer Dance Intensive Course London—August 2026
Dates: Monday 3rd - Friday 7th August 2026
Location: BASE Dance Studios, London
Age Groups: 5-7, 8-10, 11-13, 14-16, 17-25
Structure: 5 Days | 5 Classes Daily
Grand Finale: Performances at Covent Garden Piazza & Leicester Square Theatre
Learn More About Dance Intensive →
Week 2: Street Dance Summer Course London—August 2026
Dates: Monday 10th - Friday 14th August 2026
Location: BASE Dance Studios, London
Age Groups: 5-7, 8-10, 11-13, 14-16, 17-25
Structure: 5 Days | 5 Classes Daily
Grand Finale: Performances at Covent Garden Piazza & Leicester Square Theatre
Behind the Scenes: What Really Happens at PPAS Summer School
Day One: Nerves and New Faces
The first morning always starts the same way. Students arrive clutching water bottles, checking their reflection in the studio mirrors, wondering if they're good enough. Parents hover near the entrance, equal parts excited and nervous.
Then the music starts.
Within hours, those same nervous kids are learning professional-level choreography from industry-leading teachers. The atmosphere shifts from "I hope I can do this" to "watch what I can do."
Days Two Through Four: The Grind That Builds Greatness
This is where the real transformation happens. Students train across multiple dance styles—commercial, contemporary, jazz, hip-hop, musical theatre. Five classes a day. Every single day.
It's intense. They come home exhausted, muscles aching, feet sore. But here's what parents tell us: not once do they want to give up.
One mother shared: "My daughter was blown away by the choreographers and the routines being taught each day. She came home completely exhausted but not once did she want to give up even though she was aching all over."
That's the PPAS difference. We push students hard because we believe in them. And they rise to meet that belief.
The Friendships That Change Everything
Between classes, during breaks, in those moments catching their breath before the next routine—friendships form. Real ones. The kind built on shared struggle and mutual respect.
Students who walked in alone walk out part of a community. They exchange Instagram handles, plan future dance classes together, and create bonds that outlast the summer.
As one parent observed: "The friendships formed have built up her confidence so much. She is desperate to sign up for next year!"
Day Five: From Studio to Stage
Performance day arrives. Two showcases. Two completely different energies.
Covent Garden Piazza brings street performance vibes—tourists stop mid-stride, crowds gather organically, and students feed off the raw energy of an outdoor audience. It's unpredictable. It's exhilarating. It's real.
Leicester Square Theatre delivers that professional stage experience—proper lighting, professional sound, an actual theatre with an audience that came specifically to watch. For many students, it's their first time performing in a legitimate London venue.
Both performances happen on the same day. By evening, students who were nervous amateurs five days ago are bowing to applause as confident performers.
The PPAS Approach: More Than Just Dance Steps
Professional Standards, Personal Attention
PPAS doesn't run a casual summer camp. This is professional training delivered with care. Top-tier choreographers bring industry experience. The curriculum is structured but flexible enough to challenge each age group appropriately.
Parents consistently praise the communication. One wrote: "I was impressed with the amount of communication from everyone at PPAS to ensure us parents knew what was expected and what the plan was for the week."
You're never left wondering what's happening. You're part of the journey.
The Scholarship Opportunity
Exceptional students may be offered PPAS scholarships during summer school. It's not guaranteed, but it's possible. And for those who receive one, it can be life-changing.
"My daughter won a scholarship here from the summer school and she has thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it," one grateful parent shared. "The principal and teachers are so kind and considerate and helpful. She has developed her skills so much since being there."
Building Confidence That Lasts
Ask any PPAS summer school parent what the biggest benefit was, and they won't talk about pirouettes or choreography. They'll talk about confidence.
"The confidence she came home with every day was priceless," said one mother of an 11-year-old participant.
Another parent of a 14-year-old dancer noted: "She left feeling inspired to pursue dance further, after dancing since the age of 4 for various dance companies. Now at 14, having the chance to be part of something so professionally run, she has decided to audition to join PPAS and take the next steps to make her dreams come true."
That's what PPAS does. We don't just teach dance. We help young people discover what they're capable of becoming.
Who Should Attend PPAS Summer Schools?
The Experienced Dancer
You've been training for years. You're hungry for professional-level choreography and industry connections. PPAS summer school pushes you to your next level.
The Enthusiastic Beginner
You love dancing but haven't had formal training. Perfect. Our age-grouped structure means you'll learn alongside peers at similar skill levels. No one gets left behind.
The Confidence Seeker
Maybe dance isn't even the main goal. Maybe you're looking for a community, a challenge, a chance to prove something to yourself. PPAS creates space for that transformation.
Ages 5-25: Everyone Finds Their Place
Whether you're five years old taking your first dance class or twenty-five and pursuing a professional career, PPAS has a group for you. The age divisions ensure appropriate challenges and peer connections across all skill levels.
What to Expect: A Week in the Life
8:30 AM - Studios open, students arrive buzzing with energy
9:00 AM - First class begins (Commercial, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip-Hop, or Musical Theatre depending on the week)
Throughout the Day - Five different classes with breaks between
Lunch - Students bond, compare notes, practice together
Afternoon Sessions - Intensive rehearsals for showcase performances
5:00 PM - Exhausted, inspired students head home
Friday - Performance day at Covent Garden Piazza and Leicester Square Theatre
The Piazza Experience: Dance Where London Watches
There's something raw and real about performing in Covent Garden Piazza. No controlled theatre environment. No safety net of stage curtains.
Just you, your crew, and hundreds of tourists who stop because they can't help themselves.
Students learn to command attention, to perform despite distractions, to feel the energy of a crowd that wasn't even planning to watch a dance performance. It's terrifying. It's addictive. It's essential training for any performer.
Then comes Leicester Square Theatre—where that street energy translates to a professional stage. Same choreography, different world. Students learn both, master both, and leave understanding what it means to adapt as a performer.
Parent Testimonials: Real Families, Real Results
"My son took part in their Summer School and he LOVED it. Made friends, enjoyed all the lessons and has found more confidence with his dancing. Thank you PPAS for running such a fabulous dance camp! Will be back!"
"Our daughter had simply the best time at the PPAS summer school. The classes were varied and brilliantly taught, the two performances at the Leicester Square Theatre and Covent Garden piazza were so exciting."
"Absolutely amazing!! My daughter was taught lots of different styles by top quality dance teachers and made lots of like-minded friends!"
"I would 100% recommend to anyone that's interested!"
How to Join PPAS Summer Schools 2026
Step 1: Choose your week—Dance Intensive (Week 1) or Street Dance (Week 2). Or do both.
Step 2: Select your age group (5-7, 8-10, 11-13, 14-16, or 17-25)
Step 3: Register early—spots fill quickly
Step 4: Show up ready to work, ready to sweat, ready to transform
Register for Summer Dance Intensive 2026
Register for Street Dance Course 2026
Explore All PPAS Summer School Options
Why PPAS Summer School Is Different
Professional Choreographers: Learn from dancers who actually work in the industry
Real Performance Opportunities: Not a casual recital—actual London venues with real audiences
Comprehensive Training: Five classes daily across multiple styles
Age-Appropriate Groups: Train with peers at your level
Scholarship Potential: Outstanding students may receive PPAS scholarship offers
Community Focus: Make genuine friendships with like-minded dancers
Expert Communication: Parents stay informed throughout the week
Proven Results: Hundreds of students transformed, confidence built, dreams launched
The Investment in Your Dancer's Future
PPAS Summer Schools aren't just about learning choreography. They're about discovering what you're made of. About pushing past limitations you thought were permanent. About finding your people, your passion, your voice as a performer.
One week can change everything.
Will your dancer be part of the 2026 story?
Frequently Asked Questions
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We welcome all levels. Our age-grouped structure ensures beginners learn alongside others at similar skill levels.
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Comfortable dance clothes, proper dance shoes for their style, water bottle, snacks, and enthusiasm.
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Students should bring their own lunch. Water breaks are scheduled throughout the day.
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The performances are integral to the experience, but we support nervous students with encouragement and understanding.
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Generally, classes are closed to allow students to focus. Parents are invited to the final performances.
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Yes! Summer school is where many PPAS students begin their journey. Scholarships and ongoing enrollment opportunities are available.
PPAS Summer Schools 2026 | BASE Dance Studios, London | Ages 5-25
Train with the best. Perform at iconic London venues. Become the dancer you're meant to be.
🔥 Two weeks. Ten days. Hundreds of students. Infinite possibilities. 🔥
