Fantastic school filled with fantastic kids. The teaching is 5 star.

Laura Graham Thursday, January 8, 2015

Quality dance academy with a quality dance teacher who puts everything into bringing the best out of her dancers

Deano Tolley Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Fab dance teacher

Carla Frost Tuesday, April 15, 2014

What can i say!! Will only get bigger and better!!! Well done miss tara, you should be very proud of your achievement!! Fantastic dance school!! DTA all the way!! Go go go!!! Xx

Jill Nicoll Wednesday, April 16, 2014

About Us

PRINCIPAL

Tara lyn has dedicated her life to dance and the performing arts. Beginning as a young competitor, she trained across multiple disciplines including freestyle, rock and roll, ballroom, Latin, and lyrical. She performed and competed at prestigious venues such as the Winter Gardens and Disneyland Paris, achieving numerous awards, top exam results, and recognition including the Young Black Achievers Award. Her journey also includes appearances in television dance shows and talent competitions, further showcasing her versatility and commitment to the art form.

By the age of 17, she had already achieved NVQ Level 2 and 3 qualifications in dance and founded her own dance school, starting with just five students. Over the years, she has taught hundreds of dancers, many of whom have progressed into further training, gained their own qualifications, and built successful careers in the performing arts. Her school, originally focused on freestyle, has since expanded into TLA Performing Arts & CIC - a thriving performing arts school offering opportunities in dance, drama, and singing.

Alongside teaching, Tara Lyn has built an outstanding reputation as an ADFP Promoter and Event Organiser, running competitions for over 10 years and judging across many freestyle competitions and festivals nationwide. She is also an active IDTA and NATD member, BDC member, and Licentiates Teacher, currently working toward her final Fellowship exam.

Her professional training includes three years at MADD Academy in singing, dance, and drama, as well as working as a professional backing dancer for celebrity artists and gaining experience in modelling. She has also been recognised as the NCDTA Young Teacher Award Winner and is proud to be named a Young Black Achiever.

Today, as the Founder & Director of TLA Performing Arts and CIC Director, Tara Lyn continues to share her expertise, passion, and dedication, inspiring students of all ages to grow in confidence, creativity, and ambition, both on and off stage.

TEACHER

Fiona began her dance journey at just three years old, training in ballet, tap, and ballroom, and was already competing by the age of five. Dance has always been her passion, and she is now dedicated to sharing that same love of movement with others who are eager to learn and grow.

As a teacher, Fiona's goal is to create a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment where students can discover their body's capabilities, understand its limits, and develop both skill and confidence that will serve them well into adulthood. Whether students dream of performing, competing, or simply dancing for the joy of it, Fiona is committed to guiding them on their journey.

Qualifications

Associate Theatre with IDTA (Core in Ballet, plus Tap, Jazz & Musical Theatre)

Associate in Ballroom with IDTA (passed with ISTD)

Associate Rock 'n' Roll with IDTA (passed with ISTD)

Licentiate Freestyle with IDTA (passed with ISTD) & ADFP

Acrobatics Arts: Primary to Level 6

Physiology & Anatomy with IDTA

Enhanced DBS (renewed annually)

STUDENT TEACHER

Leanne is a fun, caring, and passionate teacher who loves nothing more than watching dancers grow and shine. For her, teaching isn't just about steps and technique - it's about building confidence, encouraging creativity, and creating a space where everyone feels welcome and inspired to move.

With over 15 years of experience in the salsa and bachata scene, Leanne has had the privilege of performing, teaching, and working with dancers of all ages and abilities. Along the way, she earned her Freestyle Associates qualification with IDTA, which has helped her refine both her technique and her approach to teaching.

Dance isn't just a hobby for Leanne - it's a way of life. From competitions to performances, or simply cheering others on in their own journeys, she spends every spare moment immersed in the world of dance. For the past four years, she has been proud to teach with TLA, and she has loved every single moment of sharing her passion, knowledge, and energy with the community.

Leanne's mission as a teacher is simple: to make every dancer feel supported, motivated, and excited to progress - whether they're taking their very first steps or polishing their skills for the stage. Above all, she believes dance should be fun, accessible, and a place where everyone can feel confident expressing themselves.

STUDENT TEACHER

Abby has been dancing since the age of five, beginning with ballet and tap before moving into freestyle and competitions by the age of eight, continuing well into her teenage years. During this time, she enjoyed some incredible experiences, including performing at Disneyland Paris and the Theatre Royal.

Earlier this year, Abby joined the dance school as a student teacher, reigniting her love for the world of dance. She is passionate about helping her students discover the joy of movement while supporting them throughout their dance journey.

For Abby, dance is more than just steps - it's about self-expression, building resilience, and forming lasting friendships. Watching her own daughter embark on her dance journey brings her immense pride and joy, and she is excited to see all that she will achieve.