Our Dance School | Discover your Talent! RAPA Dance The Ratton Academy of Perfor

Discover your Talent!

'DANCERS DANCE FROM THE HEART

'At RAPA Dance we believe in nurturing young talent and creating dancers and performers who can individually express themselves so they are confident and bright performers.

We are here to guide and train your child to a professional and high standard both in the ISTD syllabus and with freestyle classes whether it be for sheer enjoyment or a career in dance and the Performing Arts, keeping their excitement and love for what they do intact.

We provide opportunities to create their work and extend their choreographic ideas, setting themselves apart from the rest.' Want to get ready for that 'BIG AUDITION'? We are here to guide you and have had ex-pupils successfully audition for London and UK Colleges to further their career in dance and the performing arts.

Emma Webster Cronk is the Principal of RAPA Dance and trained locally in Eastbourne. She went on to train at the world-known Laine Theatre Arts in Epsom.

Emma's love for dance and performing Arts started at a very young age. She gained her teaching qualifications and Diploma in Musical Theatre at Laine Theatre Arts and went on to perform for nearly 10 years around the world with the world-famous company 'SPIRIT OF THE DANCE' both in their Irish and Broadway shows.

Emma has appeared and Assisted in many Pantomimes over her career, been fortunate to work with many amazing choreographers and directors, and understudied and played the Fairy in the Pantomime at The Royal Derngate Theatre, Northampton.

Having been a professional dancer for many years Emma's experience and knowledge in the world of Dance and Performing Arts shines through in the training you will receive at RAPA Dance.

RAPA Dance is part of the Ratton Academy of Performing Arts founded in 2011 by Mark Adams (The Rattonians), Debbie, and Alex Adams, (Trapdoor Theatre School, Trapdoor Productions, Royal Hippodrome Community Theatre ) providing opportunities to young people in Eastbourne.

'Discover Your Talent!'

Dance Festivals

At RAPA we take part in numerous dance and singing festivals over the course of the year. Usually Eastbourne, Hastings, Roedean, and East Grinstead.

The children learn a dance - or 7 - of their chosen genres, practice and perfect it in their private lessons with their teacher and at home and then compete in some of the friendliest festivals.

We love the camaraderie between the children and the other dance schools and the children's confidence grows year in and year out.

They are not compulsory but the children absolutely love them. We also love duets and group work too.

RAPA Irish Workshop Matt Smith Lord of the Dance 2022.jpg

'Lord of the Dance' workshop & Easter School.

The RAPA Irish Easter School has just finished its 5th Year and what an amazing time we had!

Last year we were so excited to have the global superstar, Matt Smith who is the current leader of 'Lord of the Dance'.

The workshop has passed but visits our shop for details on our next events with more workshops and watch out for details on our Easter & Summer schools for 2023!

Emma toured the world with the award-winning Show 'Spirit of the Dance' for over 8 years with her good friend and guest teacher Joe Miller.

Matt Smith is currently the Irish lead in Lord of the Dance, trained by Mr. Michael Flatley himself.

We went to see Matt in action and 'Wow! What a show! It took me right back and we were all dancing in our seats.

RAPA Dance Show

In May 2022, RAPA Dance held their 3rd Bi-Annual Show which was held at the Royal Hippodrome Theatre, Eastbourne.

"Come and see all the children perform several show dances from lots of different dance genres including some Musicals, Hip Hop, Contemporary, ballet, and even our wonderful Adult Rapa Tappers.

From children as young as 2yrs old, this is truly a great way to spend your Sunday."

'Discover Your Talent'