About

Discover Dance Unlimited

Dance Unlimited is one of the leading dance schools in Sheffield. At our school, we aim to create a home away from home and we want every child to be confident, happy and to discover the love and joys of dance. Our highly skilled, friendly teachers ensure to get the best out of each and every student, building confidence and instilling a lifelong passion for dance.

About Dance Unlimited

Nestled in Millhouses, Sheffield, Dance Unlimited stands out as a leading local dance hub. Our recently opened, custom-designed facility features four exquisite studios, inviting waiting areas and a prime location at the Archer Road Retail & Leisure Park, surrounded by numerous amenities. Infused with a warm community atmosphere, we prioritise personalised attention for each student, fostering accelerated progress. Whether your little one aspires to dance like a Disney princess or groove to the latest street dance moves like a budding popstar or you want to take a dance class yourself and experience our varied adult dance programme, we have something for everyone.

Our approach emphasises both on the refinement of dance technique and the cultivation of self-discipline, all while nurturing a genuine love for movement and self-expression. Recognising the diverse aspirations of our young dancers, whether geared towards a future spotlight career or simply seeking enjoyable experiences, we offer a diverse range of programmes tailored to various ages and skill levels.

Joining the DU family means watching your child flourish in confidence, forge new friendships, and revel in the pure joy of dance. So, why settle for an ordinary dance experience when you can embark on an extraordinary dance adventure with us?

VISIT US

Our new purpose built studios are modern & spacious

Our purpose-built facility at Archer Road Retail Park, which opened its doors in September 2021, boasts a prime location near major supermarkets, gyms, and coffee shops, complete with ample free parking. Our state-of-the-art facilities offer a delightful, inviting, and secure environment for learning to dance. With four well-equipped dance studios featuring sprung floors, ballet barres, mirrors and air conditioning, along with an on-site dance shop and spacious waiting areas for parents, including a charming play corner for siblings and students, we ensure a comprehensive and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Our Values

Service Orientated: We go the extra mile and put our customers at the centre of everything we do, striving to surpass expectations at all times.
Innovative & Imaginative: We lead with a modern, fresh approach which is adaptable and at the forefront of current times. We break the mould of traditional dance schools.
Teamwork: We collaborate, treat each other with respect and set an example for our dance families with the understanding that we only achieve our best when we work together.
Passionate & Positive: We share our passion for the arts to cultivate a love and appreciation for dance within our students. We are positive, always looking on the bright side and creating an environment where children are confident, happy and believe in themselves.
Inclusive: Every student matters and we create opportunities for every student which are inline with their own goals, aspirations and dreams.
Fun & Friendship: We look for every opportunity to inject fun and create an amazing dance experience at Dance Unlimited – for our students, families and ourselves.

The Benefits of Dance

Schools have shifted heavily toward common core subjects, like reading and maths, and often leave out the arts. Although some believe art education is a luxury, its simple, creative activities are essential building blocks of child development. Learning to be creative and using their imagination is extremely important for children as they grow up.

Children who participate in the arts experience benefits such as:

Sharper critical thinking and creative skills Better performance on standardised tests Self-directed learning
Improved school attendance
A more active, healthy lifestyle
A healthy social life outside school
More confidence in their abilities
Better creative thinking and problem-solving abilities

The DU Difference

Dance Unlimited was created with family and professionalism in mind. Our mission is to provide:

Personal attention for both your dancer and family. We know our dance students personally and strive to make everyone feel a part of the Dance Unlimited family.
High-quality dance instruction in a positive, supportive environment.
Qualified and trained instructors
Professional sprung dance flooring which helps to mitigate the risk of injury, with mirrors and ballet barres in all studios.
Viewing windows into the studio which allow parents to observe without disrupting class. Comfortable waiting areas or conveniently drop off/pick up and use the excellent local amenities in the retail park.
Non-competitive environment that promotes self esteem while instilling the love and appreciation for dance and the arts.
Specific programs geared towards all levels from beginner to pre-professional.
Dancers are exposed to and participate in a professional performance at the Sheffield City Hall for our bi-annual show, as well as various other performance opportunities should they wish.

Our Team

Becky

Becky Mercer, Founder & Director

Becky has danced since she was 9 years old and trained professionally at The Midlands Academy of Dance and Drama, studying all styles of dance, drama and singing for a 3 year Musical Theatre diploma, graduating with Distinction.

Whist training she also completed teaching qualifications with the IDTA (International Dance Teachers Association) gaining Honours in all her exams. Upon graduation Becky worked as a professional dancer for 2 years both in the UK and abroad but after dancing professionally, Becky decided it was time to pursue her main passion, teaching, and gained a wealth of experience teaching in private dance schools, after school clubs, gyms and holiday camps.

After gaining over 7 years of teaching experience, Becky decided it was time to launch her own dance academy and in February 2013 Dance Unlimited was born.

Becky is passionate about delivering great lessons to each and every student, creative and friendly and has a natural ability to teach, ensuring that each pupil reach their full potential.

Miss Nikki

Assistant Manager

Has been dancing since she was small and holds a foundation degree in Dance Performance and a degree in Performing Arts Industries. Miss Nicky is also currently studying for her associate qualifications with the IDTA. Miss Nicky is full of enthusiasm and great ideas in classes and is a key member of the team at Dance Unlimited.

Laura

Office Manager

Laura began Irish dancing at the age of 3 and competed in solo competitions for 13 years. Laura also studied Music and Dance at college in her younger years before falling in love with her first job in a customer service role. She came to Dance Unlimited 3 years ago where she has

been able to combine her passion for dance, with her customer service background and now handles the majority of our Administrations and Parents queries

Jen

Operations Manager, DSL & Enrolment Coordinator

Jen has an extensive background encompassing diverse roles and responsibilities. Including spearheading support groups for Bliss, a charity dedicated to premature babies, serving as a sales manager within the health club industry,

overseeing the establishment of Superdrug stores in Ireland and managing operational aspects within a telecommunications company. Additionally, she has volunteered with children in care and chaired a preschool committee. She’s a proud parent of two DU kids and she loves going to see Ballet and Musical Theatre.

Miss Leah

Miss Leah has been dancing since before she could walk and been assisting in classes since she was 11 years old!

Miss Leah’s theatre and TV credits are far too long to list here but include several pantomimes at Sheffield’s Lyceum Theatre, UK tours of Annie, Half a Sixpence, Dr Dolittle, Jekyll and Hyde,

The King and I as well as several TV campaigns, corporate work and voiceovers.

Miss Leah’s friendly manner makes her an excellent teacher and children are automatically drawn to her approachable nature.

Miss Livvy

Miss Livvy has been dancing since she was 3 and is now currently training to become a professional dancer at Phil Winstons Theatreworks. Throughout her younger years Miss Livvy appeared in many professional shows and tours, such as Hello Dolly, Whistle Down The Wind, Jekyll and Hyde,

alongside the Sheffield Lyceum Pantomime for 4 years. As well as finishing college a professional dancer, Miss Livvy will also graduate with completed IDTA teaching exams. Miss Livvy has a passion for dance, and aims to bring creativity and friendliness into her classes, as well as new and current choreographic styles.

Miss Charlotte

Miss Charlotte has danced since she was a little girl and has taken part in many professional productions t Sheffield Lyceum Theatre. Miss Charlotte loves to teach our younger pupils and her favourite subject is tap. Miss Charlotte’s warm and friendly manners means her classes are full of fun, imagination and excitement.

Molly

Senior Receptionist & Accounts Coordinator

Molly started dancing at the age of 4 which she continued to the age of 18, also participating in her school musicals. She then studied Dance at college where she took IDTA exams and performed in a number of shows.

After college, she started working at her brother’s knife company which is where she discovered she had a knack for administration. This led her to Dance Unlimited as it is a perfect mix of her strengths and interests.

Miss Daisy

Miss Daisy has been dancing since she was three and fell in love with performing straight away!

In addition to her training at Dance Unlimited, she studied at Northern Ballet as an associate for 3 years.

She has been nominated 8 consecutive times for the IDTA Theatre Awards, and went on

to win the Theatre Craft Grades in 2019 and become runner up in the Modern Jazz Performers category in 2020.

Her theatre credits include multiple productions at the Sheffield Lyceum Theatre and Crucible, including several pantomimes, Annie the UK Tour and a televised performance of A CBeebies Christmas Carol. She has also gone on to perform in ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ in the West End as Veruca Salt and the ‘Matilda the Musical’ UK and Ireland Tour.

Miss Daisy is so excited to share her passion for dance and inspire others to become more confident in and outside of dancing!

Carley

Receptionist & Teaching Assistant

Carley grew up in Cape Town, South Africa, where she started Modern Dance at 4 years old. She continued dancing in a variety of styles for 15 years and then decided to go backpacking around Europe and Australia before moving to Brighton.

She then moved to Sheffield and stumbled upon Dance Unlimited while searching for somewhere to dance and is now a valued member of our Team.

Miss Lottie

Miss Lottie’s dance journey started during her childhood and continued through her local dance school before advancing her education at Northern School of Contemporary Dance. Along the way, she showcased her talent in various venues including theatres,

the main stage at Disneyland, alongside Diversity, and other exciting places. Her dedication led her to excel in IDTA dance exams, mastering tap, ballet, contemporary, modern jazz up to Intermediate levels. Currently holding her level 4, she remains committed to furthering her expertise in dance.

Miss Mel B

Training; Rambert School of Ballet & Contemporary Dance, Center Pointe & Northern Ballet Associates.

Melissa started dancing at age 3 and competed in various competitions. At the age of 18 she won the title of 2015 All England Young Modern Dancer of the Year and came runner up in the Young Ballet Dancer of the Year.

She then moved to London to begin professional dance training at the Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance where she worked with a number of world renowned choreographers and regularly performed solos from classical ballet repertoire such as Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty and Romeo and Juliet.

After graduating with a First Class Honours degree, she then went on to join the Richard Alston Dance Company for their 2018-2019 season performing at Sadlers Wells in London, as well as the Virginia Arts Festival in the USA. Melissa is also part of BalletFolk, a newly formed company between ballet dancers and folk musicians.

Melissa also has a wealth of experience teaching classes for various schools as well as at Rambert.

We are so excited and lucky to have Melissa as part of our DU team, specialising in teaching ballet and lyrical as well as working as part of our lovely office team too!

Miss Lauren

Lauren is a Dance Artist, Choreographer and technique tutor based in Sheffield. Upon graduating with her BA (Hons) in Contemporary Dance from LABAN London she has worked with professional Artists such as Gary Clarke, Lea Anderson, Lisa Torun and Gary Lambert.

Lauren has taught, choreographed and performed in various productions across the UK and the world. Lauren specialises in teaching Contemporary technique and her classes draw on influences from Cunningham, Graham and release based styles. Classes are energetic and engaging, leading participants towards dance specific strength, coordination and flexibility. She has a wealth of experience working with children, young people and adults all over the country delivering dance sessions in a variety of different settings with people of all different ages, abilities and backgrounds.

Miss Katy

Katy started dancing at the age of 2 and has taken her IDTA exams in a number of styles. She has also participated in competitions, festivals and even danced with Atomic Kitten for the Disney Channel Kids Awards.

At 16, she moved to London to attend Bird Theatre College to pursue her love of musical theatre whilst taking her IDTA teaching exams. She has now been an amazing fully qualified teacher since 2010.

Miss Katie

Katie, a seasoned Professional Dancer and Teacher, gained experience at Millennium Dance Complex in Los Angeles. Her career includes work as a backing dancer along with certifications as an IDTA Teacher, Progressing Ballet Technique and Pilates Instructor.

Recently serving as a Dance Judge at Sheffield’s Octagon Centre, a venue significant from her earlier performances, Katie’s journey commenced at age 4, encompassing training, competition participation and earning a BA (Hons) Dance Degree from Leeds Beckett University.

Miss Kate

Kate trained at Dance Unlimited until the age of 17 and is one of our lovely Alumni. Kate is currently doing her professional training at Rare Studios in Liverpool and returns home to Sheffield at the weekends to teach and pass on her knowledge to our pupils at DU.

Kate is an incredible Commercial and Lyrical dancer and teacher and excels in these styles. Her friendly, positive and kind nature make her a warm and nurturing teacher who we are very lucky to have as part of our team.

Miss Emily

Emily is a recent graduate of Performers College in Essex, where she underwent professional training in various dance styles. Originally from Sheffield, Emily’s friendship with Miss Becky dates back to her childhood.

Her time at Performers College provided exposure to teachings from esteemed choreographers like Alan Burkitt and Douglas Mills. Additionally, she is presently engaged in professional performances as part of the Strong Enough Tribute Tour with Carlton Entertainment alongside being an amazing teacher here at DU.

Miss Kirsty

Kirsty pursued dance studies from a young age, delving into IDTA Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Freestyle, and Gymnastic Dance. Whilst training Miss Kirsty was involved touring with a show team,

gracing renowned stages like Her Majesty’s Theatre in London and the Winter Gardens in Blackpool. Subsequently, Kirsty ventured into auditioning for dance contracts internationally, securing positions in countries such as Greece, Spain, and Morocco, among others. Presently, her focus lies on teaching Acro, Street, and Commercial dance to individuals of all ages, both children and adults.

Miss Levi

Levi embarked on her dance journey at the age of 3 and began her teaching path as a student teacher at 15. Levi’s professional training took place at Phil Winstons Theatreworks, where she honed her skills across various dance styles.

She then achieved associate status with the IDTA, specialising notably in Modern-Jazz through their dedicated training.

Eve

Eve began her dance journey at the age of 3. Her dance repertoire expanded at Dance Unlimited, where she now takes a variety of styles. Through diligent efforts, she completed multiple IDTA examinations and participated in competitions,

marking her professional debut in the 2020 Chesterfield Pantomime production of “Jack and the Beanstalk.” Alongside this, she showcased her talent in community theatre, featuring in productions like “Gypsy” in 2018, “Nativity” in 2022, and “Barnum” in 2023. Her performance journey also included appearances in DU shows and collaborations with Sheffield Performing Arts.