Hi, I’m Miss Abi, the Principal and Founder of Abigail Barlow Dance Academy.
My dance journey began at the age of 3, and believe it or not, I wasn’t an instant natural! For weeks I sat and watched every class, and during my very first dance show I stood on stage without moving a single muscle. Thankfully, that didn’t last for long!
As my confidence grew, so did my love for dance. I went on to become part of my dance school’s competition team before competing as a soloist, dancing there for over 15 years. During that time I achieved numerous exam results, competition titles and scholarships before continuing my training at full-time dance college and university.
I graduated with a BA (Hons) in Dance Performance, Teaching and Choreography and gained my ISTD teaching qualifications in Ballet, Tap and Modern. I have also continued to develop my knowledge through further teacher training and qualifications to ensure I provide the highest standard of dance education for every student.
In November 2023, I achieved my lifelong dream of opening Abigail Barlow Dance Academy. Since then, ABDA has grown into a welcoming dance family, with our own purpose-built studio, annual theatre productions, examination opportunities, competitions, performances and a fantastic team of teachers who share the same passion for inspiring young dancers.
At ABDA, we offer classes for children from 18 months to adults, including Ballet, Tap, Modern, Jazz, Commercial, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Pom, Acro, Aerial, Conditioning and more. Whether a student dreams of performing on stage, taking exams, competing, or simply dancing for fun, every child is encouraged to learn in a positive, supportive and inclusive environment.
More than anything, my aim is to help every student grow in confidence, make lifelong friendships and develop a genuine love for dance. Watching our dancers achieve things they never thought possible is the reason I do what I do every day.
Thank you for taking the time to learn a little about my journey. I can’t wait to welcome you to the ABDA family and be part of yours.
