About

Why Choose Us

  • DDA promotes a happy, healthy mind through our no exams approach to learning skills within the performing arts. Children will learn to sing, dance and act whilst building confidence, making friends and ultimately having FUN!

  • Training from Industry Professionals! –  DDA can offer classes in all things from Musical Theatre, Dance, Drama and more!

  • DDA can help to nurture potential and prepare for a career in the arts. Gain knowledge from industry professionals, build foundations in all dance styles and develop that talent and drive. You can even showcase your skills in shows and performances throughout the year!

Meet The Team

Essex Academy of Dance

Sofia Higham

Founder and Principal

Sofia began performing at a young age and full time training followed at The Urdang Academy, London, gaining a First Class BA (Hons) Degree in Dance and Musical Theatre from one of the top, renowned Musical Theatre schools in the country. Whilst working as a performer and making her professional debut as a dancer at Disneyland Paris, Sofia always loved to teach and has taught at many performing arts establishments. Sofia has been teaching Dance, Drama and Musical theatre since 2017 and has even gained experience working full time in a London primary school. 

Having moved to Fareham in 2019, Sofia is now living out the childhood dream of owning her own dance and theatre school and therefore… Debut Dance Academy is making its Debut! 

Bethany Williams

Class Teacher

Beth began her Musical Theatre career training at The University of Chichester. Following this, Beth made her professional debut as a Redcoat Performer for Butlins, performing in a total of eight different shows there alongside lots of famous faces! Beth is thrilled to be joining the team at DDA and can’t wait to get stuck in with all things singing, dancing and acting – especially helping all the students with their singing technique!

Essex Academy of Dance
Essex Academy of Dance

Sofia Higham

Founder & Principal

Sofia began perfoming at a young age and full time trainingfollowed at The Urdang Academy, London, gaining a First Class BA (Hons) Degree in Dance and Musical Theatre from one of the top, renowned Musical Theatre schools in the country. Whilst working as a performer and making her professional debut as a dancer at Disneyland Paris, Sofia always loved to teach and has taught at many performing arts establishments. 

Sofia has been teaching Dance, Drama and Musical theatre since 2017 and has even gained experience working full time in a London primary school. 

Having moved to Fareham in 2019, Sofia is now living out the childhood dream of owning her own dance and theatre school and therefore… Debut Dance Academy is making its Debut! 

Debut Dance Academy offers classes in dance AND musical theatre in which children are encouraged to have fun and gain confidence, all whilst learning the fundamentals of dance and performing arts training. 

Essex Academy of Dance

Bethany Williams

Class Teacher

Beth began her Musical Theatre career training at The University of Chichester. Following this, Beth made her professional debut as a Redcoat Performer for Butlins, performing in a total of eight different shows there alongside lots of famous faces! Beth is thrilled to be joining the team at DDA and can’t wait to get stuck in with all things singing, dancing and acting – especially helping all the students with their singing technique!