Act - Sing - Dance
Act - Sing - Dance
Act - Sing - Dance
Welcome to Finch Stage School
Inspiring confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of performing since 1933.
For more than 90 years, Finch Stage School has proudly trained thousands of young performers in dance, drama, and singing. As one of the UK’s longest-established and most respected performing arts schools, we’ve helped generations of students build confidence, creativity, and lifelong friendships — both on and off the stage.
Many of our former pupils have gone on to careers in the West End, television, and theatre, while others have carried the skills and self-belief gained at Finch into every area of life. Today, we’re proud to welcome a new generation of Finchettes — including the children of former students who want their own families to experience the same warmth, encouragement, and fun that make Finch so special.
Classes for Every Age and Ability
At Finch Stage School, we offer a wide range of performing arts classes in Redbridge and Dagenham — from our Pre-School Finchettes taking their first steps on stage to advanced Senior students preparing for professional training.
Our weekly timetable includes classes in ballet, tap, modern, jazz, street dance, musical theatre, drama, and singing, giving students the opportunity to explore every aspect of performance in a supportive, creative environment. Each age group follows a carefully structured programme designed to develop confidence, technique, and self-expression at every stage of their performing journey.
Our faculty includes award-winning industry professionals who bring real-world experience, creativity, and care to every class. Finch students also have the opportunity to take BATD and LAMDA exams, where we proudly maintain a 100% pass rate — a testament to our commitment to excellence.
See your child’s confidence grow from their very first class — join us for a free trial at Finch Stage School.
From Finch to the West End — A Legacy That Lasts a Lifetime
For over 90 years, Finch Stage School has been a proud family-run centre of performing-arts excellence, trusted by generations of families. Rooted in care, creativity, and community, we provide a nurturing and inclusive environment where every child can thrive — from their first dance step to their final bow.
Our dedicated tutors are fully DBS-checked professionals, many of whom trained at Finch themselves before going on to successful West End, film, and television careers. They bring that same passion and experience back into the studio, inspiring our students to dream big and believe in what they can achieve.
We understand how important your child’s wellbeing and confidence are. That’s why every class combines expert training with genuine encouragement and support. Families also benefit from excellent value for money, with sibling and multi-class discounts available — plus your first class is free, so you can experience the Finch difference for yourself.
Join a stage school with heritage, heart, and proven success — where confidence grows, friendships flourish, and futures begin.
Want to learn more about our classes?
Discover our timetable of Dance, Drama, and Singing classes and see how Finch Stage School can help your child grow in confidence, make friends, and discover the joy of performance.
Award-Winning Training, Accredited by the BATD
Recognised Training, Accredited Success
At Finch Stage School, we're proud to be an accredited member of the British Association of Teachers of Dancing (BATD) — one of the UK's leading and most respected dance organisations.
We are incredibly proud of every student who takes their BATD examinations. Watching them grow in confidence, develop their technique, and see all of their hard work rewarded is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do. Every exam represents months of commitment, determination, and perseverance, and our students consistently achieve fantastic results.
Students have the opportunity to take BATD examinations in ballet, tap, modern, and other dance disciplines, earning internationally recognised qualifications that celebrate their progress and dedication. These qualifications not only reflect the high standard of training at Finch Stage School but also give each dancer a real sense of pride and achievement as they continue their dance journey.
Finchette Shines on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing!
Our talented alumna Natalie May Paris joins BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing as a live singer — we couldn’t be prouder!
Ex-Finchette Natalie May Paris returns to the spotlight as one of the show’s live singers
We are thrilled to share the exciting news that Finch Stage School alumna, Natalie May Paris, has joined the world-famous BBC production Strictly Come Dancing as one of their live vocalists!
Natalie trained at Finch Stage School from a young age, developing the performance skills, confidence and vocal technique that have helped her build an extraordinary career on stage and screen. Many will recognise her as one of the original cast members of the West End sensation Six the Musical, where she earned international acclaim for her powerhouse voice and dynamic stage presence.
Now, Natalie brings that same talent and energy to Strictly Come Dancing, performing live each week as some of the UK’s most celebrated dancers take to the floor. Her achievement is another shining example of how Finch Stage School continues to nurture young performers who go on to thrive in the professional performing-arts industry.
We couldn’t be prouder of Natalie — a true Finchette success story! Her journey from Finch to the West End and now to BBC One inspires our students every day to follow their dreams and believe in the power of performance.
Congratulations, Natalie May Paris — we can’t wait to hear your beautiful voice every week on Strictly!
Our LATEST production
Dancing through Life
Forever Part of the Finch Family
From First Steps to Standing Ovations — A Journey of Confidence, Friendship, and Lifelong Memories.
I started at Finch when I was just four years old. Betty and Linda were my teachers, and there truly was no other school like Finch at the time, it was my whole world. Things were different back then: no mobile phones to distract me, just evenings filled with practice that helped shape me into the best dancer I could be.
Being a Finch dancer sparked my love for the entertainment industry. After leaving Finch, I followed that passion into stage management and eventually into mainstream television, where I became a TV director. Without Finch, I wouldn't have discovered that love or the path that would become my career.
Now, as a mother of both a daughter and a son, it means so much to me that my own children also began their Finch journey at age four. The structure and commitment that Finch demands have helped shape them into confident, independent individuals. Even if they don't choose to pursue entertainment, the life skills they have gained at Finch will stay with them forever.
I want to thank Betty and Linda for creating such a special, family-friendly, and educational environment. And to Nanci - you are an incredible blend of both Betty and Linda, and under your leadership, I know the school will continue to thrive.
What our parents say
Three Generations of Finch Magic
I attended Finch Stage School as a child, doing ballet, tap, modern, drama, and singing. Through these I gained not only performance skills but the confidence that has stayed with me into adulthood. At Finch I was able to perform on professional stages, in shows, in pantomimes, at Dance World 2000, the Harrods Christmas Parade and more — unforgettable moments that truly shaped who I am.
The friendships I made at Finch have lasted a lifetime, and when I became a mum, there was no question where my children would go. Both my daughters have attended since they were two and a half, and the impact has been just as powerful. They are confident, polite, and shine on stage, with one even singing a solo to a sold out theatre at age six. Watching them perform fills me with so much pride.
Finch Stage School is more than a school - it's a family - you make friends forever and the some teachers who taught me now teach my children. I'm so proud to have been, and still am, a Finchette.
Finchettes Forever!
Get in Touch
We’d love to hear from you! Whether you have questions about our classes, want to find the perfect group for your child, or would like to start your Finch Stage School journey, our friendly team is here to help.
Contact us today and we’ll be happy to provide more information about our classes, locations, and how your child can join our Finch family.