About Us

FBSD is a family run dance school in the heart of Bolton town centre, with 3 spacious studios and classes for all ages and abilities. Frances Bleasdale started the school in Bolton in 1930 after a glamorous professional stage career in Paris, appearing at the Folies Bergeres and the Lido. The school became a famous Bolton dance institution.

Our Beginners class starts at age 3 (or rising 3 if toilet trained) and we teach children, students and adults a wide variety of dance styles.  There are specialist coaching classes for students who wish to audition for vocational dance courses. Our students have an excellent rate of success in gaining entry to vocational dance courses at a wide variety of prestigious dance colleges. Many former students have danced and are dancing in the West End, in ballet companies, on cruise ships, in touring musical theatre and dance productions, and in the hotel industry.

We believe in the importance of qualifications for the safe and enjoyable teaching of Dance - always check on your child's teacher's qualifications!! We have the best qualified staff in Bolton.

Staff: 

Christine Axon, Principal,  BA Hons, PGCE, Enrico Cecch Dip, Fellow and Senior International Examiner I.S.T.D.  

Caroline Roach, FISTD, B.A. Hons, PGCE, Enrico Cecch Dip, Lead Lecturer for Cecchetti Ballet at ISTD

Laura Hooper,  Foundation Degree in Dance teaching and performance, Enrico Cecch Dip, DDE Ballet, Modern and Tap ISTD,  Dance industry professional

Ellie Spielmann Enrico Cecch Dip, Qualified Zumba Instructor 

Charlotte Depares Unit 4 DDE currently undertaking a B.A. Hons in Dance at Preston College

Bethany Hooper B.A. Hons, Diploma London Studio Centre, Enrico Cecch Dip, former dancer Images of Dance and Espinosa Dance Project




We firmly believe in the necessity for dancers to follow a well structured method of training and to take graded and vocational examinations. Our shows are a popular performance opportunity for students and much enjoyed by parents and friends.

Dance with us can also be recreational - try our Zumba and  Adult Tap and Ballet courses! And Aerial Hoop for children and  teens!