About Us
Unlock Your Child's Potential with Expert Dance Instruction and Wonderful Opportunities to Perform!
We don’t just offer the best examinations possible with Royal Academy of Dance and Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance but we always aim to provide a wide range of opportunities for our dancers to perform. From dancing in the street at Hamilton Town Centre events to our professional standard stage shows there is something for everyone.
Our School
The Valerie Brown School of Dance and Drama has been offering outstanding dance classes for all ages since 1995.
As a leading dance school, with our own dance studios, we provide nurturing and fun kids classes, in addition to adult classes, that allow everyone to train in a wide range of dance styles. Our classes also offer the opportunity to participate in examinations, an annual professional standard theatre show, and numerous performance opportunities.
We are committed to cultivating a caring environment where our dance family can flourish and grow. From parent and child classes for kids as young as 10 months to beginner through professional level training and classes for adults, we offer something for everyone. Additionally, our dance school provides the chance to participate in SQA national qualifications and professional dance exams with both The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and The Imperial Society of Dance (ISTD). We are proud to offer the opportunity to train to professional standards in dance.
Many of our dance family members continue dancing with us after leaving school, and some even have successful careers in dance as performers and teachers. So, if you’re looking for dance classes near you, whether you’re a student thinking about a career in dance, an adult seeking dance fitness, or a parent of a child who simply loves dancing, The Valerie Brown School of Dance and Drama is the perfect choice for you.
Our Team
Our wonderful team are commited to nurturing our dancers through quality dance instruction and fun classes for all.
Valerie Brown
Founder/Principal
Having started dancing at age two and a half Valerie went on to train as a professional Dancer. Despite performing in many famous theatres and in multiple Scottish variety shows, teaching has been Valerie’s lifelong passion and career. She currently lives in Motherwell with her husband and three children, holding both the prestegious RAD Teaching Diploma and the ISTD Associate Diploma.
Lisa McCleary
Teacher
When Lisa started training with The VBSD when she was twelve, having danced since she was two, Lisa never imagined she would go on to become such a valuable member of the team. While completing her BSc Zoology, Lisa also achieved both the prestigious RAD and ISTD Teaching Diplomas in Dance Education. She then went on to achieve her PGDE Primary and is now an amazing Primary and Dance Teacher!
Sarah Peachy
Teacher
Sarah is passionate about quality dance education. She has numerous qualifications and accolades to her name including: membership with the BATD, BA (Hons) Community Arts (1st), the prestigious RAD Licentiate (Distinction), and an award for achieving the top mark in her class at the RAD headquarters, to name but a few. Sarah has also taught for many top schools in Ireland and Scotland including training student teachers and working for Scottish Ballet.
Abbie Watson
Teacher
Having performed across the South Pacific and surrounding islands as a Singer-Dancer on the P&O Australia for four years Abbie is now back in her hometown, Ayr. Abbie trained at Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Arts Educational Schools, London for 2 years before heading to The Urdang Academy. Abbie has been a featured vocalist in UK Tours, starred in Pantomimes, choreographed and featured in numerous Variety Shows, and danced in major Movies (Sunshine on Leith, Happy Hardy & Heer; Bollywood).
Ava McInnes
Assistant Teacher
Anna Percy
Assistant Teacher
Madeline Frew
Assistant
Brooke Murray
Assistant
Eve Maguire
Assistant
Eilidh Prentice
Assistant
Samantha Sharkey
Assistant
Catriona Rowley
Online Business Manager
A place for you
We know that it can be daunting trying a new class and because we have nearly three decades of experience welcoming new dancers we have a very special two week trail. It’s two weeks because we understand that the first week is about getting to know the studio, the class and the teachers. So we have a second week of trial to allow your child to settle in before you have to commit to the fees.