Welcome to our ‘World of Performing Arts’

Portobello Dance School is a community initiative in the world of dance, and performing arts.

Through dance education and events, our established organisation has run and participated in a variety of activities – locally and nationally.

Based in North Kensington’s diverse Notting Hill, Portobello Dance School is a popular weekend destination (Friday’s and Saturday’s) offering children from 3yrs + training in Classical Ballet, Musical Theatre, Tap and Street Dance. Everything you want to progress in ‘performing arts’.

With our open doors policy, over 150 budding dancers pass through for classes each week. The school’s high achievers often move onto further training, or auditioning for the commercial dance world. Our professional dance trainers and visiting tutors encourage appropriate exams, such as British Ballet Organisation’s (BBO) curriculum – for which the pass record is exceptional. 

Annual school performances allow families, the local community, sponsors and patrons to experience our work, whilst a variety of local and national events showcase the school through its Student Performance Group. Widening our mission, the school Outreach programme takes our training and mission to other schools around the Boroughs of London.

We encourage students to visit inspiring dance events including ‘Classically British’ (part of Black History Season) which highlights the overwhelming talent of the UK’s multicultural choreographers and dancers, often featuring upcoming talent from the school.

Our vision is to provide access to excellence, so whether you’re interested in our school or how we promote dance beyond it, simply step in!

Hi, my name is Rae Aslan I’m 18 years old. I have been studying ballet from the age of 3 years old.  It has always been my dream to become a ballet dancer and as I progressed it became more of a passion of mine. As a dancer of colour in ballet, i has it’s challenges but, being proud of who you are is important however, it makes you a stronger person. It is important to me to be recognised for the talent that you have and not to lose confidence no matter what.  Always remember to keep your head up. My love for dance grew when I auditioned for ‘Little Lord Fauntleroy ‘ on behalf of the, London Children’s Ballet that was my first big accomplishment followed on by many more, including being a member of the, CAT program, (Centre For Advanced Training) which introduced me to contemporary dance. Ballet Black, I auditioned for this school and became a Junior Associate, training with talented male and female dancers.  This opened me up to a world of ballet combined with contemporary and freedom to express. In 2019, I was invited to dance in a show called  ‘Classically British’  created by Mark Elie, who is the CEO and Artistic Director of Portobello Dance School, and which I had attended from the age of 10. I was honoured to be able to take part in this show as the youngest dancer at the age of 14. The Mark Elie Dance Foundation is a fundraiser for Portobello Dance School and tries to raise support for young dancers who would not have the opportunity to pursue their love of dance. My ultimate goal is to become a dance teacher, and choreographer that offers ballet to everyone, to inspire, support and encourage children from the  diverse world we live in today.  I will continue to be an ambassador for dancers of all ethnicities and connect with other young dancers who need encouragement or support.