Our History

In 1981, my mother, Marianne Rouse — a former professional dancer — began teaching dance classes in the village of Chilbolton, Hampshire. Her passion and experience quickly captured the community’s interest, and the classes soon grew in popularity among both children and adults.

Within just a few months, two professional dance groups emerged: Utopia and later After Dark. Both toured the country, performing at various venues and raising money for charity.

I began dancing at the age of four and quickly discovered my own love for it — not just for the movement, but for the friendships formed, the joy of performing, and the freedom to express myself. Dance became a vital part of my life. I followed in my mother’s footsteps, working alongside her and eventually becoming a teacher myself.

As our classes expanded into nearby areas, we began welcoming dancers of all ages and abilities. In 2001, FL Dance was officially formed, growing to over 150 members.

For over 45 years, we’ve continued to share our love of dance with the community. Today, we regularly perform at The Lights Theatre, as well as at fetes, charity events, and carnivals. In 2023, I took over the running of the business following my mother’s retirement, and the classes continue to grow. I remain committed to running FL Dance with the same passion and energy, hoping to inspire others to find the same joy in dance that I have.

Dance offers so much more than physical strength and coordination — it’s also a powerful tool for supporting mental wellbeing. We teach a wide range of styles, including:

Street, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Showcase, Cabaret, Burlesque, Musical Theatre, Swing, Disco — and many more.