OUR STORY
Our Journey so far…
Dare to Dream was founded by Alicia, who has spent many years working with children of all ages within the performing arts. After over a decade working as both a manager and a teacher, Alicia decided it was time to take everything she had learned and create a school that truly placed children at the heart of everything it does. Throughout her teaching journey, it was always seeing the children’s self belief grow and watching them shine as young performers that stood out to Alicia. She felt there was nothing more special than witnessing a child feel proud of who they are and what they can achieve. This belief became the driving force behind Dare to Dream Performing Arts.
At Dare to Dream, wellbeing sits at the core of all teaching and learning. It is built on the belief that the performing arts is a place for everyone and on the knowledge that it plays a vital role in helping young people develop into confident, independent individuals. At Dare to Dream, recognising your voice matters and encouraging students to work towards a bright and positive future is at heart of the company. By recognising each child’s unique talents and passions, we help them to excel, grow, and understand that being different is what makes them truly special.
In late 2025, Dare to Dream was born and in Spring 2026, it will be brought to life, as we will be opening our first Venue on Saturday mornings at Cromer Road Primary School in Barnet. Alicia can’t wait to share a school where children feel supported to believe in themselves, express who they are, and shine both on and off the stage.
THE CREATIVITY AND INCLUSIVITY IS INCREDIBLE!
— Dare to Dream Parent
Mission, Vision, and Values
MISSION
Our mission at Dare to Dream is to provide a safe, inclusive, and inspiring performing arts environment where every child feels valued, supported, and encouraged to believe in themselves. We are committed to nurturing confidence, creativity, and personal growth through high-quality teaching that places wellbeing at the heart of everything we do. By recognising each child’s individuality and potential, we aim to help them develop both as performers and as young people.
VISION
Our vision is to be a welcoming and supportive, independent performing arts school where self-belief is at the core of every child’s journey. We strive to create a space where children of all abilities feel empowered to explore their creativity, find their voice, and work towards their dreams. Through the performing arts, we aim to equip young people with lifelong skills, emotional intelligence, and the confidence to step into the world as proud, resilient, and independent individuals.
VALUES
At Dare to Dream, we believe in nurturing self-belief, placing wellbeing first, and celebrating every child’s individuality. We are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive environment where the performing arts is for everyone. Through high-quality teaching, creativity, and encouragement, we help children develop confidence, resilience, and essential life skills — all while ensuring learning is positive, enjoyable, and inspiring.
Why chose us?
OUR ETHOS
We believe it is incredibly important to encourage children to dare to dream and to support them in working towards a bright and positive future. By recognising each child’s unique talents and passions, we help them to excel, grow, and understand that being different is what makes them truly special.
EXPERT TEACHING
Through her many years in the industry, Alicia has built strong, professional relationships, allowing Dare to Dream to work with high-quality teachers who fully share and embody the school’s ethos. Every member of our teaching team is committed to creating a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment where children feel valued, confident, and excited to learn.
NOT A FRANCHISE
As an independent school, we are able to offer a more personal and flexible approach, ensuring high-quality classes that are adapted to the needs of both students and teachers. This allows us to nurture each child as an individual and support them in the best possible way.
MORE THAN JUST PERFORMING ARTS
By building essential life skills such as emotional intelligence, adaptability, communication, and the confidence to recognise that their voice matters. Alongside hard work, our classes are designed to be fun, uplifting, and inspiring, producing caring, committed, and shining students.