Urdang Academy, independent further and school in London
Urdang Academy is an independent performing arts school in Islington that trains dancers, singers, and actors. The campus spans multiple locations across London, with the historic Finsbury Town Hall as its main home and additional spaces where students take classes and perform.
Founded in 1970 by Leonie Urdang, a ballet teacher trained in South Africa who moved to the United Kingdom in the early 1960s and began teaching in churches, the school grew from humble beginnings into an established institution. In 2022, City University of London acquired the academy to support its continued growth.
The school draws students from many different backgrounds and values diverse training approaches and personal experiences. Teaching emphasizes community and mutual support, creating a sense of family among faculty and learners.
The school offers a three-year program where students begin with fundamentals and later specialize in areas such as musical theatre or professional dance. Visitors should note that student performances happen regularly and teaching spaces are distributed across several buildings.
The school received 'Outstanding' ratings from Ofsted, England's school inspection authority, on two occasions (2011 and 2015), underscoring its high quality. Graduates regularly work in London's West End, television productions, and as choreographers for well-known international artists.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
