Est. 2005 · East Leeds

Our Story, Our Family

KLSoD was born from a deep love of dance and a belief that every person deserves the chance to discover their own rhythm, voice and stage.

Our Beginning

Twenty Years of Dance

Katie Louise School of Dance (KLSoD) was founded in 2005 by Katie Turner, a professional dancer with a passion for teaching. What began as a small studio with just a handful of students has grown into one of East Leeds' most respected dance schools.

Our mission is to provide exceptional dance education in a supportive and inspiring environment. We believe that dance is for everyone, and we strive to nurture each student's unique talents and help them reach their full potential.

Over the years, KLSoD has produced numerous successful dancers who have gone on to study at prestigious institutions and perform with professional companies. We take pride in our role in shaping the next generation of dancers and artists.

KLSoD students performing on stage
Est. 2005
Aberford Village Hall
What We Stand For

Our Core Values

Every class, every performance, every interaction at KLSoD is guided by these principles.

Excellence

We pursue the highest standards in technique, performance and personal development — while keeping joy at the heart of everything we do.

Inclusion

Dance is for everyone. We welcome students of all backgrounds, abilities and starting points with open arms and without judgement.

Community

KLSoD is a family. The bonds formed here — between students, parents and teachers — last a lifetime.

Creativity

We nurture artistic expression and creative thinking alongside technical training, developing well-rounded dancers and performers.

Confidence

Building self-belief and resilience through performance is central to our teaching philosophy. We empower every student to shine.

Fun

We never forget that dance is joyful. Every class is a space where students can be themselves, laugh, move and love what they do.

Meet the Founder

Miss Katie

While she loves all things dance, Miss Katie's favourite part of teaching is watching the children grow and develop throughout their time at dancing.

Miss Katie

Miss Katie

Founder & Artistic Director

Miss Katie started dancing at the age of 3 and hasn't looked back since! Her passion for dance began at the Walsh School of Dance, where she trained under the wonderful Miss Joanne (Joanne Kirkland). She went on to train in Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz, and Theatre Craft through the IDTA, building a solid foundation that she now shares with her students every week. Throughout her career, Miss Katie has performed in many amateur pantomimes for KAOS and Garforth Musical Society, performed with various musical societies, and even took to the stage as a backing dancer for the legendary Edwin Starr! From an early age, she always dreamed of opening her own dance school. In September 2005, that dream became a reality at Aberford Village Hall, and it's been growing ever since.

Ballet Tap Modern Jazz Theatre Craft

Her school is friendly, fun, and full of heart. Every student becomes part of the dance family, and Miss Katie gives each child all her love, time, and energy to help them shine both on and off the stage.

Where Are They Now

Our Alumni

Many of our alumni have gone on to pursue dance professionally — sharing their expertise and inspiring the next generation of dancers.

Poppy

Poppy

Former Student & Professional Dance Student

"I’ve been part of the KLSOD family since I was 10 and found my passion and love for dance throughout that time. I joined the competition team and made best friends for life. Alongside dancing at KLSOD I completed an L3 extended diploma in dance and musical theatre at York college. I have now begun my training at Wilkes Academy of Performing Arts, with the hope to make it in the professional industry!"

Hannah Hannah performing

Hannah

Professional Dancer & Dance Captain

"My love of dance started with Miss Katie at the young age of 4 or 5 in Aberford. Dance lessons with Miss Katie were always fun and I always felt part of a dance family. I had a lovely group of friends and my dance lessons were always the highlight of my week! Dancing with Miss Katie started my passion for dance and performing. I now travel the world doing what I fell in love with in Aberford village hall!"

Frankie

Frankie

Former Student & Professional Dance Student

"I was previously a dancer at KLSoD from the age of 8. I developed my training with Miss Katie and at the age of 12 I joined the competition team. I moved on to study L3 Extended Diploma in Dance and Musical Theatre at York College, and after a successful audition, gained a place at Dancebox Studios and Theatre Works to study BA (Hons) Professional Dance and Musical Theatre in Milton Keynes."

Our Journey

Twenty Years of Milestones

05

2005

Katie Turner founds the Katie Louise School of Dance at Aberford Village Hall, turning her childhood dream into reality.

25

2025

Celebrating twenty years of teaching dancers across East Leeds and beyond.

Join the KLSoD Family

Become part of our story. Enrolment is open for children and young people from age 3 — your journey starts here.

Start Enrolment Contact Us