Welcome to Jenni Stafford Ballet Academy. We are an award winning ballet school in Basingstoke, Hampshire offering classes to adults and children whether beginner or experienced.
Classes are taught by Jenni Stafford, a highly qualified ballet teacher who has been teaching for 15 years alongside her stage career. Jenni’s approach is friendly and encouraging. She will do her best to put you at ease and build you confidence, while motivating you to achieve your goals.
About the Teacher
Jenni started ballet when she was four years old and she was captivated by it. Pursuing dance at a high level she left home at the age of sixteen to join Ballet Theatre Afrikan directed by Martin Schonberg in Johannesburg. At the end of a two year contract she returned to the UK to do a degree in Choreography and Dance at Winchester University. While doing her degree she also spent time performing with Canadian Pacific Ballet directed by Roberta Taylor in Victoria.
After graduating university with First Class Honours Jenni became Head of Dance at Highfield and Brookham Schools for seven years. During this time she also performed with The Chelmsford Ballet Company directed by Annette Potter and Christopher Marney.
Since moving to Basingstoke in 2017 Jenni’s focus has been on her own school, and on freelance dance projects. In 2025 she performed the Wedding Pas de Deux from Sleeping Beauty with duet partner Aidan Strachan which was a wonderful challenge. She also passed her RAD Advanced 2 Exam with High Merit which was a huge honour. Only 2.5k RAD members worldwide have passed this exam.
Awards
Ballet School of the Year 2024/25 at the Prestige Awards for the South of England
Best Ballet School in Basingstoke and Dean at the Quality Business Awards 2025
Qualifications
RAD Advanced 2 (2025)
RAD Advanced 1 (2024)
ISTD Level 4 Diploma – Cecchetti Ballet (2024)
ISTD Level 3 Diploma – Cecchetti Ballet (2018)
IDTA Level 4 Diploma – Ballet (2017)
IDTA Associates – Ballet (2014)
BA Hons Choreography and Dance (2012)
Photo Credit Joanne Palmer