About us
D2 Dance Academy has been offering qualified, creative and inspiring dance training since 2009. Whether your child dreams of becoming a professional performer or just loves to move, we offer a warm and encouraging space where every dancer can shine.
Meet Our Principal - Holly Bettice
D2 Dance Academy is owned and managed by Holly Bettice, a passionate and experienced dance teacher who believes in nurturing confidence, creativity and a love of movement in every student. Holly’s journey in the performing arts began at the prestigious BRIT School, followed by three years at The Centre of Performing Arts College, where she earned a Diploma in Professional Dance and Musical Theatre alongside her ISTD DDE teaching qualifications.
In 2009, Holly became Principal of D2 Dance Academy while co-running Bullfrog Productions. She later took sole leadership of both schools in 2017, before passing on the Bullfrog baton in 2021. With additional training in Progressive Ballet Technique and Pilates, Holly brings a fresh, dynamic and holistic approach to dance education.
As mum to Willow and River, Holly understands the joy that movement brings to all ages.
Meet our teachers
Sarah Barnett
Sarah trained at The Royal Ballet School, White Lodge, and was a Cecchetti Scholar and member of London Junior Ballet. After taking a brief hiatus from dance to earn a degree in English Literature from Warwick, she returned to the dance world with renewed passion, balancing careers as a ballet teacher and copywriter whilst raising two dancing daughters.
An ISTD-qualified teacher since 2007, Sarah has a wealth of experience and a nurturing approach that shines through in all her teaching. She is passionate about developing young dancers, both at D2 Dance and through her preschool ballet programme, Tiny Tutus, where she inspires the very youngest to discover a love of movement and music.
Matilda Tapp
Matilda began dancing at the age of three taking part in baby ballet classes locally.
During her school years she trained and performed with a number of well renowned ballet companies, including the Royal Ballet’s Junior Associates, Summer School at Royal Ballet’s White Lodge, London Junior and Senior Ballet, London Children’s ballet touring company and Ballet Boost Associates at Rambert School of Ballet. Alongside these endeavours she also participated in tap and modern classes locally.
Post school she attended Falmouth University where she earned herself a first class honours degree in Dance and Choreography.
Since graduating in 2024 she has been teaching at D2Dance Academy and is loving being able to pass on her experience and love of dance.
Hannah Smith
Hannah graduated from the Anna Morgan Teacher Training College in 2017, achieving her ISTD Diploma in Dance Education in Imperial Classical Ballet, Modern Theatre, and Tap Dance. She has also attended intensive courses at Bird College and The Urdang Academy in London.
Hannah joined the teams at D2Dance Academy and Bullfrog Productions in 2017, and fell in love with teaching the dedicated and passionate students at both schools! She is also on the teaching faculty at Anna Morgan Teacher Training College, training new prospective teachers studying towards their own Diplomas in Dance Education. Hannah became the Principal of Bullfrog Productions in 2021 and is so excited to be training the next generation of talented performers at D2Dance plus her own school.
Natalie Stroud
Natalie trained in Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre from the age of 3, gaining top grades in all three disciplines. She has worked onstage extensively, appearing as the female lead in shows such as ‘Rent’, ‘Footloose’, and ‘West Side Story’. Professional theatre credits include the UK tour of ‘Seussical the Musical’, ‘Honk!’, ‘Peter Pan’ and ‘Beauty and the Beast’.
She has sung professionally at the London Palladium, The London Hippodrome, and for ITV. More recently, Natalie has choreographed music videos for Bucks Fizz, and acted as resident choreographer for the TV series ‘That was then, this is now plus co-writing and choreographing Public the Musical which has its professional debut this Summer. Bridging the gap between the dance studio and the professional world of performing, she hopes to inspire all her students to be the best performers they can be.
Venues
We teach in primary schools in the Kent area, including Hilden Grange, Hilden Oaks and Speldhurst CoE Primary School. Please note that classes at these venues are only for children who attend these schools.
After school, we hold classes on weekdays at Hildenborough Village Hall, a spacious and well-equipped venue on Riding Lane (TN11 9HY). The hall is well-equipped, offering various studios with barres and mirrors and plenty of room for students to move freely.
There's free parking on the roads around the hall and two free car parks further along Riding Lane, making drop-offs and pick-ups easy. The hall is conveniently located for families in the area and D2 Dance has happily had a home here since 2009!
Hildenborough Village Hall: Riding Lane, Hildenborough, Kent TN11 9HY
Why Choose D2 Dance Academy?
A Fun & Supportive Atmosphere – we believe dance should be as enjoyable as it is educational.
Professional & Passionate Teaching – Our classes blend expert training with creativity and knowledge.
A Range of Styles – From ballet to commercial, musical theatre to acro, there's something for everyone.
Performance Opportunities – We love giving our students the chance to shine on stage.
Whether your child is taking their first steps in dance or looking to develop their skills, D2 Dance Academy is the place to be. Come and join our friendly, high-energy community—we can’t wait to dance with you!
