Where Dreams Take Centre Stage
About
Welcome to This Is It Performing Academy — where dreams take centre stage!
Founded by professional performer and dancer Harriet Lymer-Smith, This Is It is more than a performing arts school. It's a place where children build confidence, spark their imagination, make lifelong friendships and discover a love for dance, singing, acting and musical theatre.
We provide inspiring, industry-led training for students of all ages and abilities, helping every child grow in confidence, creativity and performance skills. Whether they dream of a career on stage or simply want to have fun and express themselves, every student is encouraged to shine.
Alongside weekly classes, students enjoy exciting workshops with industry professionals, performance opportunities and our annual showcases, creating unforgettable memories and valuable experience.
Above all, This Is It is a family—a supportive, welcoming community where every child feels valued, celebrated and inspired to believe in themselves. We've achieved so much already, and this is only the beginning. We can't wait to see what we'll accomplish together.
Classes
From foundational techniques to advanced choreography, our comprehensive programs cater to every level, ensuring a clear path for growth.
Petite Performers
Triple Threat Artists
Tiny Talent
Thursdays, 3:15–4:15pm | New Hinksey C.E. Primary
This Is It Dance Club is a fun, inspiring after-school class where students develop dance technique, confidence and performance skills in a supportive environment. Children work towards exciting routines and have the opportunity to perform in our annual summer show—making it much more than just a dance club.
Ages 7- 16 | Fridays, 4:45–7:45pm | The Oxford Academy, OX4 6JZ
Our 3-hour programme for ages 7–16 combines Dance, Singing and Acting, taught by industry professionals. Students build confidence, creativity and performance skills in a fun, supportive environment. With 12-week terms and regular performances, it's perfect for aspiring performers and beginners alike.
Ages 2–4 | Saturdays, 9:00–9:45am | Kennington Youth Club
Tiny Talent introduces little ones to dance, singing and creative drama through fun, imaginative activities. In a warm and supportive environment, children build confidence, coordination and creativity while making friends and discovering a love for performing. Watch your little star shine!
Teen Dance
Age 12+ | Thursdays, 5:15–6:45pm | Kennington Village Hall, Oxford
Our Teen Dance class focuses on Commercial Jazz, combining strong technical training with energetic choreography. Taught by industry professionals, students build confidence, performance skills and personal style in a fun, supportive environment, with opportunities to perform and develop at their own pace.
This Is It Dance Club
Ages 4–7 | Saturdays, 10:00–11:30am | Kennington Village Hall
Petite Performers introduces children to dance, singing and acting in a fun, supportive environment. Students build confidence, creativity, teamwork and performance skills while making friends and working towards exciting opportunities to perform for family and friends. Unleash creativity, ignite confidence.
Teachers
Founder and Principle
Harriet Lymer-Smith
Harriet is a highly trained professional dancer, performer, choreographer and teacher with a lifelong passion for inspiring the next generation. She began ballet at age two and gymnastics at five. At eight, she earned a place at the Royal Ballet School but chose to pursue gymnastics instead, competing nationally and internationally as a member of the England squad.
Her passion for dance and musical theatre led her to train professionally at The Urdang Academy, one of the UK's leading Dance and Musical Theatre schools. After graduating, Harriet enjoyed a successful performing career, with credits including the BRIT Awards, MTV EMAs, musicals and music videos.
Alongside performing, Harriet discovered a love for teaching and choreography, beginning with elite gymnastics floor routines before teaching dance and musical theatre. With over 12 years' experience working with children aged 2–18, she is passionate about building confidence, creativity and performance skills.
Manager
Kay Smith
Kay has been part of the gymnastics and dance world for many years, having supported and given her own daughter the opportunities to grow, thrive and succeed in dance, musical theatre and gymnastics. This has given Kay a first-hand understanding of the dedication, commitment and support children need to reach their potential. As Manager of This Is It, she brings that same care and encouragement to every student, always taking the time to listen, support and be there whenever they need her. Kay truly embodies the heart of This Is It, creating a warm and welcoming environment where every student feels valued, supported and that they belong — a true home away from home.
Guest Teacher
Janine Somcio
Janine teaches amazing workshops at This Is It, sharing her passion, experience and industry knowledge with our students. She is a valued part of the This Is It family, always supporting and encouraging students both in and out of the studio. Janine attends our Summer Shows and loves celebrating their achievements. She trained and graduated from Urdang Academy with a Diploma in Dance and Musical Theatre. Her credits include Wicked (film), Barbie (film), Rock of Ages, Death Note, and many more across theatre, film and live performance. Janine is passionate about inspiring the next generation.
Testimonials
Tiny Talent Parent
I really enjoy This Is It. There are so many opportunities to perform and the shows are so much fun. The teacher and manager are fantastic and are always there to listen to me and my fellow Triple Threats. This Is It is like a family to me and there is nowhere else I'd rather go on a Friday night.
Teen Dance Parent
★★★★★
★★★★★
Our daughter loves the This Is It Performing Academy and classes. Not only does she learn a lot because Harriet is such a great teacher, but it’s also fun and fantastic exercise. It’s amazing to see how much she has developed, and she gets to perform in shows to ever-growing audiences!
★★★★★
Triple Threat student
Petite Performer Parent
Since joining This Is It, our child has developed their confidence ten fold. Usually reserved in group situations, he’s now feeling confident and happy within himself as a result of coming to these classes. Harriet creates a friendly and warm environment for the kids, that is of course about the performing and learning to dance and sing, but also about going somewhere safe to have fun with your friends. He absolutely loves coming to class, and he cannot wait to perform in his next show
Our 3-year-old absolutely loves Tiny Talent! The classes are fun, engaging and perfectly balanced with familiar routines and new activities. Harriet creates a calm, supportive environment that builds confidence, imagination and listening skills while adapting to every child's personality. We've loved watching our daughter's progress and growing confidence
★★★★★
Gallery
A curated collection of our students in their element: from intense studio sessions to stage performances under dramatic lighting.
Requirements
In our classes we want our students to feel included and part of the 'This Is It' family, therefore uniform is compulsory for each class. To order and for sizes please email.
Teen Dance, Triple Threat and Dance Clubs
Petit Performers
Tiny Talent
Black branded This is it T-shirt, black leggings, shorts or tracksuit bottoms, No skirts or dresses. Black or neutral dance shoes.
White branded This is it T-shirt, black leggings, shorts or tracksuit bottoms, No skirts or dresses.
Black or neutral dance shoes.
There is no uniform for tiny talent. Please bring your little ones in clothes in which they are comfortable to move, dance and play in!
Get in touch to enrol now!
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