About the School

First Position School of Dance History

Natalie Pearl first began her dance training with Janne Carrington at 8 years of age; she then continued her professional training at Laine Theatre Arts. After working as a professional dancer, choreographer, model and freelance dance teacher for 11 years, Natalie Pearl decided after having her first son Louis, it was time to open her own dance school.

One week in May 2002 Natalie hired the studio at the Barrington Centre, Ferndown and had just 1 little girl attend the new ballet class! Natalie also hired the dance studio at the Littledown Centre and 3 children attended this class … In the weeks to follow the classes began to grow, going from strength to strength.

Just over a year later Natalie put on a full scale professional production at the Barrington Theatre with her then 80 pupils. The parents were astounded, it was a first class performance, bringing Miss Natalie the success and respect she had earned to establish herself with everyone really knowing what 'Miss Natalie' and her school were about…and the rest as they say is history!

The main school is now based in Winton offering two fully equipped studios, having approximately 250 pupils aged 2-18 with an outstanding reputation both locally and in the professional dance world.

Miss Natalie absolutely adores her school and each and every one of her pupils. Everyone from parents to pupils love being involved in the very special environment at First Position. Miss Natalie has huge respect and care for all of the children as they do for her. She prides herself on the love the pupils have for being a part of the school, and the enjoyment it brings, helping to achieve the very highest of standards through their dance.