One of the UK’s leading professional dance colleges has agreed a deal to move into the former Beales building in Bedford town centre.
Dancebox is set to occupy the Bedford Borough Council-owned part of the ground floor of the former Beales building. Subject to planning permission, it is hoped that they will start courses from September 2026.
The college will also start using the Corn Exchange in its quieter times while still providing its full programme of events.
Dancebox’s arrival is part of Bedford Borough Council’s wider vision to regenerate the area around Mayes Yard through a comprehensive redevelopment scheme and we welcome their first arrival.
Dancebox is a professional dance training centre and college which provides accredited degree-level courses, sixth form training and foundation courses designed to prepare dancers for careers in commercial dance, cruise lines, musical theatre, television and more.
The company, currently based in Milton Keynes, is undergoing a period of significant growth and has earmarked Bedford as the ideal home for new and larger premises.
Tom Wootton, Mayor of Bedford Borough said; “This is a fantastic deal, and one which will benefit absolutely everybody.
“For the town centre it’s an exciting new addition, bringing talented people learning their craft. For the businesses in our town centre it will bring more people, more business and more life, at a time when so many high streets are struggling.
“It’s also a great opportunity for our own young residents, who will have a professional dance and performing arts training centre on their doorstep.
“And for taxpayers, it means additional rental income for the Council, plus a reduction in business rates liability.”