About Us: The Heart of Dance Education in Bolton

Stargaze Dance Academy has been the trusted heart of dance education in Egerton, Bolton since 2005. For over two decades, we have passionately taught children from the local community the art of Ballet, Tap Dance, and Modern Theatre. Our mission extends beyond high-quality instruction; it is to create a nurturing, professional environment where every child, from age 3 to 18, can find their passion, build resilience, and gain confidence for life.

Where It all Began

Stargaze Dance Academy was founded in Egerton, Bolton, in 2005 by Principal Miss Gemma Plumb. Miss Gemma, who previously danced professionally on Disney Cruise Line, took over the school at the age of 23. Stargaze is now known for its highly successful Elite Show Team, extensive primary school workshops, and numerous industry awards. Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025, Stargaze remains the most trusted source for high-quality developmental dance in the local community.

Our Journey

targaze Dance Academy has focused on continuous growth and community engagement in Bolton. Our journey is marked by the thousands of children we have successfully taught, the creation of our highly acclaimed Elite Show Team, and the extensive workshops we offer in local primary schools and nurseries. We are proud to have won numerous industry awards for both performance and dedication. Stargaze continues to evolve as a dedicated, trusted pillar of dance education in the Egerton community.

Our Values

Our Vision is simple and fundamental: To provide a safe and enjoyable experience for every child or young person.

Quality: We are committed to providing excellent dance teaching, training, and qualifications to our students. This includes certified ISTD instruction and expert guidance.

Democracy and Respect: We respect our students and families by listening and responding appropriately to their needs, and enabling our students to have a say in decisions which affect them.

Inclusion: We are a dance family committed to including every child, regardless of their abilities, race, or creed. Every student is welcomed into the Stargaze community.

Passion: We aim to inspire future generations to expand their dance education and creativity, fostering a lifelong love for movement and art.

Our core company values guide every decision, from curriculum design to classroom management

Our Amazing Teachers

Miss Gemma Plub

Director and Principal, Stargaze Dance Academy

Miss Gemma has led Stargaze Dance Academy as Director and Principal since 2005, overseeing all operations and teaching most classes. As the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and First Aid qualified, child safety is paramount.

An ex-professional dancer with West End and Disney Cruise Line credits, she holds an ISTD teaching membership, reflecting the academy’s outstanding 99.4% exam pass rate. Crucially, Miss Gemma holds a BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies, giving her a deep, holistic understanding of child development.

Her dedication was recognized in October 2024 when she won the prestigious Bolton Health & Wellbeing 'Lifetime Achievement Award'.

Samantha Killick

Preschool & Junior Specialist | Creative Ballet | Acro Basics | Imagination & Movement

Ms Sam teaches a range of classes on Tuesday and Friday evenings. Sam is an ex-professional dancer and a fully qualified ISTD dance teacher. Her commitment to inclusive education is evidenced by her secondary role as an SEN teacher within a primary school. Sam is also First Aid qualified, bringing essential expertise and a huge asset to Stargaze Dance Academy.

Miss Marina Cole

Lead Drama & Vocal Coach | Musical Theatre

| Voice Training | Stage Presence

Marina is the glue that holds Axis Dance together. A former dance mum herself, she knows what families need and goes above and beyond to deliver it. From managing enrolments and uniforms to answering questions with a smile and managing show day logistics like a pro, Marina keeps everything running smoothly. She’s the first face many parents and students meet, and she takes great pride in making sure everyone feels included and informed. Marina also helps coordinate Axis’s events and fundraisers, and is always thinking two steps ahead to keep the studio experience stress-free.