D’Angelo Dance Academy marks three years in Hedon this November, bringing together a long-established local dance-school tradition, internationally experienced professionals and a new generation of competitive dancers.
A dance school with roots in Hull, a British championship-winning teacher and an Italian-born former national champion are helping put Hedon on the map for Ballroom and Latin dancing.
D’Angelo Dance Academy, based at Airport Garage on Hull Road, Hedon, will mark three years at its current home in November 2026. Since moving from Holderness Road in Hull, the academy has continued to develop its competitive training, welcome dancers of different ages and abilities, and build its presence in the regional dance community.
Now, as it celebrates this milestone, the academy is looking to the future with the launch of D’Angelo Dance Club, a new Saturday class aimed at introducing more children to Ballroom and Latin dancing.
A local dance-school history with an international dimension
The academy’s story is rooted in Hull’s established dance-school community. Formerly known as A Ward Dance Academy, the school operated from 58–62 Holderness Road before its move to Hedon. The transition to D’Angelo Dance Academy marked a new chapter for the family business, with Alan and Annette’s daughter taking over as the academy developed under its current name.
The Hedon premises have two dance studios, including a large, real-wood, competition-sized dance floor and a separate upstairs training studio. The facilities support a programme spanning children’s classes, adult tuition, social dancing, private lessons and structured competitive training.
The school’s work now connects local dancers with a wider competitive circuit, while providing opportunities for beginners and recreational dancers as well as those pursuing serious competition goals.
Meanwhile, Sadie Wild and Sanna Saidy, a couple who work at D’Angelo’s, have been asked to represent England at the World Championship for Professional Latin Show Dance.
Amy D’Angelo: From Hull youngster to British champion
Amy D’Angelo, Maiden Name: Ward, was born and raised in Sproatley, Hull and began dancing at just three years old. By the age of six, she was competing in Ballroom and Latin.
Her competitive record includes an impressive series of national junior titles. In 2006, she became Junior British Standard Champion and Junior British Latin Champion. The following year, she won the Junior British 10 Dance Championship, and in 2010 she became Vice British Under-21 Latin Champion.
Amy also appeared on television programmes including Blue Peter, Ballroom Babes and CBBC’s Space Pirates.
Her career demonstrates the level of experience behind the academy’s teaching, combining competitive achievement with professional performance and dance education.
Fabio D’Angelo: Italian roots and an international career
Fabio D’Angelo began dancing at the age of six in Italy and progressed to represent his country in competition. One of his early career highlights was becoming Vice Italian Champion in 2009.
In 2011, Fabio began his professional dance partnership with Amy, and the pair went on to compete internationally representing England and the UK. They became British finalists and performed on stage at the Royal Theatre in Windsor alongside Strictly Come Dancing professional Joanne Clifton and entertainer Russell Grant.
Together, Amy and Fabio have developed careers that span competing, performing, teaching and adjudicating. They are qualified international dance teachers and adjudicators, members of the International Dance Teachers’ Association (IDTA), and recipients of the IDTA Arthur J Gallagher Award for outstanding marks in their professional examinations.
Their adjudicating work has included events such as the IDTA Nationwide Medallist of the Year competition, where both have appeared on official judging panels.
That experience gives the academy a direct connection to the standards and expectations of competitive Ballroom and Latin dancing at national and international level.
Developing competitors and creating opportunities
D’Angelo Dance Academy supports dancers working towards competitions across England and further afield. Some dancers have also had the opportunity to represent England.
Competitive dancing requires far more than learning choreography. Training develops musicality, technique, physical fitness, discipline and the ability to perform under pressure. The academy provides coaching and practice opportunities for dancers aiming to progress, while also welcoming people who want to dance socially, improve their fitness or learn something new.
The academy is keen to build on this work by bringing more children into the sport and giving them a chance to explore their potential.
Bringing competitors to Yorkshire
On Sunday 13 December 2026, the academy will organise The Open Yorkshire Titles at Ossett Town Hall, bringing competitors from across England and overseas to Yorkshire.
The event will provide a meeting point for dancers from different areas and backgrounds, showcasing competitive Ballroom and Latin dancing and helping bring activity to the region’s dance calendar.
For the academy, organising competitions is an extension of its involvement in the sport: supporting dancers, contributing to the competitive circuit and creating opportunities for local audiences to see the standard of dancing taking place nationally and internationally.
A new club to find the next generation
Alongside its competitive work, the academy is launching D’Angelo Dance Club, held every Saturday at 12pm in Hedon.
The club is intended to introduce children to Ballroom and Latin dancing in an accessible setting, whether they have never danced before or are already interested in developing their skills.
The academy hopes to discover new talent, but the opportunity is not limited to children who want to compete. Dance can help young people develop coordination, confidence, musicality and friendships, while offering a structured activity in which they can set goals and see their progress.