About us…
Hello and welcome to Arête Dance Academy ✨
Based in Sedbury, Chepstow, we proudly serve dancers across the South West and South Wales.
Founded by Sarah-Jayne Stent, Arête Dance Academy is built on a lifelong passion for dance. As the daughter of two professional dancers and teachers, Sarah-Jayne began dancing at just three years old and has experienced first-hand the confidence, joy, and sense of achievement that dance brings—at any age.
In her very first year, she was selected as the English Mascot and led out the team at the Blackpool Tower—marking the beginning of many successful visits to Blackpool as both a competitor and spectator.
After leaving school, Sarah-Jayne completed a Level 3 Diploma in Dance at Filton SGS College, where performing became a true passion. Over the years, she has competed across a wide range of styles including Ballroom, Latin American, Classical Sequence, Modern Sequence, Freestyle, Slow, Street, and Rock ‘n’ Roll—achieving success in competitions across the UK, including many at Blackpool.
She has also competed in Pro-Am competitions at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool, dancing against competitors from around the world.
Sarah-Jayne is a proud member of the UKA Dance Teachers Alliance and a qualified Associate Teacher in Classical Sequence, Ballroom, Latin American, and Rock ‘n’ Roll.
At Arête Dance Academy, our goal is simple: to create a welcoming, supportive environment where every dancer—whether aged 3 or 93—can grow in confidence, develop their skills, and fall in love with dance.
We can’t wait to welcome you to our dance family ✨
Sarah-Jayne Stent
Arête Dance Academy
Meet the Team…
Jasmine Kerslake - Dance Teacher
Jasmine is one of our talented teachers at Arête Dance Academy, teaching a wide variety of styles including Ballroom, Latin, Classical Sequence, Ballet, Tap, Street, Contemporary, Musical Theatre Jazz and Cheer. She started dancing at just 2 years old and has danced alongside Arete’s Principal from a young age, making her a familiar and valued part of the academy’s dance journey. Jasmine has studied a Level 3 Diploma in Dance at BIPA Bristol and has competed in many dance competitions, including events at the iconic Blackpool Tower and Blackpool Winter Gardens.
She loves helping students grow in confidence, learn new skills and enjoy expressing themselves through dance. With such a broad range of experience, Jasmine supports dancers across different ages and abilities, making her classes fun, encouraging and inspiring.
Sharon Stent - Dance Teacher & Principal of Sharon’s School of Dance
Sharon is another one of our talented teachers at Arête Dance Academy and is also the Principal of Sharon’s School of Dance. With over 30 years of teaching experience, Sharon brings a wealth of knowledge, passion and encouragement to every class. Both Arête Dance Academy and Sharon’s School of Dance work closely together and as the mother of Arête’s Principal, Sarah-Jayne, Sharon helps make dance very much a family passion.
Sharon has competed in Classical Sequence, Ballroom and Latin, and now teaches a wonderful range of social and partner dance styles including Ballroom, Latin, Classical Sequence, Modern Sequence, Rock ‘n’ Roll, Line Dance and Sala. She brings a friendly, encouraging approach to her classes, helping students build confidence, enjoy movement and develop their technique at their own pace. Sharon’s classes are welcoming, enjoyable and full of energy, making them a great choice for dancers of all ages and abilities.