Music, Drama & Dance Classes for Babies, Toddlers & Pre-schoolers in Canonbury, Highbury and Islington

Welcome to Lucy Sparkles & Friends in Canonbury, Highbury and Islington.

Our weekly music, drama and dance classes for children aged 0–6 combine live music, creative movement, singing and imaginative play in a structured, nurturing environment.

Each session is thoughtfully designed to support early social, emotional and cognitive development while remaining joyful, playful and engaging. We believe children learn best when they are genuinely absorbed in what they are doing. And that performing arts should always be both enriching and fun!


Available Classes in Canonbury, Highbury and Islington

Hidden Anchor

DayTimeClassVenueSpring Term DatesBook a Place
Fridays
with Lauren Sparkles ›
09:15 - 09:45Family Sparkles Music
(0-6 years)
Ballet Studio
Highbury Roundhouse
71 Rinalds Road
N5 1XB
Coming Soon!
(See fee breakdown)
Further details and book online ›

We offer trial tickets (where available) as well as term tickets, which secure your child’s place for the full term and allow them to benefit from our progressive weekly curriculum.

Find out more about our classes for local nurseries and other early years settings ›

Family Sparkles Music (0-6 years)

A joyful mixed-age music class for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers to enjoy together. Family Sparkles offers the convenience of one class for the whole family, while ensuring every child is appropriately supported and challenged.

We use the same much-loved songs across our early years programme, adapting activities to suit the ages present. Babies internalise musical concepts such as pulse, pitch, dynamics, tempo and rhythm through gentle movement and repetition. Toddlers reinforce these ideas through singing, dancing and interactive play. Pre-schoolers begin to understand and apply these concepts more consciously through structured games and creative, child-led moments.

One class. All ages. Growing musicality together.

While every lesson is different, we apply the same fun, thoughtful and tested structure to each weekly session in order to establish a comfortable and friendly environment for children.

All of our music teachers are professional musicians who play real instruments.


Classes Run by Your Local Head Sparkle!

Lauren Sparkles is an accomplished singer, dancer, actress, session musician and performing arts teacher.  Her qualifications include a Bachelor of Performing Arts (Hons) from Winchester University and Grade 8 Ballet, Classical Singing and Musical Theatre.  Lauren’s many talents include playing piano and ukulele and she incorporates these into her lessons.

When she’s not in the studio, Lauren can be found performing in and around London as part of a popular wedding and corporate band called ‘The X-Rays’ and she makes up one third of ‘The Haywood Sisters’, one of London’s top close harmony trios. Her performance credits stretch across the globe as Lead Vocalist on-board Carnival Australia cruise liners; The Opera House, Barcelona; and at home here in London performing at Kensington Roof Gardens, Regent Street Christmas light switch-on and the legendary Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club.

Lauren was proud to be the very first Lucy Sparkles & Friends Franchisee (Fulham, Putney and Wandsworth) and went from teacher to business owner. Lauren loved it so much she then went onto buy her second franchise on the other side of London (Hackney and Stoke Newington). “Its amazing how rewarding running your own business can be and I have learnt so much in just two and half years. Understanding how a child learns through drama, music and dance has been fascinating – I love it!”

In addition to Lucy Sparkles, Lauren provides private singing lessons for people of all ages and levels! Her love of teaching and influencing the younger generation stems back to her family as she is the youngest of four musical sisters, became an aunty at 17 and now has over 10 nieces and nephews!

Learn more about our Sparkly team

Interested in running your own children’s music and performing arts business?

Learn more about becoming a Head Sparkle and bringing high-quality performing arts education to your local community.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens in a Lucy Sparkles & Friends Dance Class?

  • Creative, themed activities based on popular Early Years topics, with a new theme every two weeks and an overarching seasonal theme
  • High-quality, carefully selected music to match each theme and mood
  • Warm up with curling, stretching and imaginative exercises
  • ‘Travelling to Danceland’ using progressively challenging, age-appropriate locomotor movements
  • Choreographed dances designed for young children
  • Action songs to develop rhythm, coordination and musicality
  • Use of engaging props such as dancing scarves, egg shakers and parachute play
  • Warm down with a calm, imaginative ending
  • Plenty of Sparkles magic!

What should I bring to class?

Simply bring yourself, your child, and the usual essentials for a trip out with your little one. Most importantly, come prepared to sing, connect, and have a fun and engaging time together!

Can siblings join?

Yes! And we even offer a sibling discount. Contact your local Head Sparkle for full details.

Do I need to book in advance?

We recommend booking in advance as many classes fill quickly, particularly during term time.

How long is the class?

Classes range between 30 to 45 minutes depending on the age group.

What happens if I miss a class?

Up to two missed classes per term can be made up at another age-appropriate class in the timetable (if space is available). This is on the condition that you let us know by email or text at LEAST two hours before the start of the missed class.

How will my child benefit?

Sparkles Music classes support early development in a variety of areas, including:

  • Fostering a life-long love of music and musicality.
  • Building socio-emotional and cooperative skills.
  • Developing confidence and a secure bond with caregivers.
  • Increasing sensory, spatial, and bodily awareness.
  • Enhancing memory, coordination, and fine and gross motor skills.
  • Supporting speech, language, listening, and concentration skills.
  • Laying the foundations for outstanding musical development.

What’s the difference between a term ticket and a trial ticket?

A term ticket guarantees your place in a class for the full term, allowing your child to benefit from our progressive weekly curriculum. Term tickets also include up to two make-up classes per term. A trial ticket is for your child’s first class in each class type only. Children may trial Music, Drama, and Dance once each.

When is the best time to start classes?

Our Family and Baby Sparkles classes welcome children from birth. Early exposure to music gently stimulates sensory development and supports bonding between baby and caregiver. Some families choose to begin from around three months, when babies are more alert and responsive. There is no perfect time to start – whenever you join, you will be welcomed into a warm and nurturing environment.

Do I need to come every week?

Our Sparkles curriculum is weekly and progressive. For maximum benefit, we recommend consistent attendance, as the skills taught in each class build on those learned in previous weeks.

What to do if my baby is sleeping?

Even if your baby falls asleep before the start of the class, we encourage you to come along anyway! Singing along helps you learn songs and activities to enjoy together at home, and it’s also a great chance to socialise and connect with other parents. Plus, you’ll discover how early music exposure supports your baby’s overall development and musicality.

Planning a Party?

We also offer children’s party entertainment!

Enquire Now›