Stella Mann College of Performing Arts is an independent, co-educational performing arts school and college specialising in dance and musical theatre. The college is located in the Harpur area of Bedford, Bedfordshire, in the United Kingdom. Founded by the dance teacher Stella Mann in 1946, the college began as dance school located in Hampstead, London. In 2003, the college moved to its present location in Bedford in a building previously occupied by Middlesex University. Today, Stella Mann College provides specialist vocational training in dance and musical theatre and, is recognised as one of the UK's leading institutions in this field. The college prepares students for a professional career in the performing arts and has a history of feeding artists into West End theatre and well known dance companies. Key areas of study include classical ballet, tap, jazz and contemporary dance, singing and drama. Successful candidates who complete the course are awarded either the National Diploma in Professional Dance or the National Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre.