Strictly Come Dancing & Brushstroke at Elstree Studios

Strictly Come Dancing is one of the UK’s most iconic TV shows, dazzling millions each week with glitter, glamour and jaw-dropping performances. Behind the scenes at Elstree Studios, where Strictly is filmed, makeup artistry plays a vital role in bringing that sparkle to life. That’s where Brushstroke Makeup School comes in.

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A Makeup School Within the Home of Strictly (Elstree Studios)

Brushstroke’s unique location inside Elstree places students at the heart of live production. With tutors who actively work across film and television, students learn the exact techniques seen under the studio lights on Saturday nights—from bold, stage-ready looks to flawless camera finishes. The result? Graduates and even current students are stepping straight onto high-profile sets, including Strictly Come Dancing.

Graduate Spotlight: Katie

2-Year BTEC Makeup & Hair Course

“I finished the 7-month course back in April this year, and as a result, I was lucky enough to go straight into a 2-month job with one of the tutors from Brushstroke. It was amazing putting all that I had learnt from the incredible tutors into action and it was the best experience. I have since worked on Antiques Road Show and Strictly Come Dancing. My experience at Brushstroke was incredible and I feel very fortunate to have been taught by some of the best in the industry. I would highly recommend this course if you are looking for a career in the hair & makeup industry!!”

— Katie

Graduate Spotlight: Megan

2-Year BTEC Makeup & Hair Course

“As a student on Brushstroke’s 2 Year Course, I can honestly say there is no better place to learn if what you’re after is a full-time course that will give you training in all aspects of hair and makeup artistry. I am really enjoying learning at Brushstroke, all the tutors are industry professionals who are so kind and helpful and are such a pleasure to learn from! In my first year, I was offered work on Netflix’s ‘The Crown’, BBC’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, and the film ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ all thanks to the wonderful people I have met through Brushstroke.”

— Megan

Brushstroke at Elstree Studios

Brushstroke is uniquely placed at Elstree Studios in Borehamwood, one of the UK’s most famous film and television production hubs. Elstree’s history stretches back to the 1920s and includes global classics like Star Wars and Indiana Jones, as well as many of today’s most-watched shows, including The Crown, Dancing on Ice, The Voice, and, of course, Strictly Come Dancing.

For students, this location offers more than inspiration – it’s immersion. Brushstroke’s training facilities within Elstree Studios place students at the heart of industry life, surrounded by professionals and productions. This unique setting, combined with courses such as the 7-Month ITEC Diploma, HND Level 5 Diploma, and 2-Year BTEC Makeup & Hair Course, ensures students gain more practical hours and industry-standard qualifications than most university-based courses.