CLASSICAL BALLET CLASSES

We consider the study of Classical Ballet to be the starting point for all young dancers:

BABY BALLET:

Children can join our Baby Ballet class from the age of 3. These classes are designed to introduce children to the rudiments of dance and to introduce the joy of moving to music. These classes include lots of mime-based imaginative play, alongside rhythm games and basic ballet technique. The Baby Ballet class helps to build confidence and aids socialisation skills; as well as providing the foundations upon which dance technique is then built.

To join this class, your child needs to be confident enough to be left alone with us as we do not allow parents to stay at any time, and should be able to request the need for a toilet visit. (Parents of potential newcomers to this class are advised to read the information on the FAQ page of this website)

CHILDREN'S BALLET:

At the age of 5yrs children move into a more structured programme of ballet training and it is here that we start to follow the RAD Childrens Graded Syllabi in Classical Ballet.

The Grades (within this school) begin at Primary and then Grades 1 through to 8, and give a formal structure to the pupils learning, as each new grade builds upon the subject matter learnt previously. Within the RAD syllabus the dancers learn Free Movement and Character Dance - both of which add an extra dimension to their study and compliment the study of rhythm and movement.

VOCATIONAL STUDY:

Classical Ballet is a supremely beautiful, yet incredibly difficult subject to study. It requires from the outset - if one is to succeed - a particular physical affinity and a huge degree of personal motivation.

If a young dancer, at around the age of 10 is showing the appropriate ability, together with the necessary focus and self-motivation, we might invite that dancer to attend our vocational classes.

Vocational classes are examination based classes which follow the ISTD Imperial Classical Ballet syllabi from Intermediate Foundation through to Advanced 2.

Here the dancer is challenged in every way possible and pointe work is introduced. In order to achieve the level of stamina, strength and overall knowledge of the syllabus we recommend at least three ballet classes a week - increasing with ability.

We would emphasise that these classes require serious study - and a great deal of commitment!!