The Ballet School London offers expert tuition in classical ballet to students aged between 2 ½ and 18 years old. Classes are taught by our inspiring team of qualified RAD teachers and ex-professional dancers. Each class is accompanied by a live pianist.
Our Pre-School classes are for children aged between 2 ½ and 4 years old. The emphasis at this level is on having fun and gaining confidence in a class environment. The children’s natural movement ability and musicality is developed using imaginative story-telling and subsequent adventures.
The classes follow the RAD’s pre-school curriculum, ‘Dance to Your Own Tune’. This was developed by a panel which included Vanessa Donkin (The Ballet School’s Founder and Director), Lynn Wallis and Karen Berry. The ‘Dance to Your Own Tune' booklet and DVD which serves as a teaching tool for new and existing RAD teachers worldwide features children from The Ballet School London, led by Miss Vanessa with Miss Liane assisting. Those children are now 18+!
These classes are a more formal version of the Pre-School level, children wear The Ballet School’s uniform and the RAD’s Pre-Primary in Dance syllabus is introduced. At Primary level pupils are eligible to be entered for their first RAD exam.
The Royal Academy of Dance graded syllabus provides a progressive training system which develops technique, musicality and performance skills.
The Royal Academy of Dance vocational graded syllabus is a more in-depth training programme and is designed for students (10+) who have the technical facility to progress through from Intermediate Foundation to Advanced 2.
Pointe work classes are available for all levels from beginner to advanced. It is at the teacher’s discretion as to when a pupil is ready to start pointe work and is dependant on age, strength of technique and regular attendance (a minimum of 2-3 times a week). Members of The Ballet School London team are on hand to accompany pupils to their first pointe shoe fitting and advise on how to prepare the shoes for use.
Our classes are very inclusive and the key emphasis has always been on enjoyment. However, if a child shows the potential to choose dance as a career the training they will receive at The Ballet School London will serve as an excellent basis for subsequent vocational training. The Ballet Academy was set up to provide additional support for these children and is by invitation only. Expert advice is on offer as to the audition process for both vocational schools and associate programmes.
Past pupils have been offered places on the Royal Ballet School’s Junior and Mid Associate Scheme and at The Royal Ballet School (White Lodge), Elmhurst Ballet School, Arts Educational, Tring Park, Young Dancers’ Academy as well as being selected to perform with London Children's Ballet (LCB), National Youth Ballet (NYB), Royal Ballet Company, Bolshoi Ballet and the Australian Ballet. They have also been winners at the London Regional Awards Day and Genée Dance Competition - both held at the Royal Academy of Dance HQ.
Our one-to-one classes are tailored to an individual’s needs. Excellent for exam coaching, audition preparation or simply as a fun, confidence boosting private class with a favourite teacher! Available on request.
This class is designed to help increase flexibility and strength, two essential components of the classical ballet technique. It consists of exercises to condition the body and encourage greater flexibility in a way that is not always possible within a ballet class.
Musical Theatre Club (MTC) is an opportunity to learn songs and dance routines from some of the West End’s most popular musicals. The classes are taught by industry professionals who are able to share their invaluable knowledge and experience with the children. Although the school’s main focus is on classical ballet MTC was introduced to widen our pupils' skill set and show them how much fun can be derived from other dance styles - all of which compliment the classical technique.
