Classes

Ballet Classes

All children are welcome to join our ballet classes, regardless of ability and level of commitment.

Lessons start from 2 years of age with our Baby Ballet Classes and are an excellent introduction to the basic classical technique. They develop creativity and musicality and enable them to move easily to the Pre-Primary Syllabus at approximately 4 years of age, followed by Primary once they are 6yrs. Children are invited to take a Presentation Class award at Pre-Primary and can take an examination at Primary level.

The Graded Syllabus (Grade 1 to 8) progressively develops physical skills, stamina, creativity, expression and musicality. Classical Ballet is the core of the syllabus with Free Movement (Natural Movement, Contemporary and Classical Greek) and Character (Hungarian, Russian and Ukrainian) making up the remaining elements.

The Graded syllabus is appropriate for children from 6 years of age and the following age groups are a good guideline for each level:

Grade 1: 7yrs to 9yrs

Grade 2: 8yrs to 11yrs

Grade 3: 10 yrs to 12 yrs

Grade 4 Upwards: 11yrs plus

The Academy recommends the following number of hours study for each Grade:

Grades 1 – 3: 70 hours

Grades 4 – 5: 95 hours

Grades 6 – 8: 130 hours

Intermediate: 275 hours

If your child is currently attends for one lesson per week each grade level should take approximately 5 to 6 terms. In order to take an examination more frequently, there are the following options:

• Your child attends twice each week, therefore being able to sit the examination at the end of the academic year, subject to progress.
• Your child enters the Presentation Class, after which they will receive an RAD Certificate of Participation, subject to a reasonable standard being met.
• Your child enters the Solo Performance Award on alternate years to the examination. Solo awards are only open to children who have entered the previous examination. Candidates perform three solo dances and receive an Assessment Report, and provided they meet the minimum criteria, a certificate and a Bar (similar to a medal); this could be followed by the examination the following year.
• Your child attends private lessons with one of our teachers.

Tap and Modern Classes

Our classes start with Tiny Tots Tap and Modern and once your child turns approximately 5 yrs of age, they start the ISTD Primary syllabus class. At this level, the class is one and half hours and is divided equally between each dance style. From Grade 4 onwards, the classes are two hours long. If your child prefers to join in with just one dance style, this is possible and you should check with the teacher at which time you should arrive for the class. Examinations are held once per year and usually take place at the Studio.

Pointe

Starting Pointe Class is a very exciting time for any aspiring ballerina. The lessons are by invitation and the following factors are taken in to consideration:

Age

Physical Maturity

Strength

Technique

Attendance at ballet classes (at least 2 per week)

It is very important that your shoes fit properly and to assist you in this, one of our teachers is usually happy to join you in a trip to one of the specialist dancewear shops in Covent Garden.

Aerobic Gymnastic

Aerobic Gymnastics is the perfect sport for active children with energy to burn. It involves performing high intensity movement patterns to popular music. A dance  routine is choreographed each term for children to learn as individuals, duets, trios and small groups. The class is an action packed, dynamic, fast paced, creative and is great for developing fitness, strength and flexibility. Children may attend one Saturday morning class and stay on for additional coaching in the afternoon, by invitation.

School Information

We run classes over 3 terms, covering 38 weeks of the year. Children are welcome to come to a free trial class and may enrol in the school at any point in the term.

Fees are payable on a  termly basis and up to 3 absences per term may be made up in alternative classes, subject to availability. Places in each class are limited and therefore the fees are not refundable.

Parents are invited to watch the penultimate lesson of each term, except during our performance year.

Children should arrive for their class 15 minutes before it starts and parents must ensure a responsible adult looks after their child before they enter the studio. They should be ready to collect them five minutes before the end of class. If waiting in our changing room, parents/nannies are expected to wait quietly and supervise any siblings at all times.  

Collection may only be made from the changing room and the Front Reception must be kept clear at all times.  

Uniform It is extremely important  in order to be able to work correctly and safely in class, present a neat and elegant appearance and to enable the teacher to see, in detail, the technique of each child. All students should come to class with their hair tied back (preferably in a bun), or with a hairband (short hair only). Uniform is available at the school and may be purchased at the Reception desk. 

Parking is available in the shoppers car park, Marks and Spencer car park and in Chiswick Common Road – all pay and display.