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We offer ballet classes for all ages for all abilities, where we follow the Royal academy of dance syllabi. (RAD)
The Royal Academy of Dance is one of the world’s most influential dance education and training organisations, with its global headquarters in London. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to learn to dance.
The RAD’s patron is Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and our President is Dame Darcey Bussell, DBE. With 13,000 members in 89 countries, the RAD have an incredible global network of passionate and skilled employees, teachers and members, each shaping and influencing the future of dance.
The higher education programmes are regulated and a recent Ofsted inspection found the RAD to be an ‘outstanding’ provider of initial teacher education. The RAD’s examinations are recognised by Ofqual and contribute to UCAS points. Each year the RAD’s renowned classical ballet examination syllabus is taught to thousands of young people worldwide, with around a quarter of a million pupils per year going on to take the exams.
Established in 1920 by a group of eminent dance professionals representing the leading ballet styles of the period with the aim of improving the standards of dance teaching, initially in the UK.
The RAD offers an internationally-recognised portfolio of examinations and assessments designed to encourage, motivate and reward students of all ages and abilities, outlining a progressive structure for learning and achievement in dance.
Students start with the baby ballet curriculum, move through Pre-Primary and Primary levels and then into eight Graded and six Vocational Graded levels.
Students can move from Graded Examinations to Vocational Graded Examinations at an appropriate time, or they can study both pathways simultaneously. The Dance School offers classes in the full range of RAD Examinations and many students study syllabus work alongside other styles of dance.
See below for more information on the levels of ballet classes - Check out our timetable for all our ballet classes
The Royal Academy of Dance is one of the world’s most influential dance education and training organisations, with its global headquarters in London. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to learn to dance.
The RAD’s patron is Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and our President is Dame Darcey Bussell, DBE. With 13,000 members in 89 countries, the RAD have an incredible global network of passionate and skilled employees, teachers and members, each shaping and influencing the future of dance.
The higher education programmes are regulated and a recent Ofsted inspection found the RAD to be an ‘outstanding’ provider of initial teacher education. The RAD’s examinations are recognised by Ofqual and contribute to UCAS points. Each year the RAD’s renowned classical ballet examination syllabus is taught to thousands of young people worldwide, with around a quarter of a million pupils per year going on to take the exams.
Established in 1920 by a group of eminent dance professionals representing the leading ballet styles of the period with the aim of improving the standards of dance teaching, initially in the UK.
The RAD offers an internationally-recognised portfolio of examinations and assessments designed to encourage, motivate and reward students of all ages and abilities, outlining a progressive structure for learning and achievement in dance.
Students start with the baby ballet curriculum, move through Pre-Primary and Primary levels and then into eight Graded and six Vocational Graded levels.
Students can move from Graded Examinations to Vocational Graded Examinations at an appropriate time, or they can study both pathways simultaneously. The Dance School offers classes in the full range of RAD Examinations and many students study syllabus work alongside other styles of dance.
See below for more information on the levels of ballet classes - Check out our timetable for all our ballet classes
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Pre Primary and Primary in Dance (5–6 year olds)
These structured classes develop students’ physical skills, stamina, creativity, expression and musicality using a range of movements and musical styles. The syllabi prepare students for a successful transition to ballet and other dance genres at higher levels.
RAD Graded Ballet (Grades 1–8)
The Graded Examinations in Dance Syllabus consists of three dance disciplines:
Introduction to Pointe Work
Introduction to Pointe Work for students who are enrolled in Pre-Vocational or Intermediate Foundation. The class is designed to help students strengthen and develop their technique in this key area of classical ballet which will support their Vocational training.
RAD Vocational Ballet (Intermediate Foundation–Advanced 2)
The Vocational Graded Examinations in Dance Syllabus provides an in-depth study of ballet, developing students’ technique, music and performance skills and introduces pointe work for female candidates. This highly-focused and practical training prepares students for a dance, or dance-related, career. The syllabi are appropriate for students from the age of 11 years. Students wishing to study for Vocational Graded examinations should have the maturity and technical aptitude for demanding study.
These structured classes develop students’ physical skills, stamina, creativity, expression and musicality using a range of movements and musical styles. The syllabi prepare students for a successful transition to ballet and other dance genres at higher levels.
RAD Graded Ballet (Grades 1–8)
The Graded Examinations in Dance Syllabus consists of three dance disciplines:
- Ballet - the foundation and the most important part of the syllabus.
- Free Movement - influenced by and incorporating movements in common with other dance styles such
as Natural Movement, Contemporary and Classical Greek Dance. - Character - the theatrical presentation of national dance using original ethnic dance and music which has been freely adapted for the theatre. Styles selected because of their historic importance in the development of the nineteenth century full-length classical ballets.
Introduction to Pointe Work
Introduction to Pointe Work for students who are enrolled in Pre-Vocational or Intermediate Foundation. The class is designed to help students strengthen and develop their technique in this key area of classical ballet which will support their Vocational training.
RAD Vocational Ballet (Intermediate Foundation–Advanced 2)
The Vocational Graded Examinations in Dance Syllabus provides an in-depth study of ballet, developing students’ technique, music and performance skills and introduces pointe work for female candidates. This highly-focused and practical training prepares students for a dance, or dance-related, career. The syllabi are appropriate for students from the age of 11 years. Students wishing to study for Vocational Graded examinations should have the maturity and technical aptitude for demanding study.
Silver Swans
Silver Swans has been developed for older learners so they, too, can take part in ballet classes. Whether you’re an experienced dancer, have briefly dabbled or are a complete novice, we welcome all older learners of any ability to try out Silver Swans classes.
Why Silver Swans? Specially designed for older learners, Silver Swans® ballet classes will help improve your mobility, posture, co-ordination and energy levels.
Improve your dance-life balance!Research shows that 75% of the factors affecting quality of life and longevity are related to lifestyle, while only 25% are hereditary. This means that there’s no excuse for not getting more active whatever your age. And dance in particular, can play a vital role in ensuring a longer and better quality of life.
Research also often puts dance ahead of other physical activities in the variety of health benefits that it brings. Ballet and dance are also very social activities and Silver Swans classes can be great places to meet new people with a passion and joy for life.
Unable to make it to class due to the COVID-19 situation? Check our Home page for online classes