All Classes

Toddlers

Age: 2.5 to 4 years old

Pre-Primary

Age: 4 to 5.5 years old

Our classes form a great tool to support a strong cognitive and psycho-motor development in children of this age. Structured on the respected Royal Academy of Dance Syllabus, our classes have the originality of added nursery and original songs. In addition to learning the ballet basics such as 1st position, turn out and steps such as skipping, jumping and galloping, our classes follow a story trail, thus encouraging children to develop their imagination and musicality, bringing them gently into the discipline of classical ballet. Props also play an integral part of our classes at this level with the use of scarves, batons, flag etc. As musical development plays a big part in early dance training, all our classes for this age group are accompanied by experienced pianists. If you're interested in exploring our method of teaching for this age group in more details, we recommend checking out “MyBallet Method” by Lydie Schrepfer; due to come up by the end of the year.

When you first attend: Parents are invited to watch their child’s first class, but your presence in class may be a disruption to the rest of the class. So once your child is settled in, we invite you to stay in the waiting area where dance magazines and books are at your disposal. Thank you for your understanding.

Primary

Age: 5 to 7 years old

Our Primary class encourages self-discipline and self-expression, developing listening skills, encouraging children to follow instruction, learning to work as an individual and in a group. It develops co-ordination, good posture, strength and flexibility. Our ballet class provides a nurturing environment for development of artistry and musical appreciation too! From this age, we want our Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) based classes to stay imaginative, guiding children through the demands of classical technique with constant encouragement and inspiration. In keeping with the quality of our tuition for younger children’s classes are also accompanied by experienced pianists.

When you first attend: Parents are invited to watch their child’s first class, but your presence in class may be a disruption to the rest of the class. So once your child is settled in, we invite you to stay in the waiting area where dance magazines and books are at your disposal. Thank you for your understanding.

Grade 1

Age: 6.5 +

Grade 2

Age: 8 +

Grade 3

Age: 9 + (by ability)

RAD Grades 1 to 3 promote “feeling before form,” encouraging children to explore spinning, leaping, and balancing with confidence. Musically inspired exercises develop a well-rounded understanding of ballet and character work while fostering joy in movement, performance quality, and artistic expression. The music spans three centuries of dance, enriching students' appreciation. In these grades, pupils refine ballet technique, coordination, posture, strength, and flexibility within a nurturing environment. They also learn Ukrainian (Grade 3), Hungarian (Grade 2), and Russian (Grade 1) Character work*. From Grade 1, students may enter their first RAD ballet exam, though participation is optional. MyBallet Academy offers exams to those eager to perfect the syllabus, believing exams encourage practice, discipline, and goal setting. RAD Grades 1 to 3 form Level 1 of the RAD’s Graded syllabus, equivalent to GCSE Grades D–N or NVQ Level 1. These examinations are officially recognized by Ofqual, ensuring they hold educational value beyond the studio. *Character work is the theatrical presentation of national and folk dance.

Grade 4

Age: 10 + (by ability)

Grade 5

Age: 10 + (by ability)

RAD Grades 4 and 5 build on the strong technical and artistic foundation developed in earlier levels. Students refine their ballet technique while enhancing musicality, expression, and dynamics through structured and age-appropriate exercises. In these classes, students explore a modern ballet section, encouraging creativity alongside classical training. They also learn Character Dance, including Russian and Italian styles in Grade 4 and Polish and Spanish in Grade 5. These styles improve coordination, cultural appreciation, and performance quality. As the syllabus becomes more physically demanding, we recommend pairing ballet training withProgressing Ballet Technique (PBT) to build strength, flexibility, and control. Our Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) classes remain imaginative and inspiring, guiding students through increasing technical challenges with motivation and encouragement. RAD Grades 4 and 5 form Level 2 of the RAD Graded syllabus, equivalent to GCSE Grades A–C or NVQ Level 2. These grades provide a solid foundation for further advancement, whether moving into RAD Grades 6–8, Discovering Repertoire, or RAD Vocational Grades (Intermediate Foundation to Advanced). With a focus on technique, artistry, and strength, our Grade 4 and 5 ballet classes prepare students for the next stage in their dance journey, whether for personal growth or pre-professional aspirations. *Character dance is the theatrical presentation of national and folk dance.

Grade 6, 7, 8

Age: 11 + (by ability)

Our RAD Grades 6, 7, and 8 ballet classes offer advanced training for students aged 11 and up (based on ability) who have completed RAD Grade 5 or its equivalent. These classes focus on refining ballet technique while introducing more complex choreography, musicality, and artistry. At this level, students deepen their understanding of classical ballet, developing strength, control, and fluidity in movement. They also explore the romantic ballet style and engage in intricate character dance, mastering Polish, Russian, and Hungarian styles with partner work. As students progress, they build stamina, coordination, and expressive skills, preparing them for higher-level ballet studies or performance opportunities. Classes are structured to enhance both technical precision and individual artistry, encouraging dancers to bring depth and emotion to their movements. Grades 6, 7, and 8 form Level 3 of the RAD Graded syllabus, equivalent to A levels or NVQ Level 3. Success in these grades is highly regarded by universities and higher education institutions, with UCAS points available for students who pass their RAD Upper Grades exams. To support well-rounded development, we highly recommend combining these classes with Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT)to improve strength, flexibility, and overall technique. These Upper Grades provide an excellent foundation for further ballet training, whether advancing to RAD Vocational Grades, pursuing dance in higher education, or refining technique for personal growth and artistic fulfilment.

Repertoire Level 2

Age: 14 to 74 years old

Repertoire Level 2 is perfect for dancers aged 14 and up who have completed RAD Grade 4 or equivalent. This unique programme caters to everyone, from teens to older dancers, whether they pursue ballet as a hobby or are training for vocational purposes. The RAD Discovering Repertoire programme has been created with the aim of preserving the heritage of classical ballet as an art form and keeping the history of the discipline alive. Level 2 includes a basic class unit and two units comprising a breakdown of simple development exercises, leading to well-known classical ballet variations. These variations closely resemble those performed on stage, offering an authentic ballet experience to an inclusive audience of dance enthusiasts. This programme provides a flexible learning approach, allowing students to take each unit individually or in combination with others at any level. This bite-sized structure opens the door for a wide range of dancers to experience performing beloved classical ballet repertoire, reflecting our dedication to making ballet accessible to dancers of all ages and abilities. To complement your training, we recommend Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) classes, particularly for students at Grade 4 and above.

Vocational Classes

Age: 12 + (by ability)

Our Vocational Ballet Classes are designed for gifted students aged 12 and up who have completed the RAD Grade 5 exam or equivalent and are pursuing a professional dance career. Admission is by application only and offered at the discretion of MyBallet Academy. The RAD Intermediate qualification is widely recognised as a benchmark for entry into vocational dance schools, preparing students for a career in professional ballet. The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Vocational Grades begin with RAD Intermediate Foundation and form Level 3 of the RAD syllabus, equivalent to A Level or NVQ Level 3. Success in these vocational ballet exams is also acknowledged by universities and higher education institutions, with UCAS points available for students who pass, supporting both their academic and dance aspirations. To ensure well-rounded training, vocational students must attend classes at least twice a week, combining their ballet studies with upper grades,PBT, Contemporary, and/or Repertoireclasses. This approach develops the strength, flexibility, and versatility needed for a professional dance career. Our vocational program provides the specialized training and discipline required for aspiring professional dancers, equipping them with the skills, artistry, and technique needed to succeed in the competitive world of ballet. For students who love ballet but do not wish to pursue a professional path, we recommend RAD Discovering Repertoire Levels, offering a structured yet enjoyable way to continue training.

Adults

Age: 18+

Our Adult Ballet Classes are open to all ages and are perfect for the over-50s too! Whether you're looking for a fun way to stay fit and active, or want to explore ballet for the first time, our classes offer something for everyone. Whether you're a complete ballet beginner or returning to dance class, this class will help you build strength, flexibility, and grace. Developed with older learners in mind, our adult classes are taught by Silver Swans Licensees, based on the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Silver Swans programme. This program is backed by research into the benefits of dance for older adults, ensuring that our lessons are tailored to all ages and levels of experience. In our adult ballet classes, we focus on exercises at the barre, centre work, and a deep relaxing stretch to end the session. We pride ourselves to give individual attention to our adult ballet dancers and adapt lessons to suit your fitness level and abilities. Making our classes inclusive.

PBT

Age: 11 to professionals!

Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) is an innovative program developed by Marie Walton-Mahon for students to understand the depth of training muscle memory in achieving their personal best in classical ballet. Marie has been known for her creative teaching skills for over 40 years and has trained many professional dancers and teachers worldwide. She has experimented with outstanding success the use of muscle memory to improve students understanding of core stability, weight placement and alignment for over 20 years. She has passed on her knowledge down to our teachers who are qualified to use her technique in parallel with our RAD training. Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) plays a significant role in the importance of understanding/improving muscle memory, strength and flexibility in our ballet training. Our PBT class is a great cross training for anyone who wishes to experience the workout of a ballet dancer – regardless of his/her own dancing experience. The class begins with a warmup, then works its way through all the major muscles involved in the training of Ballet. Focusing on correct pelvic alignment, core stability, back and shoulders, hamstrings, quads, adductor and abductors muscles, foot and lower leg work. It finishes with an intense ballet stretch, looking at safe stretching practices students can take home. This class is perfect for any student with weakness in a particular region, recovering from injury, or wishing to improve their flexibility.

Rambert Grades

Age: 7+

Rambert Grades is a pioneering contemporary dance syllabus born from the partnership between two of the world’s leading contemporary dance organisations: Rambert and Rambert School. Across eleven grades, the syllabus offers students the opportunity to develop lifelong skills. Rambert Grades encourages young people to own their individuality, be playful, work in a present manner, think independently, relate with others and have confidence in decision making while learning and embodying its three strands, Technique, Performance and Creative. The Rambert Grades syllabus is progressive and inclusive and is designed to be accessible for people from all backgrounds. Our Rambert Grades teachers are taught to promote a safe environment where physical explorations can exist without rigidity, yet with focus, discipline and collaboration. Students are seen as individuals and encouraged to express their ideas and discover their unique voices. Each grade includes exploring how to create material and improvise, learning all elements of technical skill to the highest standard, from floorwork to complex leaps, and performing solo material from renowned choreographers, Hofesh Shechter and Alesandra Seutin. Rambert Grades is an awarding organisation recognised by Ofqual.