Classes for children

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.

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.