Children's Ballet Classes

Royal Academy of Dance

Children's Ballet

Mental strength

Focus

Mental Agility

Persistence

Dedication

Wellbeing

Coordination

Posture

Balance

Stamina

Strength

Flexibility

THE BENEFITS OF BALLET

Mindfulness

Self-confidence

Self-expression

Positive Mood Benefits

Social Skills

Communication Skills

Lifelong Friendships

Musicality

Creativity

Preschool & Beginner Ballet

These fun introductory ballet classes are suitable from age 3. Their focus is on free movement, creativity and musicality, while subtly introducing the basis of more structured steps and posture. The use of props enhances spatial awareness and are a particular favourite with the children. The Beginner class starts to introduce a more structured class plan and exercises to ease the transition into graded ballet.

Preschool age group: 3-4 year olds

Beginner age group: 4-5 year olds

Class times: 30 minutes

Location: Banbridge (Thursdays)

Graded Ballet

Graded Ballet runs from Pre-Primary to Grade 8 and forms the backbone of the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) syllabus. Students have the option to undertake a range of exams and assessments designed to motivate, reward and celebrate their achievements.

RAD examinations are a globally recognised qualification and are allocated points on the UCAS tariff. Candidates that achieve a pass or higher in Grades 6, 7 and 8 can use their RAD exam result towards their points tariff when applying to university or higher education in the UK.

POINTE WORK is not studied in Graded Ballet.

Class times: Pre-Primary: 45 minutes

Primary to Grade 2: 1 hour

Grade 3 & above: 1 hour (twice a week required for those wishing to pursue an examination)

Location: Banbridge (Tuesdays)

Vocational Ballet

The RAD's Vocational Ballet levels are designed for the more serious dancer, who has a love of dance and may wish to pursue a career in dance, dance teaching or musical theatre. It requires a serious commitment to their training.

Vocational levels are studied alongside and in addition to a student's graded classes. Examinations at vocational level are also allocated points on the UCAS tariff in the UK.

POINTE WORK is studied in Vocational Ballet, however will only commence when it is safe for the student to do so. Teachers constantly assess their students’ readiness for pointe, both in terms of physical readiness, e.g. growth spurts which can indicate the bone maturation of the foot, and technical ability, including control in rises and relevés, core stability and strength, and correct weight placement