Children’s dance classes

Pre-Primary and Primary in Dance (5–6 years) 

These structured classes develop physical skills, stamina, creativity, expression, and musicality using a range of movements and musical styles. This prepares students for ballet and other dance genres at higher levels. 

RAD Graded Ballet (Grades 1–5) 

The Graded Examinations in Dance Syllabus covers three disciplines selected due to their importance in the development of nineteenth-century classical ballet: 

• 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 adapted for the theatre.

RAD Graded Ballet (Grades 6–8) 

The Graded Examinations in Dance Syllabus consists of three dance disciplines selected because of their importance in the development of nineteenth-century full-length classical ballet: 

• 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.

RAD Vocational Ballet (Intermediate Foundation – Advanced 2) 

This is an in-depth study of ballet, developing technique, music and performance skills. It also introduces pointe work for female candidates. This highly focused and practical training prepares students for a dance, or dance-related, career and is appropriate for students from the age of 11.

Students wanting to study for Vocational Graded exams should have the maturity and technical aptitude for demanding study. 

Vocational Grades available:

• Intermediate Foundation
• Intermediate
• Advanced Foundation
• Advanced 1
• Advanced 2

Pre Vocational Ballet (Grade 4 +) 

A non-syllabus class for students from Grade 4 upwards to develop their technique and strength. They will also gain a sound knowledge of the vocabulary for Intermediate Foundation. This will ensure a more seamless transition from the Graded syllabus into Vocational levels.

Students must have gained 70 marks or more in their last exam (Grade 3 and above), or a recommendation from their teacher with a trial class (not needed if 70+ is attained). This must be taken in addition to at least one Graded class. There will be an annual assessment to ensure the students are of the correct standard.

Entry is by invitation only. To enrol, please email danceschool@rad.org.uk to express your interest. 

Non-syllabus Ballet classes (7–8 years, 9–12 years, 13–17 years) 

An excellent way to develop responsiveness to ballet exercises and steps and to improve vocabulary. These complement syllabus classes to create a well-rounded, quick-thinking dancer. A non-syllabus ballet class does not work to the restrictions of a syllabus class, as the exercises are prepared by the teacher rather than an exam board.

Classes are suitable for more serious dancers and those wishing to dance once a week as a hobby. 

Ballet for Beginners (13–17 years) 

These non-syllabus classes introduce the basics of ballet technique, emphasising fun and enjoyment. The study of ballet improves posture, general health and coordination and allows expression and communication through music and movement.

Classes are taught by a highly experienced teacher and accompanied by a pianist. They are the perfect preparation for RAD adult ballet or Graded syllabus classes. 

Advanced Non-Syllabus Ballet (Advanced Foundation + only) 

A non-syllabus, classical ballet class for students of Advanced level. Students are allowed to use their RAD syllabus training in this challenging and focused class. 

Scholars 

RAD Scholars is a class for students who show advanced skills in ballet. Students work to perfect technique, performance skills, artistry, pointe work and many other aspects to become a professional dancer. There will also be performance opportunities.

Entry is by invitation only and students must take a trial class. To enrol, please email danceschool@rad.org.uk to express your interest.

Levels: 

• Junior (8–10 years) 
• Mid (11–14 years) 
• Senior (15–17 years) 

Introduction to Pointe Work 

A new class for students enrolled in Pre-Vocational or Intermediate Foundation. This is designed to help students strengthen and develop their technique in a key area of classical ballet supporting their Vocational training.

Entry into this class is by invitation only. To enrol, please email danceschool@rad.org.uk to express your interest.

Pointe (Intermediate levels) 

A classical ballet class with a strong focus on developing pointe work. Following a warm-up, students will study for at least 30 minutes.

This is a fantastic opportunity for those at Intermediate level and above (or Intermediate Foundation level with a recommendation from a Dance School teacher) to strengthen and develop their technique, while working on their performance and artistry skills. 

To enrol, please email danceschool@rad.org.uk to express your interest.

Pointe (Advanced levels) 

A classical ballet class with a strong focus on developing of pointe work. Following a warm-up, this 45-minute class will give students a minimum of 30 minutes of pointe work.

This is a fantastic opportunity for students at Advanced levels and above to strengthen and develop their technique. 

To enrol, please email danceschool@rad.org.uk to express your interest.

Boys Ballet (5–8, 9–12, and 13–17 years) 

A non-syllabus class for boys focusing on ballet technique and choreography.

Taught by a male teacher, classes develop core strength, musicality, and presentation skills. Promoting fitness and well-being, Boys Ballet provides a core technique enhancing performance in all other styles, from jazz and tap to contemporary and street dance.

Age guidelines are not strict and are levelled according to the skill set and pace of the class. 

RADventurers preschool programme 

Taught by a highly experienced RAD teacher, these classes offer a fun, non-classical introduction to dance for little adventurers eager to explore music and movement in a playful, nurturing environment.

Classes take inspiration from children’s pop culture and help movement development for the tiniest of learners. Mini and Toddler RADventurers must be accompanied by parents. 

Family Dance Movement Class (2½–3 years) 

A fun and creative movement class for toddlers aged 2½ and above and their parent, grandparent, or carer. Taught by a highly experienced RAD teacher, and accompanied by a pianist, these are the perfect introduction to movement and dance and provide a springboard to the RAD Pre-school curriculum.

The classes are designed to improve the children’s confidence and coordination and develop their social skills. Using an array of props and lively music, the classes guarantee to capture the children’s and adult’s imagination.

Dance to Your Own Tune, levels 1 & 2 (3–4 years) 

Movement, music, and magic in our curriculum for children.

Taught with a pianist, these lively but structured classes develop children’s physical skills and encourage creativity, expression, and musicality. And, behind all the fun, they’ll be prepared to move on to ballet and other dance genres at higher levels. 

Jazz (4–7 years) 

This fun and energetic class offer a perfect introduction to jazz dance by developing coordination, introducing technique and building confidence in a friendly and welcoming environment. Students will learn fun dance routines to varying music styles. 

Jazz (8-12 years) 

Students will begin to develop basic jazz dance technique with preparation for turning, leaps, and isolation movements. Warm-up exercises are followed by a fun dance routine in a lively and energetic environment. 

Jazz (13-17 years) 

Following a jazz warm-up and technical exercises, students learn choreography in different styles including lyrical, commercial, and musical theatre. Developing routines over a few weeks, students gain knowledge of the style before moving on to new choreography.

This fun and energetic general-level class is taught by a professional teacher and choreographer. 

Creative (4–7 years) 

Tell a story through dance in this inspiring and imaginative class. Children are encouraged to express themselves through music, movement, and improvisation. This class helps to prepare students for other dance genres including contemporary and jazz. 

Contemporary (all ages)

Contemporary dance is offered at four levels, developing movement skills and vocabulary while stretching physicality and creativity. Fun and informative, this class provides technique support for those taking GCSE or A Level Dance. 

Levelled to the skills and pace of the class, Levels 1-2 provide the perfect introduction to contemporary dance technique, movement, and self-expression. It also explores contemporary styles including Release technique, Limon and Cunningham to build up basic body awareness and engagement. Creative tasks and exercises are developed to create choreographed routines each term. 

Levels 3-4 further develop movement skills and vocabulary, stretching students physically and creatively, with Level 4 being very fast-paced for the most advanced students. The class explores various contemporary styles including Release technique, Limon and Cunningham, to build up advanced body awareness and engagement through multiple exercises throughout class. Students also develop their own choreographic work through creative tasks. 

Hip Hop (4–7 years) 

Fun, energetic and professionally taught, this structured dance class is designed to develop coordination, introduce technique, and build confidence in a friendly and welcoming environment. Students learn street dance styles to the latest tunes in a great way to introduce children to dance. 

Hip Hop (8–12 and 13–17 years) 

High energy and stylised, these urban-style classes are taught by a professional dancer and choreographer. Routines incorporate movements such as popping, locking, funk, jamming and hip hop and are performed to commercial and popular music. Students are also encouraged to express themselves through improvisation and freestyling! 

Commercial Jazz (4–7 and 8–13 years) 

Commercial Jazz is highly choreographed, and a stylised fusion of funk, hip hop, and pop often seen in commercial video clips, music videos and on TV. The class will work on termly choreographed routines which are great for fitness, strength, and stamina. 

Musical Theatre (4–8 and 9–15 years) 

Covering a wide range of musical genres from theatre shows and films, Musical Theatre gives students the chance to learn their favourite song and dance combinations to perform. Students will discover skills in breathing, pitch, tone, harmony, voice projection and performance. 

RADiate 

We offer a RADiate class at the RAD dance school headquarters in Battersea where students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities can discover the benefits of dance in a weekly 45-minute session.

If you are interested in your child joining one of our RADiate sessions at our headquarters, please complete our Registration of Interest Form, and email this to danceschool@rad.org.uk.