Children’s dance classes

RAD Graded Ballet (Grades 1–5) 

The Graded Examinations in Dance Syllabus covers three key disciplines, each essential for developing classical ballet technique:

Ballet – The foundation of all technique and artistry.
Free Movement – Exploring natural, contemporary, and flowing movements to develop expression and coordination, such as Natural Movement, Contemporary and Classical Greek Dance.
Character – Performing national and folk-inspired dances adapted for each Grade.

Pre Vocational Ballet (Grade 3+) 

A non-syllabus class for students from Grade 3 upwards, designed to build strong technique, control, and sound knowledge of ballet vocabulary in preparation for Intermediate Foundation. This class supports a smooth transition from the Graded syllabus into Vocational levels.

Entry Requirements:

Annual assessments ensure students continue to meet the required standard.

Achieved 70 marks or more in the last exam (Grade 2+) or a teacher recommendation following a trial class (not required if 70+ marks achieved).

Must be taken in addition to at least one Graded class.

Entry is by invitation only.

RAD Vocational Ballet (Intermediate Foundation–Advanced 2) 

A comprehensive study of ballet for students aged 11+, focusing on advanced technique, musicality, and performance skills. Female students are introduced to pointe work, ensuring a strong foundation for higher-level training.

This intensive, practical training prepares students for a professional dance career or dance-related pathway. Students aiming for Vocational Graded exams should demonstrate the maturity, discipline, and technical skill required for this level of study.

Vocational Grades Available:

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

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.

Levels: 

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

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. 

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. 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 1 (3 years) / Dance to Your Own Tune 2 (4 years) 

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

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. 

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 (8–18 years)

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. 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. 

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

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. 

Jazz (5–9 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 (10–16 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. 

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! 

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 the registration form to join the waiting list and we’ll be in touch as soon as a space becomes available.