Information for boys & girls over 6 years
Please note: if you are enquiring for more than one child, you will need to complete and submit separate forms for each child.
Ballet Grade
Ballet Grade, Intermediate and Advanced Classes
From around 7 or 8 years, children with the right dance experience can start to work towards ISTD (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance) Graded examinations. Please note; prospective students who are beginners may be placed in a class with younger children who have dance experience.
In all classes, we encourage the children to develop artistic quality and musical awareness, alongside learning correct technique and improving strength, flexibility and stamina. Children who show outstanding potential, may be asked by the Principal to commence work on Major examinations (beyond Intermediate Foundation) alongside continuing working through the ISTD Graded syllabi.
At SLDS, we teach ballet up to Advanced 2 standard, following the ISTD syllabus. Through carefully structured classes, we teach correct technique and aim to achieve the highest standards relative to each individual’s physique and ability. We strive for exceptional classical line and quality of movement alongside encouraging freedom of expression, particularly in the lower grades. Ballet is superb for developing excellent posture, strength and flexibility. Our classes are enjoyable and rewarding but require discipline, commitment and dedication. Our teachers provide a caring and supportive environment in which our students can thrive. As all dance forms compliment each other, to enhance their learning in ballet, we recommend that children also learn tap and modern dance.
For children in Grade 4 ballet and higher, it is necessary to attend weekly body conditioning classes and National Dance classes are compulsory for all children in Primary to Grade 5 ballet. Pointe work is normally introduced for girls when they move into Grade 5 ballet or at commencement of Majors work.
Prospective students with previous ballet dancing experience will need an assessment to find an appropriate level class. The in class assessment fee is £15-£25 depending on the level and duration of the class. A private assessment is charged as per private lesson fees. Please email relevant examination reports in advance so that these can be passed on to the teacher.
Ballet Grade and Vocational Level Class Times Please refer to our timetable for class days and times for various levels:► Class Times
Uniform for Ballet Grade and Vocational Level Classes Please refer to our uniform list on the web page below for items required for ballet and National dancing classes. You will also find on this page, information about how to order a National skirt: https://southlondondancestudios.co.uk/general-information/uniform-for-dance-classes/ After an initial period of half a term, your child must be wearing correct uniform. Most uniform items and all dance shoes must be purchased from a specialist dance shop. ‘Duo Dance’ in Herne Hill is the closest – 020 7274 4517. ‘Dancia’ in Covent Garden and ‘Julienne’ in Beckenham also stock some items of our uniform. We hold second hand uniform sales at the studios usually at the start of each term, please visit above web page for more information and refer to newsletters for forthcoming sale dates.► Uniform
Please note, the following additional fees: ► Fees
30 minute class
£70
12 week term
45 minute class
£84
12 week term
60 minute class
£107
12 week term
75 minute class
£130
12 week term