Ballet Classes

Ballet Classes in Saddleworth, Thameside and Kirklees

We've listed the key schools running ballet classes in Thameside and Kirklees (covering Saddleworth, Oldham, Holmfirth and Hudderfield to name a few) and provided a top level comparison of where they are located, which ballet class syllabus they follow, whether they enter students for examinations and also hich type of ballet classes they offer (baby, child, adult, pointe). Compare below and if you find a ballet class you'd like to trial click on the free trial class link

Which Ballet Class Syllabus is best

There are many ballet class syllabi but some of the most recognised and followed are BBODance (previously know as British Ballet Organization), Cecchetti, RAD (Royal Academy of Dance), ISTD (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing) and ADTA (International Dance Teachers Association).

Each Ballet class syllabus has it's own strengths and a slightly different emphasis, and indeed The Royal Ballet interchanges between BBODance, RAD and Cecchetti, but ultimately it's about choosing the ballet class and syllabus that suits your child's needs and the ballet class is convenient to attend.

BBODance are ballet specialists and have broadened the range of dance genres they cover inline with their rebrand from British Ballet Organization. Their ballet class syallabus works through sequential grades and associated examinations.

Ceccehetti focuses purely on classical ballet techinique to help develop dancer balance, poise, strength, and bendiness. The different grades provide a clear and structured path for progression along with the exams.

Ultimately you should choose the ballet class at a school which your child can have fun, build self confidence, make new friends and also follows a ballet syllabus that will help them follow the path in dance they desire; be it tturning up and having some fun right through to first steps towards a professional dance career.

Who can take ballet classes

Ballet Classes at most schools are open to all ages (between 18 months and 80 years old!) and ability levels. Some classes and indeed the schools that run them are more about having fun through dance and some have a more sructured approach to learning and progressing ballet. Typiclally the older the student the more emphasis will be placed on progression, technique and improvement, with many of the older students looking to advance into a professional dance qualification (BTEC, undergraduate and postgraduate degree and perhaps even PHD).

What happens in a ballet class

depends on age and level

6 months to walking

At this tender age, to be honest, it's really more of a baby sensory class than a ballet class. However, as soon as the baby can sit up unsupported, which tends to be six months and onwards then a ballet class can be a rewarding experience for parents and babies alike.

activities include:

• music
• scarves
• teddies

Walking to 2 years old

more interaction and group dance usually via nursery rhymes and storytelling.

Ages 3 - 5

focussed on developing spatial awareness, balance and confidence through ballet. Activities include:

• galops
• marches
• pointe and close
• sways
• jumps
• plies

Ages 6 - 7

Activities include:

• barre work (foot exercise, battenment tendu, battenment pique)
• centre practice (port de bras, walks with pique, battenment tendu, sways, glissade and sautes, balances, reverence)

Ages 8 - 10

start to follow the 4 key concepts of ballet including barre work, reverence, allegro and adagio. Activities include:

• fundamental principles of classical ballet technique
• dance with expression and deliver high performance quality

Ages 11+

begin en pointe. Activities include:

• explore performing to varrious musical tempos and rhythms
• enhanced artisitic expression in dance performance
• learn French ballet terminology

Adult ballet and barre classes

Adult ballet classes tends to be delivered in the form of Barre Tone Classes, which combines barre work with ballet, yoga and pilates. Activities include:

• total body workout 
• using ballet barre, gym matts

What do you wear to a ballet class

Most ballet classes have a required uniform encompassing leotard, leggings or socks, a ballet skirt and cardigan for the winter. They can usually be sourced through the school or if not required to be matching, any found online.