Our Classes
Our classes start from the ages of 2 ½ years, all the way up to adults where we welcome all abilities.
Please see below to find the class best suited for your child.
Nursery Ballet – ages 2 ½ – 4 years
A beautiful introduction to dance and movement using the natural actions of the body, classes are structured to aid children’s physical development, coordination, spatial awareness, sensory development, creativity and self-expression.
Pre-Primary in Dance (RAD) – ages 4-6 years
Introducing basic ballet technique, we use an array of props and stories to develop awareness of the positions of the body and perform with an awareness of space.
Primary in Dance (RAD) – 5 ½ – 7years
Classes become more structured in a supportive environment, using set exercises to develop control, co-ordination, elevation, appropriate movement dynamics and to perform expressively.
RAD Graded Syllabus – from 7 years onwards
We follow the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus from Grade 1 to Grade 8, to provide a broad practical dance education developing the technical, musical and performance skills of the student. Character dance is also introduced, which is the theatrical presentation of national dance using ethnic dance and music that has been freely adapted for the theatre. Students are encouraged to take graded examinations at the RAD HQ in Battersea.
RAD Vocational Intermediate Foundation and Intermediate
These classes are by invitation only for dancers with a solid foundation of technique. These classes focus on developing strength, flexibility, and coordination, while also enhancing musicality and expressive performance. Pointe work may be introduced at the teacher’s discretion, ensuring each dancer is physically ready, technically prepared, and emotionally mature for this important step.
Adult Ballet – all abilities and ages 18+ welcome
Our classes for adults use the RAD syllabus (Grade 7 and Intermediate) to underpin the class content. Classes are adapted to suit the students, and are delivered in a supportive and encouraging environment. We welcome both experienced dancers and beginners to join!
“Southwest School of Ballet is simply a wonderful school. As a family we have been part of the school for 3 years and I could not recommend it more highly. Both my son and daughter attend weekly classes and watching their progression and improvement has been a joy to see. Miss Poppy and Miss Karen create a warm and welcoming environment to learn and as a result students thrive. Their classes are enjoyable, fun and imaginative whilst also imparting the technique and discipline of ballet and instilling a love of dance. Often after class my son and daughter are eager to show me the steps they have learnt and like to practice these at home! I feel very lucky to have found such a special ballet school in the heart of Putney.”