A joyful introduction to structured ballet learning, Pre-Primary in Dance is the perfect starting point for young dancers who are ready to begin their journey with the Royal Academy of Dance.

This class blends simple technical exercises with imaginative movement and storytelling, helping children develop balance, coordination, musicality and early performance skills - all while having fun.

The class environment is encouraging, playful and supportive, allowing each child to grow in confidence at their own pace. As they explore rhythm and expressive movement, students begin to form the building blocks of classical ballet technique.

For those who are ready, there is the opportunity to be entered for the RAD Pre-Primary Class Award a lovely first achievement and a celebration of everything they’ve learned.

The next step in your child’s ballet journey, Primary in Dance continues to nurture creativity while introducing more structure and technique.

Children explore the foundations of classical ballet alongside free movement, which encourages self-expression and musicality. At this stage, we begin to gently refine posture, coordination, and spatial awareness - always with a sense of joy and imagination.

This level helps prepare students for their first solo exam within the Royal Academy of Dance system. More than just an assessment, it’s a celebration of progress and confidence on stage.

Primary in Dance is the perfect next step after Pre-Primary, offering a natural progression that still keeps learning playful, supportive and fun.

The first vocational level and a key transition point for students moving toward pre-professional ballet.

Pointe work is introduced gradually (typically after 6 months of consistent training).

A required qualification for those pursuing full-time vocational training or RAD teacher training.

Focuses on more complex technique, performance skills, and control.

Our highest levels of ballet training. These grades develop a dancer’s full classical vocabulary, technical strength, and performance artistry.

Recognised by professional training programmes and higher education institutions -these qualifications carry UCAS points, supporting future academic applications.

All of our ballet classes follow a specific uniform as follows:

Pre-Prep & Pre-Primary

• Freed RAD Peony Skirted Leotard in Pale Pink
• Pink ballet socks
• Pink leather ballet shoes with elastics
• Optional: Pink crossover/wrap cardigan

Primary

• Freed RAD Peony Skirted Leotard in Pale Lilac
• Pink ballet socks
• Pink leather ballet shoes with elastics
• Optional: Lilac wrap cardigan

Grades 1 & 2

• RAD Approved Lavender Princess Line Sleeveless Leotard with ruched front
• Pink ballet tights
• Pink leather ballet shoes with elastics
• Optional: Lavender wrap cardigan
• Character skirt – any colour ribbon of your choice
• Black low heel character shoes

Grade 3

• RAD Approved Navy Princess Line Sleeveless Leotard with ruched front
• Pink ballet tights
• Pink leather ballet shoes with elastics
• Optional: Navy wrap cardigan
• Character skirt – any colour ribbon
• Character shoes

Grade 4

• RAD Approved Teal Princess Line Sleeveless Leotard with ruched front
• Pink ballet tights
• Pink ballet shoes with ribbons
• Optional: Teal wrap cardigan
• Character skirt – own choice of ribbon colour
• Black Cuban heel character shoes

Grade 5

• Freed RAD Fern Cap Sleeve Leotard or Freed RAD Callie Camisole Leotard
• Freed RAD Fleur Mesh Wrap Skirt (optional)
• Pink ballet tights
• Pink ballet shoes with ribbons
• Optional: Burgundy wrap cardigan
• Character skirt – own choice of ribbon colour
• Black Cuban heel character shoes

Grades 6, 7 & 8

• RAD Approved Darcey Princess Line Ruched Front Black Leotard or RAD Approved Isabelle Camisole Black Leotard
• RAD Approved Little Ballerina Circular Calf-Length Skirt
• Pink ballet tights
• Pink split-sole flat ballet shoes with elastics
• Character skirt – own choice of ribbon colour
• Black Cuban heel character shoes
• Optional: Black wrap cardigan

Vocational Grades

• RAD Approved Darcey Princess Line Ruched Front Black Leotard or RAD Approved Isabelle Camisole Black Leotard
• Black short circular chiffon wrap skirt
• Pink ballet tights
• Pink split-sole flat ballet shoes with elastics
• Pointe shoes – when invited by the teacher

Hair

• Please ensure hair is neatly tied up in a bun for all ballet classes

Where to purchase

• Information to follow shortly

All of our ballet classes follow a specific uniform as follows:

Nursery to Grade 2

• White short-sleeved leotard
• Black ballet shorts
• White ballet socks
• Black ballet shoes with elastics
• Grade 1 and 2 also need: Black lace-up character shoes (tap shoes with taps removed are fine)

Grade 3 to Grade 8

• White short-sleeved leotard
• Black long stirrup tights
• White ballet socks
• White ballet shoes with elastics
• Black character shoes

Youth Beginners and Improvers

• Form fitted black clothes
• Hair up and neatly off the face
• No jewellery
• Ballet shoes
• Convertible ballet tights (black or pink) or ballet socks (nude, pink or black)

Where to purchase

• Information to follow shortly