Seniors (13+years)
Our Senior Dance classes are designed for students aged 13+ who are ready to take their training to the next level. At this stage, dancers refine their technique, strength, and artistry across a range of styles, while developing the maturity and discipline needed for more advanced work. Classes encourage individuality and self-expression alongside technical excellence, with opportunities to explore complex choreography, performance skills, and creative projects.
Whether students are dancing for enjoyment or aspiring towards further vocational training, our senior programme provides a supportive environment where they can challenge themselves, grow in confidence, and discover their full potential as versatile performers.
Ballet
Grades 5+
For ages 13+ years
At this level, students enter the senior grades of the BBODance Ballet syllabus, where technical refinement and artistry become the focus of training. Dancers work towards greater strength, precision, and control, developing a deeper understanding of ballet vocabulary and movement quality. Classes challenge students with more complex sequences, pointe work (where appropriate), and expressive performance, while continuing to nurture musicality and creativity. Alongside physical progression, students gain discipline, resilience, and confidence, preparing them for both examinations and performance opportunities.
These classes provide a strong platform for those aspiring to vocational training as well as a rewarding and enriching experience for students who wish to pursue ballet as a lifelong passion.
The Royal Ballet School
Affiliated Teacher Assessment Programme
We are proud to share that Miss Anne and Miss Bev are currently trainee Royal Ballet School Affiliate Teachers, undertaking specialist training through the Affiliate Training and Assessment Programme (ATAP).
The Royal Ballet School is recognised worldwide as a leader in ballet education, training exceptional dancers for The Royal Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet, and other leading companies across the globe. Through ATAP, the School extends its renowned System of Training to recreational dance teachers, raising the standard of ballet teaching and opening up new opportunities for students everywhere.
What this means for our dancers:
* A world-class foundation – students will master classical ballet vocabulary and develop strong, safe technique.
* Dance as an art form – classes will include ballet appreciation, exposure to repertoire, and opportunities to explore choreography and performance.
* Exclusive resources & opportunities – through a direct link with The Royal Ballet companies, students will gain access to unique materials and experiences not available elsewhere.
* A lifelong love of dance – ATAP is designed not only to build technical skill but also to foster artistry, creativity, and enjoyment.
Tap
Grades 5+
For Ages 13+
At this level, students progress into the senior grades of the BBODance Tap syllabus, where technical detail and performance quality are brought to the forefront. Dancers refine clarity, speed, and precision in their footwork while tackling more complex rhythms, syncopation, and intricate combinations.
Classes encourage versatility by exploring a range of tap styles and dynamics, developing both individual artistry and ensemble performance skills.
Alongside advancing their technique, students build stamina, musical sensitivity through rhythm. These classes provide a solid foundation for those considering further training, while also offering a vibrant and rewarding experience for students who simply love to dance
Modern
Grade 5+
Ages 13+
At this level, students advance into the senior grades of the BBODance Modern syllabus, where strength, flexibility, and technical control are developed alongside artistry and expression.
Classes challenge dancers with more demanding travelling sequences, leaps, and turns, while introducing increasingly complex choreography and stylistic variety. Emphasis is placed on performance quality, musicality, and dynamics, encouraging students to connect emotion and storytelling with movement. As they refine their technique, dancers also develop creativity, resilience, and confidence, preparing them for examinations, stage performance, or progression into further training.
These classes offer an inspiring and rewarding space for students to explore their individuality and grow as versatile, expressive performers.
Musical Theatre
Grade 5+
Ages 13+
At this level, students begin to develop their skills in singing, dancing, and acting through the senior grades of the BBODance Musical Theatre syllabus and the sampling of mini musical theatre productions.
Classes focus on vocal technique, choreography, and characterisation, while also building stagecraft skills such as projection, timing, and ensemble work. Students explore a wide range of repertoire and performance styles, encouraging versatility and a deeper understanding of storytelling through song and movement.
Alongside technical progression, classes nurture creativity, confidence, and professionalism, preparing students for examinations, stage opportunities, and, if they choose, further vocational training. These classes provide an inspiring environment where young performers can challenge themselves, collaborate, and truly shine on stage.
Embody Future Teachers
Senior Leader Skills
Ages 13+
We are proud to offer the Future Dance Teachers Programme, an exciting and supportive course designed to nurture the next generation of dance educators.
Running over 10 months from September to June, this programme combines practical experience with specialist training to inspire, develop, and guide students towards a future in teaching.
Throughout the year, participants attend four dedicated training days at our studios. These sessions introduce students to key teaching techniques, provide 1:1 mentoring, and encourage them to reflect on their future goals as aspiring dance teachers.
Alongside training, students gain hands-on weekly work experience, assisting in classes for a minimum of 30 minutes each week.
This invaluable opportunity allows them to inspire younger dancers, put their learning into practice, and grow in confidence as classroom leaders. They will also have the chance to assist at Watch Weeks and Studio Shows, further developing their stagecraft and organisational skills.
Contemporary
Rambert Grades
Ages 13+
Our Senior Contemporary classes follow the Rambert Grades syllabus, offering progressive training that is firmly rooted in professional practice. At this level, students go beyond technical foundations to explore the artistry and individuality that contemporary dance celebrates.
Through the study of professional repertory works, dancers gain insight into the styles and creative approaches of internationally renowned choreographers, building performance skills and a deeper understanding of contemporary technique. Alongside this, students develop their own creative voice through choreographic tasks, composition, and improvisation, learning to generate original movement and refine their artistry.
With a focus on expression, collaboration, and individuality, Rambert Grades encourages dancers to see themselves not only as performers but as emerging dance artists. These classes challenge and inspire students, equipping them with transferable skills such as creativity, resilience, and confidence, while nurturing a lifelong passion for contemporary dance.
Twinkle Tots & Stars
Ages 2-4
Pre-Primary & Primary
Ages 5-8
Grades 1-4
Ages 9-13
Seniors
Ages 13+
FAQ'S
Can my child try a class before enrolling?
Absolutely! We offer a 4-week trial for just £20. Think of it like a class pass, your child can try as many classes in their age group as they like during those four weeks. It’s a great way for them to explore, find their favourites, and settle in before choosing the right class for them.
Absolutely! We offer free trial classes every week. Just book online or give us a call.
What should my child wear to class?
Comfortable clothing like leggings, joggers, or shorts with a t-shirt is perfect for moving freely. We will do our best to find a pair of dance shoes they can borrow while they settle in.
Comfy clothes they can move in! Barefoot or sneakers are fine for most beginner classes.
Do you hold performances or showcases?
Yes! We celebrate with an informal end-of-year showcase, plus a spectacular biannual school production at the Queen’s Theatre in Barnstaple. Our performance company also shines at community events throughout the year.
Term Dates
2025/2026
(Bideford & Torrington)
Autumn Term
Term starts: 6th September
Term ends: 20th December
Winter Term
Term starts: 5th January
Term ends: 28th March
Summer Term
Term starts: 20th April
Term Ends: 18th July
Our Locations
Bideford
12 Ropewalk
Bideford
EX39 2NA
Torrington
Castle Hill Community Centre
Castle Hill
South Street, Torrington
Devon
EX38 8AA
Minehead
36 Irnham Road
Minehead
TA24 5UD
Get In Touch
Let us know if you’re interested in booking a class and we will get back to you as soon as possible!
