Grade 1-4 (9-13years)

In Grade 1–4, dancers continue to build on their early foundations, developing greater strength, musicality, and expression. Classes encourage creativity and storytelling while deepening technical skills through structured exercises and imaginative movement. With growing confidence, students refine their ability to listen, perform, and work as a team, preparing them to shine on stage with artistry and joy.

Ballet

Grades 1-4

For ages 9-13 years

At this level, students build on the skills they learnt in previous levels and progress into more formal ballet training. Working through the BBODance Ballet syllabus, they develop greater strength, flexibility, and technical precision while deepening their understanding of ballet vocabulary. Classes encourage artistry and self-expression, balancing structured exercises with opportunities for creativity and performance. As students refine coordination, alignment, and musical awareness, they also cultivate discipline, confidence, and a growing appreciation for the beauty and complexity of ballet in a supportive and inspiring environment. When Miss Anne and Miss Bev have completed their affiliate training we also plan to introduce the Royal Ballet Schools system of training.

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 1-4

For Ages 9-13

At this level, students progress beyond the basics to develop clarity, precision, and control in their tap technique. Following the BBODance Tap syllabus, they build rhythmic complexity, strengthen musical awareness, and expand their vocabulary of steps and combinations. Classes focus on timing, coordination, and dynamics, encouraging dancers to explore different styles and performance qualities.

Alongside developing technical accuracy, students also grow in creativity, confidence, and stage presence discovering how to tell stories and express character through rhythm and sound in a lively and supportive environment.

Acro

Level 2-3

Ages 4-8

At this level, students build on their foundations to develop greater strength, control, and technical accuracy in their Acro skills. Training introduces more challenging balances, transitions, and sequences while continuing to emphasise safe practice and correct technique.

As flexibility, stamina, and coordination improve, students work towards mastering skills such as walkovers, handstands, and variations of cartwheels. Alongside developing resilience and body awareness, classes encourage creativity by blending Acro with dance movement, helping students grow in confidence, performance quality, and versatility.

Modern

Grade 1-4

Ages 5-8

At this level, students expand their technical foundations and begin to explore the full expressive range of modern dance. Following the BBODance Modern syllabus, they develop strength, flexibility, and control while progressing through more challenging travelling sequences, leaps, and turns. Classes emphasise musicality, dynamics, and performance quality, encouraging dancers to connect movement with emotion and storytelling.

As they refine coordination and technique, students also gain confidence, creativity, and individuality learning to combine discipline with freedom of expression in a supportive and inspiring environment.

Musical Theatre

Grade 1-4

Ages 9-13

At this level, students deepen their skills across singing, dancing, and acting, building confidence as all-round performers. Classes follow the BBODance Musical Theatre framework, along side the creative process of putting on segments of jnr musical theatre productions. We also introducing more structured choreography, and character development.

Students learn to combine movement, music, and dialogue with greater precision and expression, while also exploring stagecraft skills such as timing, focus, and ensemble performance. As they grow in technique and stage presence, students are encouraged to connect with an audience, express emotion through performance, and work collaboratively developing versatility, creativity, and a love of storytelling in a supportive and inspiring environment.

Contemporary

Rambert Grades

Ages 9-13

Our Contemporary Dance classes follow the innovative Rambert Grades syllabus, offering progressive training that is grounded in professional practice and designed to develop the whole dancer.

At this level, students explore dynamic movement, fluidity, and expression while building strength, flexibility, and coordination. Classes encourage creativity and individuality, with an emphasis on improvisation, partnering, and contemporary technique drawn from leading practitioners.

Through Rambert’s inclusive approach, students also develop transferable skills such as resilience, collaboration, and confidence preparing them not only as dancers but as well-rounded performers.

With a balance of structured training and artistic freedom, these classes inspire students to discover their unique voice in movement.

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

Ropewalk, Bideford EX39 2NA, UK

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!