Who are our Ballet, Musical Theatre, Musical Theatre, Street and Commercial Dance, and Acro classes designed for?

In short, everyone!

Whether your child is looking for their own moment to shine, or for a vocation in dance, our dance school offers a family-friendly environment, and a supportive and nurturing approach, where every child progresses.

Throughout each level, our dancers aspire and look up to the older girls from our Intermediate Level, some of whom are working towards their Teaching Assistant qualification through our classical ballet examinations board. The rapport built between our youngest and eldest dancers makes our school a positive and warming experience, even for the shyest of children. The social and emotional development we see in our students is what makes this process positive, fun, and rewarding.

What do we cover in our Ballet Classes?

At Saddleworth Ballet School, our students first steps of technique are explored from 3 years of age, as they build their spatial awareness, musicality, and balance, and most of all, confidence.

From 7 years of age, our students begin to master barre work and centre practice.

From 9 years of age, our students are able to follow the 4 key concepts of a full classical ballet class, including barre work, adagio, allegro, and reverence.

At 11 years of age, our students begin to work en pointe, once they have developed the necessary strength, centre of balance, posture and alignment, and flexibility.

For more information on what we specifically cover in our different age ranges, please use the following links:

Dance for 3-5 year olds

Dance for 6-7 year olds

Dance for 8-10 year olds

Dance for 11 year olds upwards

Why are ballet classes important in improving all dance techniques?

At Saddleworth Ballet School, we understand that ballet technique underpins all dance. Whether its foundations have been remoulded to create jazz dance technique, or its principles have been completely reshaped to create contemporary dance, the technical attributes of plies, tendus, extension, and elevation, are needed in all forms of dance technique.

However, as 21st century Dance Technique Education research has proven, the traditional dance class is no longer adequate in meeting the physical demands placed upon dancers today. At Saddleworth Ballet School, our dancers technical training is bolstered by supplementary physical conditioning exercises, which also enhance their technical execution and mastery.

En Pointe Ballet Classes

At Saddleworth Ballet School, our Junior Level dancers are prepared for pointe work by undertaking foot and ankle strength training, that is incorporated into the structure of their ballet lessons. This two year long process helps to ensure that by the time our dancers reach the Intermediate Level, they have had sufficient opportunity to develop the necessary physical attributes.

Other factors the Principal will consider before advising a child is ready to start pointe work include age, attitude, commitment and progression towards training, physique, and proper pointe shoe fitting.

Pointe Work is incorporated within the Intermediate Level ballet classes, which are held twice a week. Our dancers will wear their pointe shoes for 20-30 minutes each lesson.

At SBS, we use Pose.A Pointes, a specialist pointe shoe boutique in Urmston, and only ever fit our dancers in Gaynor Minden pointe shoes. Gaynor Minden pointe shoes are a 21st century phenomenon, busting the myth that pointe work training should be painful, or that the 185 year old method of how to make a pointe shoe, using cardboard, glue, burlap, and leather, is a tradition that needs to be maintained. The Gaynor Minden shank is a newly-patented, technically-advanced, plastic shank. It protect's our dancers metatarsals, arches, ankles, and Achilles tendons.

Finally, ballet dancers, like other athletes, now have modernised equipment that allows for our dancers to learn pointe work in a safe and enjoyable manner. 

FAQs

How much are ballet, dance, and acro classes?

Classes at Saddleworth Ballet School are excellent value for money, combining the highest standard of tuition, with a friendly family atmosphere. 

Ballet Classes are £7 per class for the Introduction to Dance, Primary, and Junior Levels.

The Intermediate Level Ballet Class is £8, as this includes pointe work.

The Street and Commercial class is £8 per class.

The Heels Dance Class is £10 per class.

The Acro Class is £6 per class.

All other genres of dance are £7 per class.

Do Saddleworth Ballet School offer ballet classes near me?

Yes, Saddleworth Ballet School has a wide catchment area, due to the school's reputation. Students travel from around Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire to attend the school on a weekly basis.

Do I have to pay for fees upfront for the term?

No. At Saddleworth Ballet School you pay for classes monthly through a direct debit that is collected at the beginning of the month. The class cost is multiplied by the number of weeks in the academic year [39 weeks] and divided by 11 months, as the school runs from September to July. Please see the Timetable page for our Term Dates. If you wish to leave, you simply cancel your direct debit.

How old should my child be to begin ballet, dance, or acro classes at Saddleworth Ballet School?

Our ballet classes are for children age walking upwards.

Our Acro Classes are for ages 3 upwards.

Our Street and Commercial Classes are for ages 5 upwards. 

Can my child join the school at any age?

Absolutely! We have many children who have been with us since they were 3 years of age and those of differing ages who have joined the school and at different stages throughout the academic year.