You may have fallen love with ballet because of its elegance, exuberance and artistic expression. But don’t be fooled by this graceful art form!
It also helps build strength and technique for learners of all ages. That’s why going for quality ballet classes can be beneficial in developing good posture and accurate movements.
Ballet classes are good for:
- Motor skills
- Physical activity
- Musical appreciation
- Dance technique
We’ve found the best ballet classes near you to save you time on your search. Plus, we’ve got classes for every age group, ranging from tiny ballerinas to mature adult students.
Ballet classes for toddlers
In toddler ballet classes, your young dancer will learn the basic ballet positions and moves in a warm, welcoming environment.
The emphasis is on helping them develop their coordination and balancing skills in a fun way — your little one might dance along to funky tunes as well as calming classics! At the end of a set of lessons, toddlers will usually get to show off their progress with a short performance!
We’re loving Dakoda’s Dance Academy in Belgravia, which offers toddler ballet classes for one- to three-year-olds. They even have parent-accompanied classes for those who wish to accompany their little ones.
Should I put my toddler in ballet?
You could enrol your child in ballet classes if you’re looking for a great physical activity that teaches coordination, balance and flexibility. It’s also beneficial for developing creative movement and musical ability.
Plus, it’s an avenue for them to meet other children and make new friends their own age! The most important thing is for your little one to try out ballet classes and see if they enjoy them!
Can a two-year-old go to ballet?
Yes, there are ballet classes for two-year-olds. At this stage, the classes are all about having fun and exposing your little one to foundational ballet techniques that will set them up for success at a later stage.
Toddler ballet classes in London
The top toddler ballet classes in London include those from Dakoda’s Dance Academy in Belgravia. They have toddler lessons for dancers as young as one year old. Similarly, Adore Dance lessons in Hackney Wick start from three years old.
Ballet classes for kids
Some of the best ballet classes for kids include those from Angelina Jandolo Dance which follows the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) curriculum.
Ballet classes for kids are usually centred around fun and exploration. But there might be a little more structure compared to toddler lessons.
You can expect them to learn basic ballet terminology (like plié and pirouette) and the beginning elements of the dance form, like the five basic ballet positions.
Some dance schools may also offer the UK’s Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) curriculum and grading system.
Is ballet good for your child?
If you’ve got a child who loves moving and music, ballet might be a great way for them to nurture those interests.
It can also be a great confidence and self-esteem booster as they learn and master new ballet moves on the dance floor.
Kids ballet classes in London
If you’re looking for kid’s ballet classes in London that focus on the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) curriculum, you can check out Dakoda’s Dance Academy.
If you’re looking for more casual, play-oriented classes, Dance with Us might be a good option.
Ballet classes for tweens
The Pleasing Dance School of Ballet and Dakoda’s Dance Academy offer ballet classes for tweens that focus on the classical Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) technique and grading system. Adore Dance offers combined ballet and jazz lessons that allow dancers to develop a wider range of techniques.
At the tween level, dancers will continue to master more advanced ballet techniques while incorporating musicality and movement. At higher levels of instruction, students start mastering strategic choreography and combining different skills into sequences.
Some dancers might progress to pointe work (where they wear special boxed slippers that allow them to stand on their toes) at this age.
Many ballet schools also offer grading systems which allow dancers a concrete way to measure their progress.
Is 10 years old too late to start ballet?
10 years old is certainly not too late to start ballet! Many renowned ballet dancers have even started ballet in their tweens and gone on to enjoy very successful careers!
All that matters is your tween’s interest in learning ballet.
Does ballet delay puberty?
Ballet itself doesn’t cause puberty to be delayed. However, because of the physical intensity of the dance form, it means that many dancers who approach the pre-professional level often do not eat enough to compensate for their energy expenditure.
In some cases, this can lead to a lack of nutrition, which frequently interferes with the release of the hormone that kick-starts the menstrual cycle. (1)
Imbalanced nutrition has nothing to do with ballet as a dance form; it is more closely related to how dancers manage their transition to more intense levels.
Tween ballet classes in London
Some of the top tween ballet classes in London include those from Dakoda’s Dance Academy, which follows the classical Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) technique and grading system.
Ballet classes for teens
Dakoda’s Dance Academy holds teen ballet classes that are aligned with the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) technique and grading system. Their classes are well-suited to those who are looking to progress to pointe work.
If your child has already been taking classes from a young age, teen classes will focus on helping your child learn more advanced skills and complicated choreography.
Certain studios also hold beginner classes for teens who’ve had no or little previous exposure to ballet.
Is 13 years old too late to start ballet?
No, 13 years old is not too late to start ballet. Many believe that earlier is always better. But this may not always be the case. There are many professional ballet dancers who started dancing in their tween or teen years and still went on to have successful careers.
Teen ballet classes in London
Dakoda’s Dance Academy teen ballet classes in London are suited to those who want formal training in the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) technique and grading system.
Ballet classes for adults
EnoDanse in Camden Town organises adult ballet classes that are relaxed but don’t compromise on imparting the right posture and technique.
In an adult ballet class, you’ll learn the foundational positions of ballet (usually starting out at the barre). As you progress, you’ll start learning more advanced choreography for movement across the floor.
Is ballet good for adults?
Ballet is good for adults because it can serve as a great workout and creative activity at the same time! It’s also great for learning discipline and developing your musicality. (2)
Can ballet help you lose weight?
Ballet is a form of cardio exercise and can help with weight loss if paired with a healthy diet. (3)
Adult ballet classes in London
Some of the best adult ballet classes include those from EnoDanse. We like that these studios emphasise a nurturing environment for adult students (it doesn’t matter if you’re 18 or 60!) while also teaching all of the proper techniques.
Ballet classes near you
Dakoda’s Dance Academy and Elite Dancers Academy offer ballet classes for a wide range of age groups and follow the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) technique and grading system for those who are interested in formal training.
If you’re looking for more classes, head over to our ballet classes section on Loopla to find more near you.
FAQs: ballet classes in London
What is the best age to start ballet?
Informal ballet instruction can start from any age — from as young as a year old to your adult years.
However, experts recommend that formal ballet training only begin around the age of eight years old, as this is when the child’s body is developed enough for the physical demands. (4)
Is ballet harmful to kids?
Ballet is a beautiful art form. But, as with any physical activity, there is a risk of injury if teachers do not pass on proper techniques to students. Always check that teachers are qualified before sending your child for lessons. (5)
Is ballet good for ADHD?
Ballet alone may not be enough to reduce ADHD symptoms, but it can be a good complementary activity to ADHD treatment. One research study found that dance movement therapy was effective in parent and teacher-reported ADHD symptoms in children. (6)
What age is too late for ballet?
No age is too late to start ballet! As long as you or your little one has a love for the dance form, feel free to begin your ballet journey.
Many professional dancers begin at around four years old, with more formal training starting at eight years old. However, several have also started in their tween years.
How late is too late to start pointe?
It is never too late to start pointe work. Most experts believe that ballet students should be at least 11 years of age before advancing to dancing on their toes, however.
The bones in our feet do not finish developing until we are 13-15 years old, and starting pointe before that stage can risk causing permanent damage to immature bones. (7)
What grade in ballet do you start pointe?
Pointe work may start when the student is around Grade 5 or when they start the vocational grades. This also depends on the student’s age and level of commitment to lessons. (8)
Can you do ballet if you’re not flexible?
You do not have to be flexible when you begin learning ballet, and it is something that you can develop gradually in a safe way under the guidance of your teacher.
To find ballet classes near you, search here on Loopla.
References
- “Delayed Puberty: Why Not Getting Your Period is a Problem”, Candice Thompson – Pointe Magazine
- “Take up ballet as an adult”, The Guardian
- “Can You Lose Weight with Dancing”, Erica Hersh – Healthline
- “At What Age Should My Child Begin Ballet Lessons”, Treva Bedinghaus – Live About
- “Unqualified ballet teachers can ‘damage’ children”, Judith Burns – BBC
- “Effectiveness of dance movement therapy on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder children aged between 6-12 years”, J. Shilpa and Dr Asha P. Shetty – Manipal Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences
- “Criteria for Pointe Work”, Washington University Physicians
- “At what age should ballet dancers begin pointe work?” Johanna Hadley – Dancewear Central