good ballet school/lessons North London

[henrietta1199]

Hi everybody,

I am looking for a proper baller school for my 6 yo daughter. Currently my daughter goes to a simple local one but it is a complete waste of time. They just dance like a generalized dance club where children having fun. I am dissapointed, I went to a ballet school myself in my home country when I was young and it was quite different. Most of the time was spent at the ballet bar and stretching. Are there such schools in London, ideally in NW3?

My daughters and son all attend this school. Great teachers, ballet exams etc.
www.spencerstageschool.com/

Highly recommend it. The owner is very knowledgeable and professional....as well as vibrant and kind.

Stanmore is probably too far but I highly recommend Van Niekerk Academy of Dance:

www.vanniekerkacademyofdance.co.uk/index.php

It's a proper ballet school and they only do ballet. Lots of her students successfully audition for associates classes, EYB, NYB and so on.

Finchley ballet school or Rona Hart ballet school in hampstead

www.westhampsteadschoolofdance.co.uk/

Gill takes it all very seriously! there is a show in December so she might be able to take part if she starts next term and is of grade 1 standard or above

yes there are good ballet/dance schools throughout the country. They may do different boards but if you can find one with a good standard of teaching then the board doesn't matter. I can't help in your area but my advice when looking is to investigate online. Look at their websites and facebook pages. If you want good technical training then look at their exam results if they mention them as if they are getting higher marks then they will presumably have good technical teaching. Look at whether they do shows annually or less freequently if this is potentially important to you. Do they just teach ballet or is there the option to add other dance styles if you wish, or even drama/musical theatre. Do they get involved in local productions if they don't do their own shows such as pantomimes or touring shows. If they do then they will normally mention these things on their websites/facebook pages. Then you want to go and try a class. I would probably suggest trying more than one, doesn't need to be loads and if you are happy with the first one you try then that is great but don't feel you have to sign up at the first one. Your daughter needs to feel comfortable and happy there. Class sizes - massive could mean not enough personal attention but it does depend on the teacher and perhaps they have helpers in there too, too small classes could mean numbers aren't great and classes may end up closing or merging with others so it is worth looking at. If they do lots of shows then look for added extra costs before you get involved. Some schools do lots of shows and only charge minimal amounts for costumes, others will expect hundreds of pounds in addition to lessons to cover rehearsals and costumes. Once your child is there if she wants to join in them (or if they are compulsory) then you will find it hard to say no. oh another thing is some dance schools charge for extra exam preparation lessons, others don't. So very general suggestions of things to consider there but might help a bit.

Marylebone Ballet School (ISTD Cecchetti) - Marble Arch
Highgate Ballet School (ISTD Cecchetti) - Highgate
Spirit Young Performers open ballet classes (ISTD Imperial) - Kentish Town

I know all 3 of these schools and all are excellent.

My girls have been going to Hampstead Ballet School for 3 years hampsteadballetsch.co.uk/. Best classes are on Saturday in O2. The principles teach themselves and are professional ballet dancers. End of year show is spectacular and children get in ballet schools all over the world if you are interested in carrying on professionally.

Jump Up dance academy meets at UCL school in Adelaide rd. The principal as far as I remember is a RADA examiner. She has high standards.