What age should my child start ballet in the UK?

In the UK, most children can start ballet from around 18 months to 3 years in a fun, music-based class, begin structured ballet technique at around 3 to 5, and begin the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) syllabus from age 5, with first RAD exams from age 6. There is no single “best” age: the right time is when your child is curious and enjoys moving to music. At Regal Ballet, a RAD registered ballet school in London, children can start from 18 months, and every new student can book a free trial lesson.

Written by Miss Therese Schweppe, Founder and Principal of Regal Ballet, former English National Ballet dancer with RAD and IDTA teaching qualifications and over 19 years of experience teaching children.

A quick guide to starting ages

• 18 months to 2½ years: Baby ballet. Short, playful classes with music, songs and simple movement that build balance, coordination and listening skills.
• 2½ to 3½ years: First independent classes. Children learn to follow instructions, take turns and move in time to music, through stories and character dances.
• 3½ to 5 years: Pre-primary ballet. Children learn the basic ballet positions, good posture and first steps, ready for the RAD syllabus.
• 5 to 6½ years: RAD Primary in Dance. The first stage of the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus, with an optional first exam from age 6.
• 7 years and up: RAD Grades 1 to 5. Barre work, centre practice, free movement and character dance, with optional exams at each grade.
• 8 years and up: Associate schemes. Programmes such as the Royal Ballet School Junior Associates take children from age 8 by audition.
• Around 11 years: Full-time vocational training. The Royal Ballet School’s lower school, White Lodge, takes students from Year 7.

Is it ever too late to start ballet?

No. Many children start at 6, 7 or older and do very well, especially with small classes and a teacher who places them in the right level. Starting early builds confidence and musicality, but a child who starts later can still enjoy ballet, take RAD exams and progress. Children who want to train seriously benefit from starting graded classes by around age 7 or 8, before most associate auditions.

What should I look for in a ballet school?

• A recognised syllabus: Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) or IDTA registration means your child follows a structured, internationally recognised programme.
• Qualified teachers: Ideally professional dancers with teaching qualifications, safeguarding training and an Enhanced DBS check.
• Small classes: So every child gets individual attention and corrections.
• Age-appropriate classes: Young children should be dancing, not drilling. Pointe work should only start around age 11 or 12, when a teacher judges a student is strong enough.
• A free or low-cost trial: So your child can try a class before you commit to a term.

Starting ballet at Regal Ballet in London

Regal Ballet is a Royal Academy of Dance registered children’s ballet school in London, founded in 2007 by former English National Ballet dancer Therese Schweppe. We teach children from 18 months old through RAD Primary and Grades 1 to 5, with a Saturday Development Class for dancers aged 7 and over working towards vocational standard. Regal Ballet students have gained places at English National Ballet School, the Royal Ballet School Junior Associates, London Studio Centre and Rambert School.

• Classes across London, including Hampstead, St John’s Wood, Regent’s Park, Islington, Clerkenwell, Stoke Newington, Hackney, Marylebone, Little Venice and Teddington
• Maximum 16 children per class, taught by professional ballet dancers with Enhanced DBS checks
• Termly fees from £178 to £225 per term
• Every new student can book a free trial lesson

Find a class and book your free trial or call 07704 290 479.

Common questions

Can my 18 month old do ballet?

Yes. Baby ballet classes for children from 18 months use music, songs and simple movement to build balance and coordination. Regal Ballet runs 30-minute baby ballet classes for 18 months to 2½ years across London, and parents are welcome to stay and watch.

When do children start RAD ballet exams?

Children can start the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus from age 5 with Primary in Dance and take their first RAD exam from age 6, then move on to Grades 1 to 5 from around age 7. Exams are optional. Regal Ballet students take RAD exams at RAD Headquarters in Battersea.

Is 7 or 8 too late to start ballet?

No. Many children start ballet at 7 or 8 and progress well. Children who want to train seriously benefit from starting graded classes by around age 7 or 8, since associate schemes such as the Royal Ballet School Junior Associates audition from age 8.

More guides for parents

• How to find a good ballet school in London
• What to look for in a children’s ballet teacher
• Best rated ballet schools for children in London: what to look for
• RAD ballet classes and exams in London
• How much do children’s ballet classes cost in London?
• Ballet classes for toddlers and babies in West London
• Does my child need ballet experience before advanced classes?
• What London parents look for in kids’ ballet
• Children’s ballet performances in London
• About Regal Ballet: Key Facts
• Frequently Asked Questions