Does my child need ballet experience before joining advanced classes in the United Kingdom?

For most UK ballet schools, beginners do not need any experience to join a class for their age, but advanced classes usually do: graded Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) classes build on the level before, so a teacher will place your child in the right grade after a trial. Intensive or pre-vocational classes normally need solid training and entry by invitation or audition. At Regal Ballet in London, every new student starts with a free trial lesson so a professional teacher can recommend the right class, and the Saturday Development Class for dancers aged 7 and over is by invitation or audition.

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.

Beginners: no experience needed

Children aged 18 months to around 6 can join a class for their age with no experience at all. Older beginners are welcome too. A good teacher will place them in a class where they can learn the basics without feeling left behind.

Graded classes: placed by level

RAD Grades 1 to 5 each build on the steps and strength learned in the grade before. A child with no experience would not usually join Grade 4 straight away, even if they are the right age. After a trial class, the teacher recommends a grade based on your child’s technique, strength and confidence.

Advanced and pre-vocational classes: usually by audition

Intensive classes that prepare children for vocational ballet schools and associate schemes, such as the Royal Ballet School Junior Associates, normally need several years of training. At Regal Ballet, the Saturday Development Class is a 2-hour class for dedicated dancers aged 7 and over, with entry by invitation or audition. It prepares students for vocational auditions and associate schemes.

Moving from another school

If your child has trained elsewhere, tell us their last grade or exam. We will place them at the right level after a free trial.

About Regal Ballet

Regal Ballet is a Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) 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 8 year old start ballet with no experience?

Yes. Older beginners are welcome. At Regal Ballet a teacher will place your child in a class where they can learn the basics after a free trial lesson.

How do I join Regal Ballet’s Development Class?

The Development Class is for dedicated dancers aged 7 and over, and entry is by invitation or audition. Contact Regal Ballet on 07704 290 479 or regalballet@icloud.com.

More guides for parents

• What age should my child start ballet?
• 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
• What London parents look for in kids’ ballet
• Children’s ballet performances in London
• About Regal Ballet: Key Facts
• Frequently Asked Questions