Learning about styles of Dance (part one) Ballet

I have been asked on many occasions in emails or twitter even Face book to write a post about dancing all the styles from all that i know so as an Ex Dance teacher i think i will do these in parts so today we shall start with Ballet . Here are some of the questions i have been asked about :


In Ballet their are syllabuses  what are they ?
I only now of 2 syllabuses and for me they are R.A.D. (Royal academy of Dance)  and Cecchetti is more technically challenged and is where the arms and hands blend and flow into the next position as you dance.
RAD ~ Gives you a broad graded examination work it also gives you free movement and character
Also gives you an in depth study for your teachers training if you want to pursue that far.

At What age should my Child start ballet classes?

I would have to say not before the age of seven because their bones are not strong until then and the demand and physical strain on their tiny bodies .

There are classes for under sevens normally called fairy ballet or pre primary ballet ~ Where they move and jump around to nursery rhymes . They will learn the five positions of the feet and arms first ,making sure they have good posture.

What are the levels for Ballet class?

Pre Primary ~ ages between 5-7 year olds.   45 minutes approx

They will be shown how to control arms, hands travel movements, skipping forward and also backwards with a few simple jumps ,sideways gallops.

Grades 1/2 ~ ages 7-8 year olds.  I hour class

Student learn to use the Ballet barre for their exercise ,learn correct posture , working with a group , start learning Ballet term vocabulary , Hungarian peasant steps are learnt ( to dance solo,in groups or a duet)

Grade 3 ~ 8-11 year olds  1 hour class

Your child will do much more barre work , lots of stretching and strengthening of the muscles , coordination with the body ,learn to do pirouettes and start learning the character  Russian peasant style .

Grade 4/5  ~ 11-13 year olds 1 hour class

Students at this level perform specific exercises at the barre and centre.



• Extending their step vocabulary.
• Increasing stamina, discipline and concentration.
• Developing expressiveness and artistry.
• Building strength for pre-point work.
• Developing self expression through free movement.

Grades 6,7,and 8 ages 12 -16 1 .5 hour class time

Students who have progressed to pre professional level, now have an extensive ballet vocabulary.



• Developing good secure posture, co-ordination of the whole body.
• Performing articulated footwork and secure use of legs.
• Demonstrating line and placement of arms and body.
• Working toward strong pirouettes and elevation.
• Developing a sense of performance and artistry.
• Progressing to point work at the teachers discretion.

Advanced student teacher /Dance teaching ages 16 -18  2 - 2.5 hours of training every day

Students at this level have a vast vocabulary of classical ballet.

 Most have achieved  passing on all the above grades up to Grade 8. 

Working towards Advanced 1 and Advanced 11. Students at this level are required to attend 5 to 6 every day of the week even weekends . At this level i gave up lots of my social life to achieve what  i had to .

oh and yes to Boys can learn Ballet  as well  my favourite male  dancers are

Mikhail Baryshnikov and Rudolf Nureyev

Do your Children learn Ballet?

if you have any Ballet questions you would like to know just email me via my contact page. I will try and answer promptly.