The Classes

the Royal Academy of Dance
the Royal Ballet School’s Affiliate Programme
Rambert Grades
 
 

Pointe Works currently offers:

  • The Royal Ballet School’s Affiliate Training Programme.

  • Classical Ballet and Character Dance through The Royal Academy of Dance syllabus.

  • Rambert Grades Contemporary Dance Syllabus.

Please click on the links above for more information on the individual programmes and their differences.

Children can start Ballet Classes in the September before they start School, usually around the age of 4. Ballet classes are organised into academic school years.  From Grade Two and above the children are encouraged to attend two classes a week if possible.  Children can start Rambert Grade 1, Contemporary Dance at age 7.

Below is a list of the Classes offered, a guide to the suitable entry point and possible speed of study. Please bear in mind that at least one academic year must be spent at each grade before moving up, and these are only guidelines - some children will need longer. It is not advisable to rush children through their ballet training, there are absolutely no benefits in doing this.

  • First Steps Ballet is for Pre-School Children to study in the academic year before they start Reception. Classes are 30 minutes and one parent is asked to accompany their child to the lesson.

  • Next Steps Ballet is for Children to study whilst they are in Reception. Classes are 30 minutes and children attend independently from this age onwards.

  • At Year One, children study The Royal Ballet Affiliate Training & Assessment Programme (ATAP) Level 1 Foundation Year. Classes are 45 minutes long.

  • In Year Two, children complete their 2nd year of Royal Ballet ATAP Level 1 Training, with an assessment at the end of the academic year. Classes are 45 minutes long.

  • Year Three children move onto Royal Ballet ATAP Level 2 Foundation Year. Classes are 1 hour long.

  • Year Fours complete the Royal Ballet ATAP Level 2 Training, with an assessment at the end of the academic year. Classes are 1 hour long.

  • Year Fives can begin Royal Ballet ATAP Level 3 Foundation Year. Classes are 1 hour long.

  • Year Sixes complete their Royal Ballet ATAP Level 3, with an assessment at the end of the academic year. Classes are 1 hour long.

  • Year Sevens can continue to study RAD Grade Four, which is a two year course. Classes are 1 hour long

  • Year Eights complete RAD Grade Four, with an exam at the end of the academic year.

Students graduate from Pointe Works at the end of Year 8 with plenty of guidance about where to continue their ballet journey, including trusted recommendations of schools that specialise in the higher grades.