James, the organiser at Guildford Dance, has been running this dance school in Guildford, Surrey since 2009. He's got the place registered with The Royal Academy of Dance, offering ballet for kids starting from age 2.5. The teachers are top-notch and all the staff are DBS-checked.
James kicks things off with fun pre-school classes for the little ones. These sessions focus on storytelling and themed activities to teach dance basics. It’s not just about learning steps; it’s also about improving coordination, motor skills, social skills, and discipline.
As the kids get older, they follow the RAD syllabus with a track record of 100% pass rates in exams. There are levels starting from Pre-Primary, which gives the kids something to aim for and the thrill of passing graded exams. And for the super-talented, there’s a shot at auditioning for the Royal Ballet School’s Associate Programme.
In addition to ballet, James introduces older students to Character Dance and Free Movement. Character Dance adds a bit of theatre with national and folk dances, inspired by famous ballets like The Nutcracker and Swan Lake. James believes solid ballet skills are the backbone of most dance styles.
At Guildford Dance, it's not just about sticking to the syllabus. James makes sure the joy of dance and performance is at the heart of what they do. Whether a kid's goal is to go pro or just have fun, the team of passionate teachers create an environment that’s both nurturing and inspiring.
Check out the school's website for photos from events like the summer shows and All Saints Fete. For more info on classes, uniforms or to get in touch, visit their website or contact them directly. Guildford Dance is all about helping kids express themselves through the art of ballet.