Ballet 

The roots of Imperial Classical Ballet stem from the early days of the ISTD and the first written syllabus in 1913 which was based on the teaching of the French School from the Paris Opéra.

The syllabus has now evolved to promote the English classical style and address the changing needs of Ballet dancers today.

The aims..

The aim of Imperial Classical Ballet is to increase the standard and appreciation of Classical Ballet, both in performance and in teaching. Founded over fifty years ago, this Faculty continues to exert a strong influence in the international promotion of the English classical style

The syllabus

The syllabi were originally compiled by a committee of well-known and established teachers. Nowadays they are regularly reviewed, thus ensuring that they continue to provide the strong foundation for today's ever advancing technical standards. The use of the Imperial Classical Ballet syllabi gives the teacher guidance in correct and safe teaching methods for all age groups and at all levels from beginner to professional. Children and students are encouraged to acquire a sound basic technique combined with an understanding of co-ordination and musical interpretation which are the essentials of a pure classical training. Numerous outstanding teachers, and classical dancers in major international ballet companies, have been wholly trained within the Imperial Classical Ballet syllabi. More details about I.S.T.D. ballet can be found at the their website https://www.istd.org/dance/dance-genres/imperial-classical-ballet/

Ballet Development Programme

For selected pupils in the school, we offer a ballet development programme. This programme is an extra ballet class a week and is not based on any syllabus, but a free work class. It enables the teacher to have time to cover steps that are more advanced for the students but still be able to break these down into manageable ways, enabling the students to progress through the grades quicker. Classes are kept small which allows the teacher to spend plenty of time with each child ensuring that they are making good progression. 

For younger students we also help prepare them for taking auditions into such programmes as Royal Ballet Associates, Elmhurst Young Dancers and London Junior Ballet. 

The teacher will also include pilates and PBT type exercises for the students to practice at home. We expect homework to be completed daily in order for the maximum progression to be obtained. 

Students are chosen if we see potential in a child or if they have shown a keen passion for ballet. It is recommended for those students who wish to take ballet more seriously and perhaps may go on to consider dance as a career. Students can sometimes be taken onto the programme on a trial basis and we will monitor their progress to ensure that the class is working for them. 

Students who take part in festivals solos must attend ballet development or a similar approved associates programme.