RAD stands for the Royal Academy of Dance, the UK's best-known ballet education body. Teaching the RAD syllabus means your child follows a structured programme with clear progression and, if they choose, internationally recognised graded examinations.

What age can my child start ballet?

Pre-Primary Ballet is for children in Reception, and that is the usual starting point. Younger children are welcome in our Dance Explorers pre-school classes, which build the movement and listening skills that ballet later asks for.

Does my child have to take exams?

No. Exams are entirely optional. We teach the syllabus because it gives children real structure and a sense of achievement, but whether to enter for a graded exam is always your family's decision.

My child has never danced before. Will they be behind?

Beginners are welcome in every class. There are no auditions and no expectation of previous experience. Our teacher will settle your child into the right level and keep a close eye on them for the first few weeks.

How big are the classes?

Deliberately small. It is the thing parents mention most often when they tell us why they chose Intune, because it means every child gets genuine attention and corrections from a qualified teacher rather than waiting their turn.

Royal Academy of Dance syllabus

Children's Ballet Classes

Graded RAD ballet for children from Reception to Year 6. Small classes, qualified teachers, and technique taught with plenty of encouragement.

Ages: Reception to Year 6
When: Saturday mornings
Where: Fairford and Chipping Norton

See the classes First class half price

Children at the barre in an RAD ballet class at Intune Dance

5.0 from 42 parent reviews

Qualified, DBS-checked teachers
Small classes
No commitment to continue

Our ballet classes follow the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus, the most widely recognised ballet training in the UK. Children begin with Pre-Primary and work through Primary and the graded levels, picking up proper technique, posture and musicality at a pace that suits them.

Every class is taught by a qualified teacher who knows each child by name. There is structure, because that is what makes real progress possible, but there is no pressure. Exams are optional and children enter only when they are ready and want to.

Inside the class

What happens in a ballet class

A proper warm-up

Classes open with a gentle warm-up, then barre and centre work pitched at the level. Children build strength, flexibility and control without being pushed.

RAD technique, taught properly

Positions, port de bras, allegro and set exercises from the syllabus, so progress is visible term by term rather than left to chance.

Musicality and expression

Children learn to listen, count and move in time. Free work gives them room to interpret the music in their own way.

Optional graded exams

Ballet has a clear path through the grades, with RAD examinations for children who want them. There is never any expectation to enter.

The timetable

Ballet classes available now

10 sessions a week in Fairford and Chipping Norton. Pick the one that suits your Saturday and book a trial, or get in touch if you would like us to help you choose.

Reception
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
Year 6

Pre Primary Ballet

For Reception

Saturdays 09:45 to 10:30
Waiting list
Glyme Hall·Chipping Norton
Burford Road, Chipping Norton, OX7 5DZ
Taught by Natasha Butler-Brown
Join waiting list
Saturdays 08:45 to 09:30
Fairford Community Centre·Fairford
High Street, Fairford, GL7 4AF
Taught by Emma Tuck
Book a trial

Primary Ballet

For Year 1

Saturdays 09:00 to 09:45
Chipping Norton Theatre·Chipping Norton
2 Spring Street, Chipping Norton, OX7 5NL
Taught by Ruby Clive
Book a trial
Saturdays 09:30 to 10:15
Fairford Community Centre·Fairford
High Street, Fairford, GL7 4AF
Taught by Emma Tuck
Book a trial

Grade 1 Ballet

For Year 2

Saturdays 10:30 to 11:15
Chipping Norton Theatre·Chipping Norton
2 Spring Street, Chipping Norton, OX7 5NL
Taught by Ruby Clive
Book a trial
Saturdays 10:15 to 11:00
Fairford Community Centre·Fairford
High Street, Fairford, GL7 4AF
Taught by Emma Tuck
Book a trial

Grade 2 Ballet

For Year 3

Saturdays 08:45 to 09:30
Glyme Hall·Chipping Norton
Burford Road, Chipping Norton, OX7 5DZ
Taught by Rachael Carlton-Walker
Book a trial
Saturdays 11:00 to 11:45
Fairford Community Centre·Fairford
High Street, Fairford, GL7 4AF
Taught by Emma Tuck
Book a trial

Grade 3 Ballet

For Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6

Saturdays 10:45 to 11:30
Glyme Hall·Chipping Norton
Burford Road, Chipping Norton, OX7 5DZ
Taught by Rachael Carlton-Walker
Book a trial
Saturdays 12:30 to 13:15
Glyme Hall·Chipping Norton
Burford Road, Chipping Norton, OX7 5DZ
Taught by Rachael Carlton-Walker
Book a trial

Some sessions are full. You can still join the waiting list and we will contact you when a place becomes available.

Where these classes run

FairfordFairford Community Centre4 sessions a week Chipping NortonChipping Norton Theatre and Glyme Hall6 sessions a week

Progression

How the ballet levels work

Children usually join the level that matches their school year: Pre-Primary in Reception, Primary in Year 1, then Grade 1 upwards. If your child is new to ballet in an older year group, that is not a problem. Our teachers will place them where they will be happiest and most able to progress, and children can move up mid-year once they are ready.

What to wear

Ballet shoes with a leotard or plain fitted clothing, and hair tied back. For a first class, comfortable clothes your child can move in are absolutely fine.

Full uniform list

Who teaches it

Your child's teachers

Common questions

What parents ask us about ballet

What is RAD ballet?: RAD stands for the Royal Academy of Dance, the UK's best-known ballet education body. Teaching the RAD syllabus means your child follows a structured programme with clear progression and, if they choose, internationally recognised graded examinations.
What age can my child start ballet?: Pre-Primary Ballet is for children in Reception, and that is the usual starting point. Younger children are welcome in our Dance Explorers pre-school classes, which build the movement and listening skills that ballet later asks for.
Does my child have to take exams?: No. Exams are entirely optional. We teach the syllabus because it gives children real structure and a sense of achievement, but whether to enter for a graded exam is always your family's decision.
My child has never danced before. Will they be behind?: Beginners are welcome in every class. There are no auditions and no expectation of previous experience. Our teacher will settle your child into the right level and keep a close eye on them for the first few weeks.
How big are the classes?: Deliberately small. It is the thing parents mention most often when they tell us why they chose Intune, because it means every child gets genuine attention and corrections from a qualified teacher rather than waiting their turn.

Also at Intune

Other styles your child might enjoy

Children in a junior street dance class at Intune Dance

Street DanceHip hop, popping and lockingSee street dance classes

Pre-school children exploring creative movement with props

Dance ExplorersCreative movement, ages 2½+See Dance Explorers classes

Try a class with no commitment

Your child's first class is half price at £5 instead of £10. Come along, see how they get on, and decide afterwards. If it is not the right fit, you are not tied in.

Book a half-price trial See the timetable

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