Our Ballet Classes
Pre-School
2 1/2 - 4 Yrs
For our youngest dancers, we don't just teach children to dance; we teach them to move with confidence and curiosity. Our Pre-School classes are designed to introduce the joy of movement in a way that feels like an adventure. One week we might be exploring the depths of an underwater kingdom, and the next, expressing the floating quality of a dandelion seed and the journey it takes as it swirls across the landscape. Every lesson is an invitation to explore self expression, 'dance vocabulary', storytelling, musical appreciation and creative play to unlock your child's imagination
Pre-School
2 1/2 - 4 Yrs
Minis
5-7 Yrs
As your child enters full-time education, their dance training takes a step forward. Our Minis include Reception - Pre-Primary and Years 1 & 2- Primary. These classes are offered across Ballet and Rambert Creative Contemporary Dance.
While every step of the dance journey is vital, we view this stage as the true foundation of a young dancer’s education.
Minis
5-7 Yrs
Juniors
7-11 Yrs
Our Juniors section, covering Standard 1 to Standard 4, is where the true beauty of the Cecchetti Method begins to shine. This is a crucial time for ballet classes for children, as they are now physically capable of more complex movements.
We focus heavily on technical precision and correct alignment. Our teachers are trained to ensure that every student is working safely, preventing injuries by teaching them 'how muscles work'. We focus, less on 'what we look like' but more on 'what we feel like', it’s about building a strong, healthy body.
Juniors
7-11 Yrs
Teens
11-14 Yrs
For our students aged 11 to 14, the training moves into Standard 5 & 6. This is a time of significant growth, both technically and personally. At this level, a higher degree of commitment is encouraged for those pupils who are looking to progress to the exciting stage of getting their first 'preparation for pointe work' demi pointe shoes.
Teens
11-14 Yrs
Seniors
14 + Yrs
Our Seniors are the leaders of our school. These classes are for dedicated dancers who want pursue ballet at the highest levels of the Cecchetti Ballet Syllabus
Whether your teen is aiming for a university dance programme, looking for UCAS points, or simply wants to continue their weekly love of dancing and maintain their fitness at an high level, our Senior classes offer a challenging, friendly, welcoming and rewarding environment.
Seniors
14 + Yrs
Private Lesson
With Miss Angelina
For those children who are applying for Scholarships, Associates, Auditions, Competitions. Parents may book a 1:1 Private lesson with Miss Angelina.
E-mail: angelina@cwsdance.com
Private Lesson
With Miss Angelina
Finding the Perfect Class for Every Age
Choosing the right dance school is a big decision for any parent. Whether you are looking for a way to channel your child’s energy and/or creativity, or searching for high-level dance training to support your teenager’s aspirations, you want to know that your child is in a safe, nurturing, and professional environment.
Here at CWS Dance, we believe that every child’s dance journey is unique. Founded by Angelina Spurrier, whose own journey took her from the prestigious Paris Opera Ballet School to the Royal Ballet School’s Teachers Training Course, our school is built on a foundation of expertise and a genuine love for teaching. We honour every student’s personal journey with equal dedication, ensuring that those seeking a beautiful hobby receive the same care and precision as those pursuing a serious route in ballet.
Miss Angelina is a member of the Royal Academy of Dancing (RAD), I Path, ISTD (Imperial), ISTD (Cecchetti) and Rambert Grades, and despite this vast breadth of knowledge and experience across multiple disciplines, she specifically chose the Cecchetti method for her school.
Over the years Angelina has successfully guided 1000’s of children through both Class examinations and Grade examinations in the Cecchetti Classical Ballet Method in London, witnessing first hand how this method shapes not just dancers, but confident, creative, expressive young individuals.
Our classes are more than just a weekly activity; they are an investment in your child’s confidence, discipline, creativity, and physical health. From the first tentative skips in our Babies Ballet classes to the sophisticated artistry of our Senior students, we are here to support your child’s dance journey, every step of the way.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the different stages of our curriculum so you can find the perfect fit for your child.
Pre-School (2 1/2 - 4 yrs)
The First Steps into the Magic of Dance
For our youngest dancers, we don’t just teach children to dance; we teach them to move with confidence and curiosity. Our Pre-School classes are designed to introduce the joy of movement in a way that feels like an adventure. One week we might be exploring the depths of an underwater kingdom, and the next, expressing the floating quality of a dandelion seed and the journey it takes as it swirls across the landscape. Every lesson is an invitation to explore self expression, ‘dance vocabulary’, storytelling, musical appreciation and creative play to unlock your child’s imagination.
We offer two main pathways for this age group: our Babies Ballet and Rambert Creative Movers.
In these early years, we offer a mix of parent-assisted and drop-off classes. We understand that for many children, this might be their first time in a structured group environment. We work closely with you to ensure your child feels secure and happy.
- Babies Ballet (2 1/2 – 3 1/2 yrs): These classes are a child’s very first experience in the world of dance. They are fun, structured sessions where parents attend alongside their little ones. We use nursery rhymes, magical stories, and set ballet exercises to encourage imagination and a love for movement.
- Babies Ballet (3 1/2 – 4 1/2 yrs): Specifically for pre-school children who are due to start Reception in September of the following year. This is a ‘drop-off’ class that encourages independent learning. It’s a beautiful, imaginative session where our Baby Ballerinas learn to interpret stories to musical scores while introducing the early foundations of ballet technique and discipline.
- Rambert Creative Movers (3 & 4 yrs): For our little explorers who love to move and Dance! Our Rambert Creative Movers class is all about celebrating each child’s unique way of moving. Based on the world-renowned Rambert Grades, this ballet/contemporary dance based session focuses on physical storytelling, building confidence, and developing dance skills, musicality, improvisation, physical awareness (we call this ‘proprioception’, balance and co-ordination) through creative exploration and play.
Minis (4-7 yrs)
Building the Foundations
As your child enters full-time education, their dance training takes a step forward. Our Minis include Reception – Pre-Primary and Years 1 & 2– Primary. These classes are offered across Ballet and Rambert Creative Contemporary Dance.
While every step of the dance journey is vital, we view this stage as the true foundation of a young dancer’s education.
At this level, we focus on building strong technical foundations designed to keep our bodies resilient, healthy, and injury-free. By developing strength, coordination, and muscle memory now, we give our dancers a physical blueprint that will support them throughout all their future training and beyond.
We know that after a full day at school, children need an outlet that is both disciplined and joyful. To make our classes as accessible as possible for busy families, we offer our Minis programme throughout the week; and our popular Saturday morning sessions, the perfect way to start the weekend with energy, fun and focus.
Cecchetti Classical Ballet Method.
By the time our pupils complete Primary Ballet, our students have a solid grasp of the basics and are ready to move into the more technical levels of the Cecchetti Classical Ballet Method.
Exams are a wonderful way to track progress, but they are not compulsory. We strive to cater for all children, whether they are dancing for the sheer love of it or aiming for a professional career. For those who choose the exam route, the sense of achievement when they receive their certificate is a lasting investment in their self-belief.
Juniors (7-11 yrs)
The Path to Technical Excellence
Our Juniors section, covering Standard 1 to Standard 4, is where the true beauty of the Cecchetti Method begins to shine. This is a crucial time for ballet classes for children, as they are now physically capable of more complex movements.
We focus heavily on technical precision and correct alignment. Our teachers are trained to ensure that every student is working safely, preventing injuries by teaching them ‘how muscles work’. We focus, less on ‘what we look like’ but more on ‘what we feel like’, it’s about building a strong, healthy body.
- Standard 1 & 2: These classes are for children in Years 2 to 5. We begin to look at how to create and feel those beautiful Ballet ‘lines’ of the arms/legs/head/eyes and even fingers, and develop that sense of artistry.
By Standard 2 some children will start to think about taking class more frequently. Perhaps two ballet classes a week, or they may like to introduce Contemporary Dance into their training. - Standard 3 & 4: Aimed at children aged 10+. At this stage, the studio becomes more than just a dance class, it becomes a place of identity, friendship and ambition. Our Standard 3 and 4 levels represent a shift toward a more mature, refined practice.
We are here to support every path.
We take great pride in the fact that many of our students who began their journey with us as toddlers are still here years later. This longevity is a testament to the community we aim to create at CWS Dance; as our dancers grow, we adapt our mentorship to meet their evolving goals.
We recognise that by age 10, pupils begin to shape their own unique relationship with dance. We are here to support every path.
The Passionate Weekly Dancer
For many, dance is a vital constant in a busy school life. Our Standard 3 & 4 classes provide a sophisticated, once-a-week outlet for those who love the discipline and the artistry of the Cecchetti method. It is a space to:
- Maintain physical strength and flexibility.
- Decompress from academic pressure in a creative, supportive environment.
- Foster lifelong friendships with peers who share a love for dancing
The Aspiring Professional
For students looking to take their training to the next level, we provide the expertise and the platform for those who want to dive deeper, offering:
- Advice & Mentorship: Guidance on the UK’s leading Associate Programmes and vocational pathways.
- Performance & Competition: Opportunities to represent CWS Dance at events and competitions.
- Advanced Technical Training: A focused environment for those aiming for high-level examinations and technical excellence.
Our Teens
Dedication and Growth
For our students aged 11 to 14, the training moves into Standard 5 & 6. This is a time of significant growth, both technically and personally. At this level, a higher degree of commitment is encouraged for those pupils who are looking to progress to the exciting stage of getting their first ‘preparation for pointe work’ demi pointe shoes.
After a full year of ‘Preparation’ for Pointe Work’, we introduce basic pointework for those who are ready. This is a major milestone in any dancer’s life! However, we take this very seriously. Every pupil is assessed by their teacher and a professional pointe shoe fitter is recommended to ensure their bones and muscles are strong enough.
Our dance classes for teens at CWS Dance provide a supportive community during what can be a challenging age. The skills gained here, focus, perseverance, and poise, extend far beyond the studio. Many of our dedicated students find that the discipline they learn in ballet helps them in their school life, studies and beyond.
Seniors (14 yrs +)
Artistic Mastery
Our Seniors are the leaders of our school. These classes are for dedicated dancers who want to challenge themselves to the highest levels of the Cecchetti Ballet Syllabus
Whether your teen is aiming for a university dance programme, looking for UCAS points, or simply wants to maintain their weekly love of ballet, and fitness at a high level, our Senior classes offer a challenging, friendly, welcoming and rewarding environment.
