When you join the Lower School, you’ll develop your technical, artistic and creative dance skills. You’ll enjoy a dynamic and busy timetable with varying dance styles, all building on the foundations of your daily ballet class.
Lower School is where you’ll lay the ground work for becoming an exceptional dancer. You’ll participate in classes in classical ballet, pointe work (girls), contemporary technique, choreography, jazz, and coaching. Supported adage is introduced in Year 10, as well as strength and conditioning.
You’ll have the opportunity to develop your performance skills through our annual summer shows, choreographic and solos competitions, as well as other events at school and in the community.
Join us in Year 7 and, subject to your good health and behaviour, we’ll make a 5-year commitment to your training. You can of course join us at a later stage too.
Throughout your time at Elmhurst, you’ll be assessed regularly. If, at any point, we’re worried about your progress we’ll talk to you and find ways to help you improve.
Elmhurst’s Summer Schools offer young dancers an inspiring opportunity to refine their technique, broaden their experience, and immerse themselves in a professional training environment.
Held in our state-of-the-art studios in Birmingham, the programmes are led by Elmhurst’s expert faculty, working alongside guest teachers and artists from the wider dance industry. Each course is designed to challenge, support and elevate students’ artistic development, with a focus on classical ballet and complementary styles.
New for 2026 - Two-week course option available
Dates:
Students may choose to attend one or both weeks. Each week features a different repertoire, allowing dancers to experience a varied and enriching programme.
Training includes:
Evening activities include masterclasses, social events, and a Q&A with Birmingham Royal Ballet company members. Each week concludes with an informal sharing of work in our onsite Studio Theatre.
Fees:
One Week:
Two Weeks:
A £50 non-refundable deposit, per week will be required once a place is offered. All fees include daily dance training, evening activities, and all food and drink.
Dates:
Tuesday 25th – Thursday 27th August 2026 (Arrival: Monday 24th August)
This three-day programme introduces younger dancers to Elmhurst’s training ethos, with a focus on classical ballet and repertoire from British Classics, alongside contemporary and jazz.
Led by Elmhurst’s Artistic Team and guest teachers, the course nurtures creativity, technique and confidence in a supportive environment.
Evening activities include a Q&A with Birmingham Royal Ballet company members and opportunities to connect with fellow students. The programme concludes with an informal sharing of work in our onsite Studio Theatre.
Fees:
A £50 non-refundable deposit will be required once a place is offered. All fees include daily dance training, evening activities, and all food and drink.
Applications are now closed, however please contact us to see if places are still available - summerschool@elmhurstdance.co.uk
Do you see your future at Elmhurst Ballet School? Join our Young Dancers Programme (School Years 4 – 6) or our Extended Young Dancers Programme (School Years 7-12) and we will ensure that you are audition-ready for your next steps to becoming a professional ballet dancer.
For any queries, please contact: youngdancers@elmhurstdance.co.uk
Saturday mornings during term time
Birmingham
Location: Elmhurst Ballet School
• Ballet – 90 minute class
Manchester
Location: Manchester College, City Campus
• Ballet – 90 minute class
Sunderland
Location: MTS Studios, The Fire Station Arts Centre
• Ballet – 90 minute class
Sunday mornings during term time
Plymouth
Location: Plymouth YMCA
• Ballet – 90 minute class
Saturday afternoons during term time
Birmingham (only)
Location: Elmhurst Ballet School
• Classical ballet and body conditioning from 12.45 – 2.45pm
Auditions for our Young Dancers Programme are now open. Please see the following audition dates:
Applications to open on 1st December 2025
Closing date 13th February 2026
YD Year 4, 5 & 6 - Sunderland – February 28th
YD Year 4, 5 & 6 - Manchester – 7th March
YD Year 4, 5 & 6 - Birmingham – 14th March
YD Year 4, 5 & 6 - Plymouth – TBC
Extended YD Year 7 & 8 - Birmingham – 21st March
Extended YD Year 9 & above - Birmingham – 21st March
To discuss the course please contact our Young Dancer Admin Team - youngdancers@elmhurstdance.co.uk
Join us this Spring for an exclusive opportunity to train with one of the world’s leading contemporary dance companies. In partnership with Studio Wayne McGregor, Elmhurst’s Spring Intensive offers a dynamic three-day programme designed to challenge, inspire and elevate young dancers.
This immersive programme offers young dancers the opportunity to explore expressive movement, improvisation, and creative choreography, alongside daily ballet classes. The intensive is led by Elmhurst’s expert faculty, working alongside artists from Studio Wayne McGregor and other leading contemporary dance professionals, offering students direct insight into innovative approaches to contemporary dance and choreography. Designed to challenge, inspire and elevate each dancer’s artistic voice, the programme encourages creativity, versatility and confidence.
Held at Elmhurst Ballet School, Birmingham, the course includes:
Contemporary technique classes
Improvisation and creative workshops
Choreographic exploration
Informal sharing of work on the final day
Wednesday 8th – Friday 10th April 2026 (Arrival: Tuesday 7th April)
Elmhurst Ballet School, Birmingham
For students aged 10 –16
Residential: £550
Non-residential: £460
A £50 non-refundable deposit will be required once a place is offered. All fees include daily dance training, evening activities, and all food and drink.
Applications are now closed, however please contact us to see if places are still available - springintensive@elmhurstdance.co.uk
This summer, Elmhurst Ballet School invites you to experience a carefully curated Silver Swans Summer Retreat, combining dance, wellbeing and community in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Running Monday 13th to Thursday 16th July, with arrival on Sunday 12th July, the retreat offers a relaxed and immersive few days to focus on movement, wellbeing and connection.
At the heart of the retreat are our dedicated Silver Swans sessions for those aged 55+, alongside a broader programme open to adult dancers of all ages and abilities.
Whether you are returning to dance or exploring it for the first time, looking to refine your technique, build confidence, or simply enjoy moving again, our expert-led programme offers something for everyone.
Participants will enjoy a varied and engaging schedule of classes, including:
Pilates-style warm-up
Daily Ballet technique classes
Repertoire
Workshops in Jazz and Bollywood dance
Evenings offer time to relax and connect, with optional activities such as:
Wine tasting with Loki Wine
A visit to Martineau Gardens
Craft sessions and additional social activities
£575: All 4 Days and Nights (residential) - Includes Sunday evening soirée, all activities, on-site accommodation and all meals
£250: All 4 Days (non-residential) - Includes classes and lunch across all days
£70: Day Rate (non-residential) - Includes classes and lunch
Spaces are limited; early booking is recommended.
To book please use link above and for any enquires please contact silverswans@elmhurstdance.co.uk
