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.
Application details can be found here: Audition Dates | Elmhurst Ballet School
One school. Two exceptional pathways.
Elmhurst now offers two rigorously trained, industry connected routes through the Upper School: classical ballet and contemporary ballet. Both are built on the same Elmhurst standard of training, pastoral care and academic support, with opportunities to work with Birmingham Royal Ballet, New Adventures, Studio Wayne McGregor and beyond, giving every student a route matched to their strengths and ambitions.
What every Upper School dancer gets
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Extensive performance opportunities across both pathways, ensuring all students develop confidence, versatility and stagecraft
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Level 6 Diploma in Professional Dance Pathways, validated by Trinity College London (Year 13 entrants follow the two-year Level 5 Diploma, without academic subjects)
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Two A Levels and/or The Assistant Teacher Award (ASTA by RAD) and Personal Training qualification alongside training, because thinking dancers make better dancers
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A Professional Dance Studies module covering CV writing, portfolio building and health and safety practice, preparing you for a future in and beyond dance
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A 100% Diploma pass rate to date, with progression onto a one-year, distance-learning BA Hons Diplomas in Professional Dance with Middlesex University
Classical Ballet Pathway
A three-year pathway designed for dancers who demonstrate strong potential in classical technique and disciplined artistic development, preparing them for a future with leading classical companies worldwide, and life beyond the stage.
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Comprehensive training across classical ballet, including pointe work, solos, repertoire and pas de deux, contemporary, jazz, choreography, and strength and conditioning, taught by our expert dance team and guest artists.
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Opportunities to work with Birmingham Royal Ballet at the Birmingham Hippodrome and on tour and perform works created by visiting guest artists.
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Graduates prepared for careers with leading UK and international companies
Contemporary Ballet Pathway
A three-year pathway designed for dancers who show promise in versatility, creative exploration and contemporary movement, alongside a strong technical foundation, preparing them for a future with leading contemporary and neo-classical companies worldwide, and life beyond the stage.
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Built in partnership with Studio Wayne McGregor and Matthew Bourne's New Adventures
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Comprehensive training across contemporary technique, daily ballet class, contemporary partnering, contemporary repertoire and solos, contact improvisation, jazz (including hip hop and additional styles), choreography, strength and conditioning, and Professional Dance Studies, taught by specialist contemporary faculty and members of our existing artistic team, with Release-based, Limón and Cunningham technique woven through the curriculum
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Graduates prepared for careers with leading UK and international companies
Elmhurst Ballet School is proud to introduce our Ballet and Beyond Recreational Dance Programme. A new opportunity for children aged 2 -7, 10-16 and adults aged 16+ of all abilities to experience high-quality dance training in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Classes will run on Wednesdays (adults) and Saturdays (children), offering ballet and contemporary dance from beginner to advanced levels. Whether you're taking your first steps in dance or returning to the studio, there’s something here for everyone.
We’re passionate about making dance accessible. That’s why our programme is open, with no audition required - Everyone is welcome.
To elevate the experience, every ballet class will be accompanied by a live pianist, bringing a professional touch to each session and enhancing musicality and technique.
To book please click here.
October Offer - One free trial class – Please email balletandbeyond@elmhurstdance.co.uk for more details
Beginner/Intermediate Ballet (Suggested age 15+) - taught by Joshua Barwick
An inclusive space for adults of beginner/intermediate experience levels to connect through movement. Whether returning to dance or beginning for the first time, participants enjoy an uplifting environment that encourages expression, fitness, and personal growth. Staff may advise on alternative class levels as needed and in the best interest of the individual dancer.
Advanced Ballet (Suggested age 15+) - taught by Karis Scarlette
An inspiring and dynamic ballet class designed for adult dancers with a foundation in classical dance vocabulary. Class focuses on refining technique, building strength and flexibility, enhancing fluidity of movement, and expanding ballet knowledge. Staff may advise on alternative class levels as needed and in the best interest of the individual dancer.
Silver Swans® - taught by Karis Scarlette
Aimed at adults 55+ (wider age range welcome to attend). These specially designed ballet sessions improve your mobility, posture, and co-ordination, and invigorate a shared passion for dance in a welcoming, caring, and inclusive environment. Silver Swans® is a registered trademark of the Royal Academy of Dance; our tutors for these sessions are registered licence holders.
Developing Artists Contemporary - taught by Eleanor Stephenson
For students aged 10 to 16, this class focuses on technical refinement, creative exploration, and performance confidence — empowering students to dance with individuality and purpose.
Aspire Contemporary (Suggested age 15+) - taught by Eleanor Stephenson
An inclusive space for those of all experience levels to connect through movement. Whether returning to dance or beginning for the first time, participants enjoy an uplifting environment that encourages expression, fitness, and personal growth.
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
Elmhurst Young Dancers (School Years 4 – 6)
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
The Extended Young Dancers Programme (School Years 7 – 12)
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 to open on Monday 30th November.
Closing Date: Friday 12th February
Please see the following audition dates:
YD Year 4, 5 & 6 - Sunderland, February 27th
YD Year 4, 5 & 6 - Manchester, March 6th
YD 4, 5 & 6 - Birmingham, March 13th
Extended YD - Birmingham - March 20th
To discuss the course please contact our Young Dancer Admin Team - youngdancers@elmhurstdance.co.uk
Silver Swans® Summer Retreat
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.
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.
Silver Swans® licensed classes are designed by the Royal Academy of Dance specifically for teaching ballet to learners aged 55 and upwards. At Elmhurst Ballet School, we offer these classes as part of our Silver Swans® Summer Retreat.
What to expect
Participants will enjoy a varied and engaging schedule of classes, including:
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Pilates-style warm-up
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Daily Ballet technique classes
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Repertoire
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Dance workshops in Flamenco, Bollywood and Musical Theatre
Evenings offer time to relax and connect, with optional activities such as:
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Wine tasting with Loki Wine
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A visit to Martineau Gardens
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Craft sessions and additional social activities
Retreat Options (including VAT)
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£tbc: All 4 Days and Nights (residential) - Includes Sunday evening soirée, all activities, on-site accommodation and all meals
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£tbc: All 4 Days (non-residential) - Includes classes and lunch across all days
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£tbc: Day Rate (non-residential) - Includes classes and lunch
Applications for 2027 will open in December
Spaces are limited; early booking is recommended. A non-refundable deposit of £70 is required.
To book, please use the link above and for any enquiries, please contact silverswans@elmhurstdance.co.uk
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.
Seniors - (Ages 14–18)
Dates: 2027 dates to be confirmed in December 2026
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:
- Classical ballet technique
- Repertoire
- Pas de deux
- Pointe work
- Contemporary
- Jazz
- Strength and conditioning
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:
- Residential: £tbc
- Non-residential: £tbc
Two Weeks:
- Residential: £tbc
- Non-residential: £tbc
A £100 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.
Juniors - (Ages 10–13)
Dates: 2027 dates to be confirmed in December 2026
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:
- Residential: £tbc
- Non-residential: £tbc
A £100 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 will open in December