Courses

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.

Applications open in October.

Throughout your three years of Upper School, you’ll perfect your dance skills and we’ll help you prepare for your professional career.

You’ll enjoy diverse and challenging performance and competition opportunities, including the annual summer shows and the solos and choreographic competitions. You might even be selected to work with Birmingham Royal Ballet both at the Birmingham Hippodrome and on tour!

Your dance training includes daily ballet class, contemporary technique, jazz and choreography, which are delivered by our expert dance team and guest artists.

At the same time, you’ll study for your Level 6 Diploma in Professional Dance, validated by Trinity College London and because thinking dancers make better dancers, you’ll also study Advanced Level Certificate (‘A’ level) in two academic subjects.

If you join us in Year 13 you can follow the two-year Level 5 Diploma, without the option of academic subjects.

The Diploma includes a module on Professional Dance Studies, designed to help you to prepare for professional life. You’ll cover subjects such as CV writing, creating your own online portfolio and health and safety practice in dance.

Once you’ve passed your Diploma (to date we have 100% pass rate success) you can follow a one-year distance-learning BA hons degree with Middlesex University.

Join us in Year 12 and subject to your good health and behaviour, we’ll make a 3-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.

Applications open in October.

Our Summer Schools are an opportunity to hone your dance skills during an immersive artistic experience delivered in a state-of-the-art studio setting.

Seniors

Dates: Monday 18th August to Saturday 23rd August 2025 (Arrive onsite afternoon of 17th August)

Students aged 14 to 19 join us for a week-long programme focusing on classical ballet and supporting styles. The programme includes classical ballet tuition, repertoire, pas de deux, pointe work, contemporary, jazz and strength and conditioning. Working with members of Elmhurst Ballet School’s Artistic Team alongside guest teachers, you will receive hands-on tuition and guidance.

The evening programme includes opportunities to get to know your classmates better, along with masterclasses and a Q&A with BRB company members.

The week culminates with an informal sharing of work, to an audience of parents in our onsite Studio Theatre.

Residential (Boarding) - £819.50

Non- residential (Day Student) - £585.50

Juniors

Dates: Wednesday 27th August to Friday 29th August 2025 (Arrive onsite afternoon of 26th August)

Students aged 11 to 13 join us for a three-day programme delivered by Elmhurst Ballet School’s Artistic Team and guest teachers. It focuses on classical ballet tuition and repertoire from the beloved British Classics and other dance genres, such as contemporary and jazz.

The evening programme includes a Q&A with BRB company members and opportunities to get to know your classmates better.

The programme culminates with an informal sharing of work, to an audience of parents in our onsite Studio Theatre.

Residential (Boarding) - £511.50

Non- residential (Day Student) - £436.50

Please note: All prices include daily dance training, evening activities and all food & drink.

Applications open 24th November 2024 and will close 26th January 2025 – All places will be allocated following the closing date.

For any queries, please contact: 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

Elmhurst Young Dancers (School Years 4 – 6)

Saturday mornings during term time

Birmingham
Location: Elmhurst Ballet School
• Ballet – 90 minute class

Manchester
• Ballet – 90 minute class

Sunderland
Location: Dance City
• Ballet – 90 minute class

Sunday mornings during term time

Plymouth
Location: Plymouth YMCA
• 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 are now open. Please see the following audition dates:

Applications to open on 2nd December 2025

Closing date 14th February 2025

YD Year 4, 5 & 6 - Sunderland – 1st March

YD Year 4, 5 & 6 - Manchester – 8th March

YD Year 4, 5 & 6 - Birmingham – 15th March

Extended YD Year 7 & 8 - Birmingham – 22nd March 

Extended YD Year 9 & above - Birmingham – 29th March

YD Year 4, 5 & 6 - Plymouth – Audition Dates TBC