Does the name Elite mean classes are only for advanced dancers?

No. The name Elite reflects the standard of teaching we provide, not a requirement for children to already be experienced dancers. Most children who attend dance classes do so purely for enjoyment.

At the Elite Dancers Academy, our regular timetable is open to children of all ages and abilities. Although our competitive dance teams have put Elite on the map, our advanced training pathways form a tiny fraction of what we offer. For many families, dance is simply a positive weekly activity their child loves.

The difference is that we have the structure in place to support children who later decide they want to take their dance more seriously. Whether a child wants one enjoyable class a week, RAD Ballet exams, performances, private lessons or competition opportunities, a good dance school should be able to guide them all at the right pace

What age can children start dance classes?

Children can often begin dance classes from around 18 months, depending on the type of class and how comfortable they are joining in. Parent-assisted baby ballet is a lovely first step for younger children, while independent toddler classes usually suit children from around two and a half years. As children grow, they can progress into more structured ballet, Acro, Jazz and other dance styles.

What should my child wear to their first dance class?

For a first class, children should wear something comfortable that allows them to move freely, such as leggings, shorts or a t-shirt, and attend with bare feet. Ballet students may wear a leotard, tights and ballet shoes if they already have them, but this is not essential for a trial class. Once enrolled, your dance school will advise on the correct uniform for the class and any examination requirements.

What is the difference between Acro and Gymnastics

Acro combines dance technique with age-appropriate progressions of gymnastic floor work, such as contortions, cartwheels, handstands, walkovers and tumbling. Gymnastics is a sport in its own right, often involving apparatus, routines and competition disciplines such as bars, beam, vault and a large sprung floor.

Acro focuses on using gymnastic-style tricks and skills within dance choreography. Skills are taught with the aim of eventually being performed safely and confidently on a wooden stage, rather than only on a sprung gymnastics floor. Teachers also place particular emphasis on the precise placement of hands and feet, helping dancers create clean lines, strong technique and polished performance quality alongside flexibility, strength and coordination.

How often should children attend dance classes?

For most beginners, one dance class each week is an excellent starting point. It gives children time to build confidence, learn routines and develop their technique while keeping dance enjoyable alongside school and other activities. Children who become more committed may choose to add further classes, particularly if they want to improve in a specific style, prepare for exams or join a competition team. It is important to find a dance school that can support the individual child, whether they simply want one enjoyable class each week or have bigger goals involving exams, performances, competitions or more intensive training.

Do RAD Ballet grades earn UCAS points?

Higher-level RAD Ballet examinations contribute UCAS Tariff points when students apply for university or higher education in the UK. This applies to passes or above in RAD Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8, Intermediate and Advanced Foundation examinations. The number of points depends on both the qualification and the result achieved. Students should always check the entry requirements of their chosen university or course, as individual institutions decide which qualifications they accept.

What is the best dance school in Wimbledon for ballet training?

Parents looking for the best ballet training in Wimbledon should consider the quality of teaching, the structure of the programme, examination results and the opportunities available to students as they progress.

At the Elite Dancers Academy, we are proud to have maintained a 100% pass rate with the Royal Academy of Dance for over 14 years. Our ballet students are carefully prepared for their RAD examinations, with a focus on strong technique, musicality, performance quality and confidence.

Alongside our RAD success, Elite ballet dancers have achieved exceptional results in competition. We are the only local dance school to have had both soloists and groups qualify to represent England at the Dance World Cup in ballet in the first season competing after forming Elite’s ‘Ballet Squad’.

For families looking for high-quality ballet training in Wimbledon, we believe this combination of RAD consistency, expert teaching and proven student achievement places Elite in a unique position. Book a taster session today to find out what we have to offer.