A family-run dancing school in the centre of Cheltenham, offering fun and rewarding classes of all types, for girls and boys of all ages.

Our pupils enjoy learning to dance in all genres with optional examinations and festivals for those who wish to participate. Our main focus is to develop a confident joy of dance, with good skills in technique and a high level of performance. From toddlers to teenagers, every child is welcome and every child matters.

We offer classes and private tuition with fully qualified and experienced teachers who encourage pupils to develop self esteem and hence reach their full potential. Our lessons at The Richard Pate School, where pupils of the school have the opportunity to learn basic skills in ballet and modern dance, are enthusiastically attended. We also offer pre-school classes at local nurseries and playgroups. Regular classes are held at 'Little Smarties' and 'Richard Pate Nursery'. A 'taster' class can be arranged on request.

Our popular Summer Theatre School - a fun filled week of performing arts - is held at Parabola Arts Centre every summer for children from 4-14 years.

Our classes

Under 7s


  • Little Treasures

    Fun 30-minute classes of expressive movement with music and singing for 3-4 year olds.
    Info and times

  • Happy Feet

    Fun 30-minute classes of rhythmical movement and tap dancing for 4-5 year olds.
    Info and times

  • Stretch & Bounce

    Fun 30-minute classes of simple modern exercises and sequences for 4-6 year olds .
    Info and times

  • Angels & Princesses

    An introduction to ballet with expressive movement for 5-6 year olds.
    Info and times

  • Pirates

    Fun 30-minute classes of expressive movement with music and singing for 5-7 year old boys and tomboys.
    Info and times

  • Pick Up & Shuffle

    Fun 30-minute classes of simple tap steps and sequences for 5-7 year olds.
    Info and times

  • Theatre Workshop

    Fun two-hour classes for 5-12 year olds based on a variety of activities including Street Dance, Musical Theatre and Jazz.
    Info and times

  • Little Poppets

    Fun classes of expressive movement, music and singing for under 4s and their parent or carer.
    Info and times

Ballet


  • Adult Ballet for beginners

    A lively and fun introduction to ballet for adults with little or no dance experience.
    Info and times

  • Adult Ballet for beginners and improvers

    A natural step from beginners, developing techniques already learned and introducing new moves.
    Info and times

  • Adult Ballet for improvers

    Working around the grade 5 ISTD level, for adults moving up from beginners or with previous ballet experience.
    Info and times

  • Angels & Princesses

    An introduction to ballet with expressive movement for 5-6 year olds.
    Info and times

  • Dance Performers

    A 45-minute additional class for children who attend both ballet and modern classes.
    Info and times

  • Grade 1 Ballet

    A ballet class based on grade 1 of the ISTD syllabus in Imperial Classical Ballet.
    Info and times

  • Grade 2 Ballet

    A ballet class based on grade 2 of the ISTD syllabus in Imperial Classical Ballet.
    Info and times

  • Grade 3 Ballet

    A ballet class based on grade 3 of the ISTD syllabus in Imperial Classical Ballet.
    Info and times

  • Grade 4 Ballet

    A ballet class based on grade 4 of the ISTD syllabus in Imperial Classical Ballet.
    Info and times

  • Grade 5 Ballet

    A ballet class based on grade 5 of the ISTD syllabus in Imperial Classical Ballet.
    Info and times

  • Intermediate Adult Ballet

    A higher level class for adults with more developed ballet experience and secure knowledge of ballet terminology. Faster paced and more complex ballet routines.
    Info and times

  • Premiere Ballet

    An additional one-hour session for children who already attend a graded ballet class.
    Info and times

  • Senior Beginners Ballet

    A one-hour ballet class for any beginner over 12 years old, without the structure of a graded syllabus.
    Info and times

  • Senior Improvers Ballet

    A one-hour class for anyone over 12 years old with some ballet experience, without the structure of a graded syllabus.
    Info and times

  • Silver Swans Ballet

    An initiative set up by the Royal Academy of Dance to bring ballet to more mature dancers.
    Info and times

Tap


  • Grade 1 Tap

    A tap class based on grade 1 of the ISTD syllabus in Tap Dance.
    Info and times

  • Grade 2 Tap

    A tap class based on grade 2 of the ISTD syllabus in Tap Dance.
    Info and times

  • Grade 3 Tap

    A tap class based on grade 3 of the ISTD syllabus in Tap Dance.
    Info and times

  • Pick Up & Shuffle

    Fun 30-minute classes of simple tap steps and sequences for 5-7 year olds.
    Info and times

  • Riff & Roll

    Fun 30-minute tap classes for beginners aged over 7 years.
    Info and times

  • Senior Tap

    A one-hour tap class for children over 10, without the structure of a graded syllabus.
    Info and times

  • Tip Top Tap

    Beginners’ tap classes for girls and boys over 9 years.
    Info and times

Modern and Jazz


  • Dance Performers

    A 45-minute additional class for children who attend both ballet and modern classes.
    Info and times

  • Grade 1 Modern

    A modern class based on grade 1 of the ISTD syllabus in Modern Theatre.
    Info and times

  • Grade 3 Modern

    A modern class based on grade 3 of the ISTD syllabus in Modern Theatre.
    Info and times

  • Grade 4 Modern

    A modern class based on grade 4 of the ISTD syllabus in Modern Theatre.
    Info and times

  • Senior Jazz

    A one-hour jazz class for over 10s, without the structure of a graded syllabus.
    Info and times

  • Stretch & Bounce

    Fun 30-minute classes of simple modern exercises and sequences for 4-6 year olds .
    Info and times

Theatre


  • Theatre Arts

    A 45-minute class for children who enjoy acting, singing and dancing.
    Info and times

  • Theatre Workshop

    Fun two-hour classes for 5-12 year olds based on a variety of activities including Street Dance, Musical Theatre and Jazz.
    Info and times

Over 10s


  • Grade 4 Ballet

    A ballet class based on grade 4 of the ISTD syllabus in Imperial Classical Ballet.
    Info and times

  • Grade 5 Ballet

    A ballet class based on grade 5 of the ISTD syllabus in Imperial Classical Ballet.
    Info and times

  • Senior Beginners Ballet

    A one-hour ballet class for any beginner over 12 years old, without the structure of a graded syllabus.
    Info and times

  • Senior Improvers Ballet

    A one-hour class for anyone over 12 years old with some ballet experience, without the structure of a graded syllabus.
    Info and times

  • Senior Jazz

    A one-hour jazz class for over 10s, without the structure of a graded syllabus.
    Info and times

  • Senior Tap

    A one-hour tap class for children over 10, without the structure of a graded syllabus.
    Info and times

  • Theatre Arts

    A 45-minute class for children who enjoy acting, singing and dancing.
    Info and times

  • Theatre Workshop

    Fun two-hour classes for 5-12 year olds based on a variety of activities including Street Dance, Musical Theatre and Jazz.
    Info and times

Adults


  • Adult Ballet for beginners

    A lively and fun introduction to ballet for adults with little or no dance experience.
    Info and times

  • Adult Ballet for beginners and improvers

    A natural step from beginners, developing techniques already learned and introducing new moves.
    Info and times

  • Adult Ballet for improvers

    Working around the grade 5 ISTD level, for adults moving up from beginners or with previous ballet experience.
    Info and times

  • Intermediate Adult Ballet

    A higher level class for adults with more developed ballet experience and secure knowledge of ballet terminology. Faster paced and more complex ballet routines.
    Info and times

  • Silver Swans Ballet

    An initiative set up by the Royal Academy of Dance to bring ballet to more mature dancers.
    Info and times

Get in touch!

Use this form to contact us about your child attending a class. We'll get back in touch as quickly as possible!





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