When booking classes at Theative Performing Arts, it's essential to select the appropriate age group and level to ensure your child is placed in a class that aligns with their developmental stage and abilities. Our age groups are starting points and serve as guidelines to help you choose the best class for your child. We recommend booking into the level where the minimum age corresponds to your child's age as of the beginning of the academic year on 1st September. For instance, if your child was already 6 years old on 1st September, they should be booked into the Grade 1 (6-9y) class.

Preschool Classes:

Parent & Child (Toddler) (1y6m - 3y): A fun, interactive class for toddlers and their parents to explore dance together. These sessions focus on basic movement, rhythm, and coordination through playful activities, while also supporting cognitive development, preparing little ones for their transition to primary school.

Early Years (Preschool) (3y - 4y): Independent classes designed for preschoolers to build confidence and social skills while introducing basic dance movements and rhythm. These classes use imaginative play and simple routines to develop motor skills, balance, and cognitive abilities, laying a strong foundation for future learning.

Primary Levels:

Pre-Primary (Reception Age) (4y - 6y): Suitable for children in Reception class, these classes focus on basic dance techniques, coordination, and creativity across various styles. Ideal for young dancers beginning formal dance education.

Primary (5y - 7y): These classes build on foundational skills, introducing more structured movements and techniques in styles such as ballet, modern theatre, and tap. Perfect for children in Year 1 or equivalent, these classes encourage musicality and basic choreography.

Grade 1 (6y - 9y): For children aged 6 to 8 at the start of the academic year, these classes introduce more formal dance techniques and foundational skills in multiple dance styles. Students develop coordination, rhythm, and a basic understanding of choreography.

Grade 2 (8y - 10y): Suitable for children aged 8 to 9 years, these classes offer a more advanced exploration of dance techniques across various styles, helping dancers build strength, flexibility, and confidence.

Grade 3 (9y - 12y): For dancers with some experience looking to further develop their skills. These classes introduce more complex movements and routines, encouraging creativity and performance skills.

Intermediate Levels:

Grade 4 (10y - 13y): For older children and pre-teens ready to advance their dance skills with more intricate steps and combinations in various dance styles, including ballet, modern theatre, and tap.

Grade 5 (11y - 15y): Designed for pre-teens and early teens to develop more advanced techniques, focusing on strength, flexibility, and precision across all dance disciplines.

Senior Levels:

Grades 6-8 (11y - 13y): For advanced young dancers refining their technique and artistry. These levels challenge students with more complex choreography and performance skills in ballet, modern theatre, and tap.

Intermediate Foundation (13y - 15y): Prepares students for more advanced technical work and is suitable for those looking to build on their previous training across dance styles.

Intermediate (15y - 18y): For dedicated older teens who are serious about their dance training, focusing on advanced technique and preparation for potential professional paths in various dance disciplines.

Adult Levels:

Adult Beginner (17+): Ideal for adults new to dance or looking to revisit dance basics in a supportive and fun environment.

Adult Improver: For those with some experience wanting to improve their skills and techniques in multiple dance styles.

Adult Intermediate: For more experienced adult dancers looking to advance their training.

Adult General: A general level class for adults of varying experience, focusing on enjoyment and fitness through dance.

Progression and Advancement:

Children can progress through the levels faster if they take more than one class a week, particularly if they take multiple classes in the same dance style. Regular practice and exposure to more intensive training help reinforce techniques, enhance muscle memory, and accelerate learning. By attending multiple classes, especially in styles such as ballet, modern theatre, or tap, students can deepen their understanding, refine their skills more quickly, and move up to more advanced levels at a faster pace.

By following these age guidelines and descriptions, you can ensure your child is placed in a class that best suits their age, ability, and dance experience. Our classes are designed to foster a love of dance while developing technical skills, cognitive abilities, and self-expression. If you're unsure which level is right for your child, or if you’re considering enrolling in multiple classes to enhance progression, please feel free to contact us for guidance!