Exceptional dance training, with your child at the centre.
Specialist teaching, high standards and safe, progressive training, with every dancer known and supported as an individual.
Why Families Choose SGDA
“The perfect place for little ones to fall in love with ballet.””
Inclusive &
Neurodiversity-Aware
Teaching
We meet every dancer where they are, and help them grow in confidence, strength and creativity.
170+ Students Weekly
From preschoolers to pre-professionals, all training with consistency, care and progression.
“My daughter’s confidence has grown massively in just one term.”
““There’s a real family feel here - warm, inclusive, but still professional.””
Training in Partnership with
The Hammond
State-of-the-art facilities, exceptional staff, and a shared commitment to excellence.
Is SGDA Right For Your Family?
SGDA is a great fit for families who want excellent teaching, high standards and exciting opportunities, but who also want to know their child is being trained safely, thoughtfully and as an individual.
We work best with parents who want the very best for their child and trust our experienced teaching team to guide their training, including when they are ready for the next class, grade, exam or opportunity.
If the priority is moving through grades as quickly as possible or collecting the next certificate, we probably won’t be the right school for you.
If you’re looking for high-quality training, strong foundations and long-term progression, with your child at the centre of every decision, you’ll feel very at home at SGDA.
Your Child’s Dance Journey Starts Here
-
Whether they’re taking their very first class or joining us with previous experience, we’ll make sure your dancer feels welcome, understood and placed where they can thrive.
-
Great dancers are built on strong foundations. Our teachers get to know each dancer individually, helping them develop technique, confidence and a genuine understanding of how they dance.
-
We don’t rush dancers through grades, levels or exams simply to reach the next certificate. Progression, class placement and opportunities are based on individual readiness, technique and what is genuinely right for the dancer.
-
From theatre productions and examinations to workshops, associate programmes and further training, our dancers are given opportunities to challenge themselves, perform and be proud of how far they’ve come.
Where to find us
We’re proud to train at The Hammond, Chester - a world-class facility with sprung floors, mirrors, barres, and professional-standard studios.
Easy access: just 5 minutes from the M53 & A41
Parking: On-site parking is usually available, with SGDA-reserved spaces. During some Hammond events, parking may be limited — if this affects your class times, we’ll always let you know in advance.
Accessibility: Accessible studios and changing spaces are available. A small number of studios are upstairs without lift access - let us know if your dancer needs step-free facilities and we’ll ensure a suitable space is allocated.
📍 The Hammond, Mannings Lane, Chester, CH2 4ES
FAQs
Can my child join if they’re a complete beginner?
1
Absolutely. We welcome dancers with all levels of experience and will help you choose the class that best suits their age, experience and individual needs.
How do you decide which class or level my child should be in?
2
Placements are based on the individual dancer, not simply their age or how long they have been dancing. Our teachers consider technique, experience, confidence and readiness so that each dancer is in the environment where they can progress safely and successfully.
When will my child move up or take their next exam?
3
When they’re ready. We don’t rush dancers through grades or exams simply to reach the next certificate. Our teaching team will recommend progression when a dancer has the technique, understanding and confidence needed for what comes next.
My child already dances elsewhere. Can they join at the same grade?
4
Previous training is always taken into account, but grades and levels can vary considerably between schools. We’ll recommend the most appropriate SGDA placement once we understand your child’s previous experience and current training.
Do we need uniform for a trial?
5
No. Comfortable clothes they can move in are absolutely fine for a trial. If your child decides to join us, we’ll give you everything you need to know about uniform.
How do I book a trial?
6
Choose your programme or class through our trial booking system and reserve a space. If you’re unsure which class is right, just get in touch and we can help point you in the right direction.