Progression Programme (Age 8.5-11)
Strong foundations, growing independence, and a love of learning.
At SGDA, our Progression Programme introduces children to more structured dance training while keeping classes imaginative, energetic and fun.
Within this programme, we offer two stages - one for ages 8–9 and one for ages 10–11.
This ensures dancers are learning at the right pace for their age, confidence and development.
Dancers begin to refine their technique, improve focus and develop the discipline that will support them throughout their dance journey.
At this stage, children are encouraged to commit to regular classes, explore different styles, and build friendships that make dance even more enjoyable.
Classes Available
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Our ISTD Tap classes introduce dancers to rhythm, musicality and coordination through the highly respected Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing syllabus. Children learn fundamental tap technique using age-appropriate exercises that build timing, clarity of sound and footwork precision.
Classes focus on developing:
Strong rhythm and counting skills
Clear, confident tap sounds
Coordination and balance
Musicality and performance quality
Spatial awareness and teamwork
With a fun, upbeat atmosphere, these classes help dancers gain confidence, express themselves through rhythm, and build the core tap skills that support them as they progress through the ISTD grades. ISTD Tap is the perfect complement to Ballet and Jazz training, helping dancers become well-rounded, musical and versatile performers.
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Our RAD Ballet classes provide dancers with a strong technical foundation while nurturing musicality, posture and confidence. Students learn correct ballet technique through age-appropriate exercises, imaginative work and the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus, helping them develop coordination, strength and an early love of movement.
With a focus on safe progression and individual support, our younger dancers build the essential skills needed as they move through the RAD grades including balance, alignment, turnout, expression and performance quality. These classes offer a joyful introduction to ballet while laying the foundations for future training.
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Our RAD Enhancement classes follow Royal Ballet School teaching principles, offering dancers the focused time they need to strengthen their technique, improve musicality and develop confident performance skills.
This class supports and accelerates progress in RAD Ballet by working on:
Core strength and alignment
Turnout technique and safe mobility
Coordination, balance and control
Port de bras, quality of movement and expression
Musicality and artistry
Confidence and stage presence
Many dancers find that without this additional technical support, they can begin to fall behind their peers -especially as RAD work becomes more demanding in the higher grades. Enhancement gives your child the space to master the foundations properly, build strength and move into examinations feeling prepared, confident and capable.
This class is highly recommended for all dancers wishing to progress smoothly through the RAD grades, gain stronger technique, and develop a genuine love of movement.
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Our Jazz classes are lively, dynamic and confidence-boosting. Dancers learn the foundations of jazz technique, including kicks, turns, isolations and travelling steps, all taught through fun combinations and age-appropriate choreography.
Classes help develop:
Strength and flexibility
Sharp, controlled technique
Coordination and musicality
Performance confidence
Style and stage presence
With upbeat music and a supportive atmosphere, Jazz is the perfect class for building versatility and giving dancers the skills they need to shine in both technical and performance-based work.
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Lyrical dance blends the technique of Ballet with the expressive quality of Contemporary. Our Lyrical classes help younger dancers develop emotional connection, fluidity and storytelling through movement.
Students focus on:
Expression and musical interpretation
Fluid, connected movement
Safe stretching and flexibility
Core strength and control
Performance quality and artistry
Lyrical is the ideal class for dancers who love to express themselves and move with feeling. It builds confidence, creativity and strong foundational technique that enhances all other styles.
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Commercial is a fun, high-energy style inspired by music videos, stage performers and current dance trends. Our classes focus on building confidence, rhythm and strong performance skills in a supportive and age-appropriate environment.
Dancers learn:
Musicality and timing
Style and use of dynamics
Beginner commercial foundations
Confidence, stage presence and attitude
Short routines that are fun and empowering
Commercial helps children build self-belief, develop strong performance skills and explore their personality through dance - making it a brilliant complement to their technical training.
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Our Acrobatics classes combine elements of dance, strength training and gymnastics to help dancers develop controlled, safe and progressive acro skills. Working through a structured syllabus, students learn fundamental techniques such as bridges, handstands, cartwheels and balances, alongside strength, flexibility and coordination training.
Classes focus on:
Safe technique and strong foundations
Flexibility, strength and body awareness
Balance, control and confidence
Progressive acro skills (appropriate to age and level)
Linking tricks smoothly into dance movement
With a strong emphasis on safety and correct technique, Acrobatics helps dancers become more versatile, resilient and physically confident. It supports all other dance styles by building strength, mobility and coordination - making it an excellent addition to any dancer’s training.
“I highly recommend SGDA — a caring school with excellent teachers and fantastic opportunities.
My daughter has danced here since age 2, taking part in shows and RAD exams, and she absolutely loves her classes!”
— Lauren Connah
FAQs
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Leggings/shorts and a fitted t-shirt are perfect for trials. Bare feet for ballet/lyrical, trainers for street dance, and tap shoes if you already have them (otherwise clean school shoes are fine to try).
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Yes - once your child continues, we’ll guide you through the simple SGDA uniform list for each style. Uniform helps with comfort, safety and giving dancers a sense of belonging.
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In the Progression Programme children attend classes independently. Some run straight in, others take a little time - both are normal. Our teachers are experienced at encouraging shy dancers, parents are invited to watch during their dancer’s initial trial classes, and we have dedicated parent weeks so you can see their progress.
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Some children take to new classes immediately, others need a few weeks to settle. Don’t worry if your child seems shy or hesitant at first - consistency helps, and our teachers know how to build confidence gradually.
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Classes are £10 per 45 minutes (or £8.50 for 30 minutes), invoiced termly. We offer sibling discount and, multi-class discounts are available if your dancer attends more than one session.
Payment plans are available.
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SG1 classes run in a variety of studios at The Hammond. You’ll find details of times and studios on our [Timetable →].
On arrival, please park in the main car park. Look out for our SGDA signs and friendly faces - we’ll make sure you find the right studio and help your child feel welcome from the very start.
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All classes at SGDA are taught by our highly qualified, specialist teaching team. Our faculty includes Royal Ballet School–affiliated teachers, RAD-qualified ballet specialists, ISTD-trained faculty, professional performers, choreographers and certified Acrobatic Arts, Yoga and Pilates instructors.
Every teacher brings extensive industry experience - from West End-linked productions and international performance careers to advanced teaching qualifications and professional training at leading schools such as The Hammond, Performers College, Royal Academy of Dance, Middlesex University and the Royal Ballet School.
We pride ourselves on offering expert, supportive and individually tailored teaching. Your child will always be taught by a dedicated specialist who understands how to nurture confidence, strong technique and a genuine love of dance.
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After completing the Progression Programme, dancers move into our Development, Bridge or Advanced training pathways, depending on their individual ability, confidence and readiness. These groups allow students to continue building strong technique while being challenged at the right level for them.
From here, dancers can progress towards:
Higher-level RAD and ISTD grades
Pre-pointe and pointe training (where appropriate)
Performance, or choreography opportunities
Preparation for vocational auditions, associate programmes or sixth-form college pathways
Specialist classes, such as Enhancement, Acro, Jazz, Commercial or Lyrical
Our goal is to ensure every dancer continues to grow - technically, creatively and personally - with a clear pathway that supports their long-term development.