Development Programme (12y+)
Elevating, technique, confidence and individual potential.
Our Development Programme is designed for dancers who are ready to deepen their training and take the next step beyond the Progression Programme.
At this stage, dancers experience a greater technical demand, expanded stylistic work, and more focused coaching to support their growing strength, coordination and maturity.
The Development Programme helps dancers refine technique, build stamina, improve musicality and begin developing stronger artistry - all within the encouraging, structured environment that SGDA is known for. This level prepares students for clear future pathways, including Bridge and Advanced training.
Classes Available
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ISTD Tap introduces dancers to rhythm, musicality and footwork precision. Through upbeat exercises and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing syllabus, students develop timing, balance and clear tap sounds. Classes are lively, confidence-boosting and a brilliant complement to Ballet and Jazz training.
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Our RAD Ballet classes build strong technical foundations while developing musicality, posture and coordination. Using the internationally recognised Royal Academy of Dance syllabus, dancers progress through carefully structured exercises that support safe technique, confidence and artistry. Ballet underpins all other dance styles and provides the essential discipline needed for long-term training.
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Our RAD Enhancement classes follow Royal Ballet School teaching principles to strengthen the core skills that directly impact ballet progress. Dancers work on posture, turnout, strength, alignment, coordination, musicality and expressive qualities - the areas that often limit advancement if not trained separately. This class accelerates progress, deepens understanding of technique and helps dancers feel confident, prepared and capable in their graded RAD work.
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Discovering Repertoire introduces dancers to classical ballet variations and repertoire through the RAD’s specialist performance-based syllabus. Students learn excerpts inspired by iconic ballets while developing artistry, musicality and stage presence. This class is ideal for dancers who love expressive work or want a taste of performance-focused training.
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Pointe Safe is designed to prepare dancers safely and effectively for future pointe work. This class focuses on strengthening the feet, ankles, legs and core, improving balance and alignment, and developing the technical foundations required to progress onto pointe. The aim is to build strength gradually so dancers move onto pointe confidently, safely and with excellent technique.
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Our Pointe Work classes support dancers who have been assessed as physically ready for pointe. Training focuses on strength, alignment, control and artistry, progressing from simple exercises to more complex movements as confidence grows. Safety is paramount — dancers are closely supported to ensure correct technique and steady development.
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Acrobatics combines strength, flexibility and control with dance-based skills. Working through a structured syllabus, dancers learn safe progressions including bridges, handstands, cartwheels, balances and partner work. Classes improve coordination, core strength, body awareness and confidence — making Acro an excellent complement to all dance styles.
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Jazz is energetic, expressive and technique-driven. Classes develop kicks, turns, isolations, travelling steps and performance skills through dynamic exercises and choreography. Jazz improves flexibility, strength, musicality and stage presence, helping dancers become more versatile and confident.
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Supporting safe training, flexibility, stamina and body awareness.
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Item descriptionLyrical dance blends the technique of ballet with the expressive flow of contemporary. Dancers learn to move with emotion, fluidity and control while developing flexibility, strength and musical interpretation. This class supports artistry, confidence and creativity, giving dancers a space to explore movement with feeling.
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Commercial is inspired by music videos, stage performers and current dance trends. Classes build rhythm, confidence, style and performance presence through fun combinations and high-energy routines. Commercial boosts self-belief, encourages personality and helps dancers develop strong musicality and dynamic movement skills.
“A lovely dance school — professional, highly skilled, and with a wealth of knowledge. Most importantly, they are fantastic with neurodiverse children too.”
— Ceri Lloyd
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Classes run on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at The Hammond, Chester.
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Please park in the main car park and follow the SGDA signs on foot to the studio. Look out for our friendly team - we’ll make sure you find the right place.
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Leggings/shorts and a fitted t-shirt are perfect. Bare feet for ballet/lyrical, trainers for street/commercial, and tap shoes if you already have them (otherwise school shoes are fine to try).
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Yes - once your child continues, we’ll guide you through our simple uniform list for each style. Uniform helps with comfort, safety, and a sense of belonging.
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At this stage, children are expected to attend independently, but we know everyone adapts at their own pace.
Our teachers encourage gently, celebrate effort, and build routines to help dancers feel confident as they step up their training. Parents are invited to watch during dedicated weeks and, during their child’s trial class.
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It’s normal for dancers to need a few weeks to adapt to new teachers, styles, and higher expectations. Don’t worry - our team will support them and ensure they feel part of the group quickly.
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Classes are £10 per 45 minutes (or £8.50 for 30 minutes), invoiced termly. Multi-class discounts are available along with Sibling Discount.
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Our Development Programme is taught by SGDA’s specialist faculty — experienced, fully qualified teachers including RAD and ISTD-trained ballet staff, professional performers, certified Acrobatic Arts instructors and commercial, jazz and lyrical specialists.
Students are taught by experts who know how to support developing dancers safely while challenging them to progress with confidence.
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Dancers who are ready for more challenge progress into our Bridge Programme, where training becomes more technical, expressive and performance-focused. The Bridge level prepares committed dancers for Advanced training and higher-level pathways.