The Classical Ballet Academy (CBA) is designed to discover talented girls and boys between the ages of 8 – 16 years and provide them with a high level of pre-vocational classical training.
The Classical Ballet Academy (CBA) introduces young boys and girls to the fundamentals of vocational training. The focus is on technique, artistry and musicality. Freedom of expression and confidence is encouraged in a nurturing holistic manner.
The programme complements the student’s individual training with their regular ballet school and gives them an opportunity to work with other talented children who share the same goals and ambitions to have a career in dance. Boys are taught separately by a male teacher and all classes are streamed by ability and age. Class numbers are kept small and classes are accompanied by a pianist in our Tring Park Studios.
Further Information
CBA is closely associated with the main school and the dance faculty often guest teach on the course. The course follows similar criteria to the main school in preparation for Tring Park School auditions and possible entry. At the end of the academic year students are assessed by the Artistic Director, the Director of Dance and the Head of Ballet of the main school.
Classes take place at our beautiful Tring Park Studios on six Sunday sessions per term. Each session consists of body conditioning, a classical ballet class, coaching, repertoire and pointe work for the upper level female students. Classes are levelled with an acknowledgment of both age and development with students placed in the class that is most suitable.
Girls and boys taught separately. Girls classes: Prep 1, Prep 2, Junior 1 (includes pre-pointe training), Junior 2 (includes initial pointe training), Mid 1 (includes pointe work), Mid 2 (includes pointe work), Senior (includes pointe work).
Boys classes: Prep/ Junior Boys, Mid/ Senior Boys.
Upcoming Audition Dates
Fees
There is no funding available, although boys who have attained the Paul Watson bursary are allowed to use their awarded funds toward CBA fees. One term’s notice is required if the student wishes to leave CBA.
2022 - 2023
Prep 1 Girls, Prep 2 Girls & Prep/Junior Boys
£126 per term
Junior 1 Girls, Junior 2 Girls, Mid 1 Girls, Mid 2 Girls, Senior Girls & Mid/Senior Boys
£132 per term
Schedule 2022 – 2023
Autumn Term
First Half Term:
11th September
25th September
9th October
Second Half Term:
23rd October
6th November
20th November
Spring Term
First Half Term:
8th January
22nd January
5th February
Second Half Term:
26th February
12th March
26th March
Summer Term
First Half Term:
23rd April
7th May
21st May
Second Half Term:
4th June
18th June
2nd July
Find Out More
Paul Farrell | Head of Classical Ballet Academy
Please get in contact if you have any queries about Classical Ballet Academy.
FAQs
How many auditions are held each year?
We currently hold 1 audition per year in the Summer Term for entry in September. Auditions are typically held on a Saturday or Sunday with groups for different ages and levels.
What is the age requirement, the cost of the audition and do students need to prepare a solo?
There is no need to prepare anything in advance of the audition. The audition will consist of a traditional Classical Ballet class with elements of Barre, Centre, Allegro and Pointe Work for girls with at least 2 years previous experience working on Pointe/ Pre Pointe. The youngest entry age is 8 with the oldest at 16. The administration cost is £20 per student.
What should the student wear?
Students should wear their Classical Ballet dance wear. Girls are advised to wear a plain colored leotard with boys in a white or black leotard or fitted t-shirt. Younger students are encouraged to have bare legs with ballet socks and shoes with older students in Ballet tights.
Do I need to be working on Pointe for the audition and is their Pointe Work on the programme?
Female students with at least 2 years previous experience working on Pointe are encouraged to bring their Pointe Shoes for the audition.
- Junior 1 includes pre-pointe training
- Junior 2 includes initial pointe training
- Mid 1, Mid 2 & Senior Girls classes includes pointe work
Do I need to be working on a particular grade or studying a set syllabus?
Experience is not essential as we look for potential for classical ballet training. Although they can be a useful indicator of previous experience, students do not need to have achieved a particular grade or vocational exam. Classes are designed to equip students with the foundational skills needed to progress in classical ballet.
Is feedback available after auditions and can a pupils retry if unsuccessful?
We are unable to give any feedback due to the high number of applicants however we are always happy to see students again.
Can a successful student continue with their present dance school and also miss classes for other events?
The programme is designed to work alongside and compliment the student’s regular dance training. We are happy for dancers to take part in other programmes but not missing more than 2 CBA sessions per term, except in special circumstances and with prior discussion. It is essential that parents give a term’s notice if their child wishes to leave the programme.
How many levels does the programme consist of?
Following the audition, we place the students in the group that best suits both their age and ability although this could change throughout the year. We have a yearly assessment in the Summer Term where the students will receive a report on their progress.
- Girls Groups: Prep 1, Prep 2, Junior 1, Junior 2, Mid 1, Mid 2, Senior.
- Boys Groups: Prep/ Junior, Mid/ Senior.
A progressing student can stay with us until the age of 18 and reach the senior groups. We do not assess students out of the programme but will make group adjustments if necessary.
Are there performing opportunities?
Although this programme does not have a performance (Covid-19 aside), we do invite the parents to observe the classical class at the end of each term.