BALLET @ SCD

We are now recruiting for the Level 1 Ballet Exam classes for new students in school years 1 & 2, to start in September!

The Exam classes are part of The Royal Ballet School's Affiliate Training & Assessment Programme (ATAP) and offer the following:

• One ballet class per week (required)
• Optional strength & conditioning class 
• Support sessions for portfolio work (children submit a portfolio alongside assessment work) at no extra cost
• Choreography workshops included at no extra cost

Children must attend classes weekly, must be ready for the higher challenge of learning and focus, and must be willing to engage in a small amount of home-study. Children joining classes in September 2026 will take their first exams in July 2028 and we have a small number of class spaces available on Wednesdays at 4.15pm or Saturday at 9.15am.A more in-depth overview of the Ballet pathways at SCD can be read below.Please do let us know if you would like your child to begin working towards the Royal Ballet Assessments, by replying to this email. We will review with you as to whether the classes would be suitable. 

SCD ATAP Ballet Training & Assessment Programme
A partnership with The Royal Ballet School's Affiliate Programme

Programme Overview

Sutton Community Dance (SCD) is proud to deliver The Royal Ballet School's Affiliate Training & Assessment Programme (ATAP) - a creative, holistic and research‑informed approach to ballet education. ATAP supports dancers in developing technical skill, artistry, curiosity and independent learning, using the Royal Ballet School's Model for Optimal Dance Training.

ATAP at SCD is designed to offer both assessment pathways and non‑assessment freework pathways, ensuring every dancer can choose the route that best suits their interests, confidence and long‑term goals.

Training Pathways at SCD

1. ATAP Exam Pathway (Level 1 - 3)

Students choosing the assessment pathway will follow the Royal Ballet School's structured ATAP levels, with assessments carried out at SCD.

Weekly commitment:

• One ballet class per week (required)
• Optional strength & conditioning class (recommended for exam students - day and time TBC)
• Support sessions for portfolio work (children submit a portfolio alongside assessment work) at no extra cost
• Choreography workshops included at no extra cost

2. Free-work Ballet Pathway (Non‑Assessment)

SCD will continue to offer freework ballet classes, designed for students who:

• Prefer not to take assessments
• Enjoy non‑syllabus ballet training
• Want flexibility without assessment requirements

ATAP Training Structure

Ballet Technique Class (1 per week – required for ATAP exam students)

Classes follow ATAP's creative, process‑centred approach, focusing on:

• Technical progression
• Musicality and artistry
• Independent learning
• Creative exploration

Strength & Conditioning Class (optional but recommended)

Supports:

• Safe physical development
• Core strength and alignment
• Injury prevention
• Conditioning principles aligned with the Royal Ballet School's training philosophy

Written Work Support Sessions (included for all ATAP students)

ATAP includes contextual studies which must be completed at home. These sessions help students:

• Understand written tasks
• Build reflective skills
• Complete contextual work confidently

Choreography Workshops (included for all ATAP students)

Workshops throughout the year support:

• Creative thinking
• Choreographic development
• Independent artistry

Royal Ballet School Enrichment Opportunities

ATAP assessment students at SCD gain exclusive access to:

• Specialist workshops at The Royal Ballet School
• Opportunities to learn from RBS faculty

These enrichment activities are optional and offered at additional cost, but only available to ATAP students who are actively taking assessments.

Assessments & Certification

ATAP Assessments at SCD (Levels 1–3)

Assessments are carried out by trained Affiliate Teachers and focus on:

• Individual progress
• Holistic understanding
• Creative and contextual learning

Royal Ballet School Awards

Successful students receive:

• Certificates
• Badges
• Moderated marks from the Royal Ballet School

Eligibility & Commitment

ATAP assessment pathway is suitable for:

• Students in school years 2+
• Dancers who enjoy structured progression and assessment
• Families seeking a high‑quality, research‑informed ballet education

Freework pathway is ideal for:

• Students who prefer non‑exam ballet
• Those wanting flexibility or creative exploration
• Dancers who enjoy ballet without assessment pressure

Please think carefully about whether your child is ready for the commitment needed to work towards an assessment - by continuing in a freework class they will still receive a high level of learning and care from our team and their progress will not be hindered by not taking part in the assessments.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me further.

Please click here to find out more about the Royal Ballet School's Affiliate Training and Assessment Programme.