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BALLET @ SCD

BALLET AT SCD WITH THE ROYAL BALLET SCHOOL

SCD is proud to be affiliated to The Royal Ballet School

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.

Questions?

Email us anytime!

email

ballet uniform information

Uniform available from The Dance boutique, Ewell Village 


Our Ballet Uniform is unisex and students can choose any of the following to be worn for classes and assessments. These are examples and other variations in the same colour and format are acceptable.

  • Roch Valley Sleeveless Leotard with adjustable ruche - Black
  • Roch Valley CSheree – Sleeveless Leotard 
  • Ballet Socks (Level 1 & 2)
  • Gaynor Minden Convertible Tight - skin tone (Level 3+)
  • Roch Valley Nikki – Cotton Cross-Over Cardigan - Black
  • First Position Raglan Sleeve Crew Neck T-Shirt - Black
  • Roch Valley black lycra cycle shorts


Warm Up Clothes and Accessories

  • Move Dance Adjustable Elastic Belt (Level 1 = Pale Pink, Level 2 = Pale Blue, Level 3 = Lavender) Available from SCD.
  • Royal Ballet School Hoodie (Optional)


Non-Assessment class uniform

For children who are not in assessment classes, we recommend leotards, tights, leggings or tight fitting clothing - similar to the uniform above. This helps our teachers to clearly see development, lines and shapes of the body and ensures children are safe to dance. 

For dancers who enjoy wearing ballet skirts, please ensure these are short in length so as not to get in the way during classes.


Ballet Shoes

NO DRESS UP SHOES PLEASE
We recommend the following shoes which can be bought in your children's shoes size.
LEVEL 1&2 PINK

LEVEL 1&2 BLACK

LEVEL 3 PINK

LEVEL 3 BLACK


Hair

Long hair MUST be tied back into a bun, with wispy strands away from the face. We don't mind a messy bun - but dancers are much more able to turn and focus without their hair tickling their face or their pony tail whipping into their eyes! 

Assessment Information 2025-2026

Level 1

Level 1

Level 2

Level 1

Level 3

Level 3

*SAVE THE DATE - ASSESSEMENT DAY 2026 - SUNDAY 5TH JULY*

*SAVE THE DATE - ASSESSEMENT DAY 2026 - SUNDAY 5TH JULY*

*SAVE THE DATE - ASSESSEMENT DAY 2026 - SUNDAY 5TH JULY*

*SAVE THE DATE - ASSESSEMENT DAY 2026 - SUNDAY 5TH JULY*

*SAVE THE DATE - ASSESSEMENT DAY 2026 - SUNDAY 5TH JULY*

*SAVE THE DATE - ASSESSEMENT DAY 2026 - SUNDAY 5TH JULY*

Confidence and resilience, a positive approach to learning

Copyright © 2023 SCD - All Rights Reserved. 


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