Boys

Boys are very welcome in the school and we're proud that some have gone on from here to take up places at the Royal Ballet School among others.

We currently have a number of boys aged from two to fifteen years of age taking part in both ballet and tap classes; quite a considerable number given the rural location of most branches.

Boys are encouraged to take part in shows, exams, workshops etc., in fact every aspect of the school, and both the RAD and IDTA offer a balanced syllabus in ballet and tap which can be taught in the same classes as the girls. Most of  the exercises are similar to those of the girls, with slight changes to arm positions, finishing positions and sometimes a different variation to the music.

In addition, some of the higher grades have extra allegro (jumping) exercises just for the boys, to build strength. When there are only one or two boys in a class, parents worry that the boy may feel inhibited. Our experience has shown that boys more often thrive on being the only boy as it gives them a sense of being special, especially when their strength starts to show in the later grades and they learn to `out jump´ the girls! Like all the pupils at the school, the boys are encouraged to attend any available external courses, particularly those specialising in the teaching of the boys syllabus.

'Do boys have to wear tights?' is a question often asked by prospective parents.  The answer is a resounding no! Boys can wear shorts, tracksuit joggers, cycle shorts in fact anything that they will be comfortable in. Usually, after a few years when confidence has been built, those who wish to study ballet beyond grade 3 are happy to wear the RAD navy uniform tights, but they are not compulsory and no boy will be prevented from dancing or taking exams in whatever is comfortable, so long as it is suitable to move in.

If you would like to watch a class to see the work of boys currently attending lessons at the school, please do contact us.