Southfields School of Ballet

Southfields School of Ballet, located in London, offers a wide range of ballet classes for both children and adults. Established in 1994 and taken over by Eliane Gerhard in 1998, the school is dedicated to providing a nurturing and inspiring environment for dancers of all ages.

The school offers classes for children starting from the age of 2 and a half, with their Music & Movement class. This class serves as a fun and creative introduction to dance, helping children develop balance, coordination, self-esteem, body awareness, and creative self-expression. The class incorporates various types of music, stories, props, and lots of praise to encourage children's self-confidence and love for dance. Music & Movement classes are held on weekdays at St.

Barnabas Church in Southfields and on Saturday mornings at Wimbledon Village Club on Lingfield Road.

Children who have reached 6 years of age can move up to Grade 1 level. The work at this stage becomes more technical and structured, but certainly not boring. Character dancing, such as Polish and Hungarian dances, is introduced as part of the syllabus, as it is performed in famous ballets like Swan Lake. The school aims to inspire students to reach their potential and encourages positive learning patterns through the beauty of ballet.

At the Pre-Primary and Primary levels, which cater to children aged 4-5 and 5–6 years respectively, the school emphasises the use of imagery and stories to inspire learning. The aim is to teach children basic ballet posture and develop grace, musicality, and coordination to prepare them for the more intricate work in Grade 1. Students will have the opportunity to dance through fairy tales, farmyards, and distant countries, all with proper technique and form. The classes incorporate free scarf/ribbon dancing to music, encouraging the children to stretch, spin, run on tiptoes, and apply what they have learned in a fun and engaging way.

The Southfields School of Ballet believes in providing a supportive and inclusive environment for dancers of all abilities. Whether one is looking to pursue ballet professionally or simply enjoys dancing for personal fulfilment, the school welcomes all students with open arms.

For those interested in trying out a class, the school offers free trial sessions at their Southfields and Wimbledon locations. To arrange a free trial class or to find out more information, individuals can contact the school via email or phone.

Overall, the Southfields School of Ballet prides itself on its passion for dance and music, aiming to touch, move, and inspire their students through the artistry of ballet. With a dedicated team of experienced instructors and a welcoming environment, the school strives to provide exceptional training and opportunities for dancers in London.