Ballet is a challenging dance form, with its roots going back hundreds of years, and mastering the art of classical ballet is rewarding and satisfying.

What Happens In Our Classes

St Mary’s is primarily a Ballet school and classes are based on the syllabus of the Royal Academy of Dance, which includes ballet, character and free movement.

The children also learn the ISTD National Dance syllabus, and I use some elements of other syllabi and dance styles to enhance the childrens' learning.

Girls and boys can start with Pre-Ballet Movement classes from age 21⁄2 via Marian’s Magic Bag and Melody Bear® Classes) and continue in Classical Ballet and National Dance to all levels. Exam sessions are held regularly, and children who wish to are entered as and when ready.

The annual Summer School offers a week of intensive classes and is held in Headington during August.

We also have occasional ‘shows’, and an ‘Old Girls’ Club’