The School
Approved dance centre for DDI and DDE Cecchetti Ballet.
The school is located in the Memorial Hall, Upper Bucklebury , where we
have a large centrally heated studio with a sprung wooden floor, barres and
good heated changing rooms. There is ample, well lit parking and facilities
for parents to wait in comfort.
Upper Bucklebury is just outside Thatcham and very close to Newbury.
We believe that the atmosphere in our school is friendly
& professional and that all our students are here because,
like the teachers, they love to dance. If you are seriously considering choosing a school for yourself or for
your child, you may care to read a few notes on this.
Our students have been successful in gaining places in: The Royal Ballet School (Upper and Lower schools), English National Ballet School, Central School, Elmhurst, Arts Educational, London Contemporary Dance School, Rambert School of Ballet and London Studio Centre. Many have been awarded Cecchetti Society Scholarships. Ex students are also dancing in professional ballet companies. A number of our students have passed the Cecchetti teaching qualifications and are now pursuing a career in teaching Classical Ballet in London and abroad.
Cara Drower is an Approved Tutor which means that students can study, under Cara, for their National teaching qualifications
We are now able to offer classes in both Modern Theatre Dance and Tap at all levels.
See About Modern Theatre Dance and Tap for more information about these disciplines.
The school was founded in 1975 by Mrs Gillian Robinson who remained Principal until her retirement in 2002.
Examinations
At the teachers discretion, pupils may be entered for the
Cecchetti Society examinations.
Dress
The uniform is a sleeveless navy leotard although girls in Grade 4 and
above may wear any suitable leotard of their choice. Younger children wear
ballet ankle socks and soft ballet shoes with elastic. Older girls wear flesh
coloured ballet tights. Warm cross-over cardigans are recommended in winter.
Hair must be off the neck and securely pinned so that the neck line can be
seen. All items should be named.
Boys wear white T-shirts, navy (or
other dark) shorts, ballet ankle socks and black soft ballet shoes with
elastic.
All items of uniform are available through the school
Conditions
A full terms notice is required or alternatively, a terms fees is
charged in lieu of notice, before removing a pupil from any class. All fees are
payable in advance of the start of term.