Our Classes
At Octagon Studios, there's a class for all levels and ages!
Download our suggested ages for classes PDF
Ballet
Our ballet training programme progresses through the Grades up to and including Teacher Training. We enter our students for examinations in Classical Ballet - Russian Style with the National Association of Teachers of Dance. We run professional workshops taught by peripatetic teachers from companies such as English National Ballet and Adventures in Motion Pictures.
Contemporary Dance
Contemporary Dance is taught as an expressive art form based on strong technique using the ideas laid down by innovators of Contemporary Dance such as Martha Graham and Merce Cunningham. We encourage our pupils to experience this genre of dance particularly those who are GCSE and 'A' Level students. We also invite professional practitioners from companies such as Richard Alston's, Siobhan Davies and Rambert to give Contemporary Dance Workshops so our students can experience a wide range of technique and stimulating tuition.
Jazz Dance
Jazz Dance explodes with energy and is athletic and exciting. It ranges from Traditional Jazz, 'Modern', Musical Theatre, Street Dance, Hip Hop and many more newly introduced and developing techniques. We offer classes for Jazz Babes (Primary) right up to Advanced Level. We also hold professional jazz workshops.
Tap Dance
A form of dance developed in America from the clog dances from European Immigrants and African dance and rhythms. Tap is always popular, made more so by the American Musicals such as Top Hat, Singing in the Rain and 42nd Street. We teach ISTD Tap dance from age 4 years to Adults including the very popular Adult Beginners Tap! Great fun!
EXAMS!
Please let us know if your child wants to take exams in dance, drama or music. For ballet they will need to attend two classes a week to achieve a good exam pass, those who attend only once a week may be given the choice of the alternative ‘Medal Tests’. We will not enter pupils for exams/medal tests until they reach the required standard and correct entry age.
For children of above average ability and a passion for dance we offer ‘Gifted & Talented’ classes in ballet on alternate Sundays. These are 1 ¼ hour classes and concentrate on strong technique, flexibility and strength.
Entry is by invitation although we also accept external students via an audition process.
As our aim is to educate and encourage our pupils we arrange educational trips to see performances at The Royal Opera House, Sadlers Wells, and other London theatre, plus trips to more local venues such as The Arts Theatre Cambridge and Theatre Royal Norwich.
If you would like to talk to a member of staff or arrange classes please visit the Studios – times as per timetable.