Royal Academy of Dance Classes Cheltenham
Teaching the art of Classical Ballet
Children Ages 4 - 8 years
Register for Open Day here - Meet your teachers - Fun Open Day enrolment and trial classes.
Sunday, 19 January 2025, 12pm - 3pm - Arnold Street Studio, Cheltenham
Global Artsphere Institute of Performing Arts (GAPA) is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to nurturing the next generation of creative and elite dancers through its prestigious Margot Fonteyn Affiliate Program.
GAPA is a global leader in fine arts and dance education, affiliating to schools in Italy, Croatia, Latvia, and the United States. The new Australasia Headquarters in Melbourne marks an exciting expansion, bringing world-class training to the region.
The GAPA Junior Ballet School operates as a Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) School, focusing exclusively on junior levels. While closely affiliated with GAPA, it is a standalone school that ensures a specialised approach for younger dancers.
The GAPA Junior Ballet School is led by Director Emma Body, who recently returned to Australia after two years as Director of the Lower School at the Margot Fonteyn Academy of Ballet in Arizona, USA. There, she collaborated with Artistic Director Ken Ludden and Associate Artistic Director Rainer Krenstetter to establish the Academy's world headquarters and implement an integrated arts curriculum.
Now based in Melbourne, Emma offers the acclaimed Royal Academy of Dance Academy Method locally for the GAPA Junior Ballet School.
Her impressive qualifications include International Training Certification in Pedagogy, an Associate Diploma in Classical Ballet Teaching, a Diploma in Anatomy, Royal Academy of Dance Teacher Registration and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
With over 30 years of global teaching and professional experience, Emma Body brings exceptional expertise and a passion for cultivating young talent to the GAPA Junior Ballet School, ensuring quality teaching and a creative and fun environment for all our junior students learning the art of Classical Ballet.
Amy Lowis brings her passion for nurturing young dancers and developing their confidence and skills to her role as a teacher at the GAPA Junior Ballet School. Specialising in the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Program for children aged 4–8 years, Amy is a dedicated mentor who creates a supportive and inspiring environment for her students.
With a strong foundation in dance, Amy achieved distinctions in her ballet examinations and pursued full-time training in ballet, jazz, and tap. Her comprehensive training and warm and engaging teaching style allow her to connect with young dancers, encouraging them to flourish both technically and creatively.
Amy’s experience spans Melbourne, where she has become a respected teacher known for fostering confidence, discipline, and a love for dance in her students. As part of the Global Artsphere Institute of Performing Arts Junior development program, Amy plays a vital role in shaping and inspiring the next generation of young dancers, combining her extensive expertise with a passion for education.
Whether guiding beginners in their first pliés or mentoring young dancers through their RAD journey, Amy’s dedication and enthusiasm make her an invaluable part of the GAPA Junior Ballet School team.
Ages 4 - 5 years Royal Academy of Dance
Pre Primary Level
Every Thursday at 10am 45mins fun Foundation Ballet and parent and friends day once per term.
Ages 5 - 6 years Royal Academy of Dance
Primary Level
Every Tuesday at 4pm 45 mins fun Ballet and exam option class and parent day once per term.
Ages 6 - 7 years Royal Academy of Dance
Grade One
Every Tuesday at 5pm 60mins Ballet and exam option class and parent day once per term.
Ages 7 - 8 years Royal Academy of Dance
Grade Two
Every Friday at 4pm 75mins RAD Ballet and exam option class. Introduction to Fonteyn Ballet Methodology parent day once per term
As a parent of a budding dancer, I am incredibly impressed with the GAPA Junior Ballet School's approach to nurturing young passion and talent. The school provides a welcoming environment that emphasises both discipline and creativity.
From the moment we stepped into the studio, I noticed the warm atmosphere that encouraged children to express themselves while learning the foundational principles of ballet. The instructors are not only highly skilled but also genuinely passionate about teaching. They focus on developing each child's attention, technique and love for dance, which is evident in how they interact with the students.
The structured curriculum is well thought out and caters to different age groups and skill levels. I appreciate how GAPA Junior Ballet School balances traditional ballet training with opportunities for improvisation and creativity. Each lesson is designed to be engaging, allowing children to build confidence in their abilities.
Additionally, the school’s communication is commendable. Regular updates about class activities and news keeps parents informed and involved in their child’s progress. It's reassuring to see our children flourish in an environment that prioritises their growth as dancers and individuals.
The GAPA Junior Ballet School provides an excellent foundation for young dancers. Knowing they are in good hands, I feel confident about enrolling my child here.
WHAT IS THE BENEFITS OF CLASSICAL BALLET FOR JUNIOR AGES?
Classical Ballet offers numerous benefits for junior age groups, supporting their physical, emotional, and social development.
Physical Benefits
Improved Coordination and Motor Skills:
Classical Ballet teaches children how to move with precision and control, enhancing their balance, coordination, and spatial awareness.
Strength and Flexibility:
The movements in ballet help develop strong muscles, improve posture, and increase overall flexibility.
Enhanced Stamina and Fitness:
Regular ballet practice promotes cardiovascular health and builds endurance.
Better Posture:
Classical Ballet focuses on alignment, encouraging good posture from an early age.
Cognitive Benefits
Discipline and Focus:
Learning choreography and mastering techniques fosters concentration and self-discipline.
Memory and Cognitive Development
Memorising steps and sequences enhances memory and cognitive processing.
Creativity and Expression
Ballet provides a platform for children to express themselves creatively through movement.
Emotional Benefits
Confidence Building:
Achieving goals in ballet, such as mastering a move, boosts self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment.
Stress Relief
Dance offers a fun, creative outlet, helping children manage emotions and reduce stress.
Patience and Resilience
Ballet teaches the importance of practice and perseverance in overcoming challenges.
Social Benefits
Teamwork and Collaboration:
Working with peers in group dances fosters camaraderie and teamwork.
Respect and Etiquette:
Classical Ballet emphasizes respect for teachers, peers, and the art form, instilling lifelong values.
Building Friendships:
Classes provide opportunities to make friends with similar interests outside of the normal school day.
Developmental Benefits
Body Awareness
Ballet helps children understand how their bodies move, improving body awareness and self-control.
Early Exposure to Art and Culture
Ballet introduces children to music, rhythm, history and the beauty of artistic expression.
By enrolling in ballet, junior age groups enjoy a fun and structured activity and develop skills that extend far beyond the dance studio. It’s a holistic approach to fostering their body, mind, and spirit growth.
Pathway for Further Classical Ballet and Dance Training
Royal Academy Dance Examination Program ages 8 - 15 years, including Jazz and Contemporary Dance.
Pathway to Global Arts Institute of Performing Arts Margot Fonteyn Methology Transition Levels 1 to 4 and Fine Arts Program. ages 12 - 17 years
“GAPA’s fun foundational ballet classes for 4-year-olds and RAD Levels for 5 to 8-year-olds make every little step magical! With convenient class times and professional, caring teachers, your child will feel supported as they learn, leap, and grow in confidence and joy
”