Nurturing confidence, creativity, and classical technique from the start.

Our Pre-School Ballet programme follows the Associated Board of Dance (A.B.D.) Pre-Preparatory Ballet Syllabus and is designed for children aged 3–5 years.

Classes provide a beautiful introduction to classical ballet within a structured, engaging, and supportive environment. Through music, movement, imagination, and technique, children develop confidence, discipline, coordination, and a lifelong love of dance.

With regular attendance, children develop not only their dancing skills but also their independence, confidence, and social abilities. Pre-School Ballet provides an excellent foundation for future ballet training while remaining fun, nurturing, and age-appropriate.

What Pre-School Ballet Develops

-Strength and stamina
-Coordination and flexibility
-Musicality and vocabulary development
-Listening skills and discipline
-Confidence and independence
-Friendship and social interaction

Why Choose Pre-School Ballet?

Our Pre-School Ballet classes are carefully designed to introduce young dancers to classical ballet through structured learning, imaginative activities, and creative exploration.

Following the A.B.D. Pre-Preparatory Syllabus, children begin developing fundamental ballet technique while enjoying a positive and encouraging environment that supports both personal and artistic growth.

Every class is taught by qualified, experienced teachers who understand how to inspire young children while maintaining high standards of training.

Who Is It For?

Pre-School Ballet is suitable for children aged 3–5 years who are fully toilet trained and ready to attend classes independently without a parent or guardian present.

This class provides the perfect bridge between Baby Ballet and our Preparatory Ballet programme, helping children develop confidence, concentration, and classroom skills as they progress through their dance journey.

New to Dance?

No previous dance experience is required.

Many children join us having never attended a dance class before. Our experienced teachers work carefully with each child to help them settle into class, build confidence, and enjoy learning in a positive and welcoming environment.

What Happens in a Pre-School Ballet Class?

Each class includes a mixture of:

-Age-appropriate classical ballet technique
-Musicality and rhythm exercises
-Creative movement and imaginative activities
-Coordination and balance exercises
-Vocabulary development
-Performance skills and confidence building
-Reward and recognition opportunities

Classes are carefully structured to prepare children for future ballet training while ensuring lessons remain engaging and enjoyable.

Class Independence Requirements

This is a fully independent "drop and go" class.

Children must be:

-Confident and comfortable attending without a parent or guardian
-Able to use the toilet independently in line with child protection policies
-To maintain a calm and supportive learning environment, parents and guardians are not permitted to remain in the studio during class.

Allowing one parent to stay can cause confusion or upset for other children who may not understand why their own parent is not remaining. To ensure consistency and emotional security for all students, every child attends independently once they are developmentally ready.

If your child is not already known to the school, we may contact you following registration to confirm that they meet these requirements.

If a child is not yet ready to attend independently, they may be directed to our Baby Ballet programme, where parent participation is encouraged, subject to availability.

Important Information

Trial Classes

Children may attend a one-off trial class for £9.50.

Trial classes must be booked through Class4Kids. Please ensure you select the correct class and time, as trial bookings are non-transferable and non-refundable.

Uniform

Children may attend their trial class in comfortable clothing suitable for movement.

Following your trial class, a regulation uniform is required for all subsequent classes. Wearing the correct uniform helps children feel part of the school community, promotes discipline, and allows teachers to assess posture and alignment effectively.

Uniforms can be purchased directly through our online shop:

👉 https://judith-keyes-school-of-dance.sumupstore.com/

If you require assistance with sizing, our team will be happy to help.

Examinations

Examinations may be offered on an individual basis when a child is developmentally and technically ready.

Progression Through the School

Children who enjoy Pre-School Ballet can continue their dance journey through our carefully structured ballet programme, progressing through each level as they grow.

As students progress, they may have opportunities to participate in performances, examinations, medal tests, competitions, and special events.

What’s Included?

Weekly engaging ballet classes following the A.B.D. syllabus

-Qualified, fully insured teachers
-Reward schemes to celebrate effort and achievement
-Opportunities to participate in recitals and school performances
-A welcoming dance community for children and families
-A clear pathway to continue ballet training through to pre-professional level

All classes are taught in a safe, welcoming environment where every child is encouraged to thrive.

Many of our families form lasting friendships through classes, performances, and social events, creating a supportive community both inside and outside the studio.

Ready to Begin?

We would love to welcome your child to the JK Ballet family and support them as they begin their dance journey.

Fees & Registration

The registration fee includes a £15 annual registration charge.

Please note that Ballet and Irish Dancing operate as separate schools. If your child participates in both disciplines, a separate registration fee is payable for each school.

Existing Registrations

Families who registered during May or June 2026 and have already paid the £15 registration fee will receive this amount back as a partial refund.

Eligible families will receive a text message confirming that this applies to them. If no text message is received, the full £15 registration fee remains payable.

Please note that registration payments are processed during office hours. As all administration is personally managed by Miss Judith, processing will be completed as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Booking & Policies

-Please ensure you book the correct class and time.
-All bookings are strictly non-transferable and non-refundable, including circumstances involving illness, absence, or change of mind.
-All bookings are subject to our full Terms & Conditions, available at:
www.judithkeyesballet.co.uk

About Judith Keyes School of Ballet

Founded in 2015 by Ballet School Principal Judith Keyes, the Judith Keyes School of Ballet provides a welcoming environment where children can build friendships, develop confidence, and discover a lifelong love of dance.

We are proud to offer a seamless training pathway from walking age through to pre-professional level, making JK Ballet a true one-stop destination for dancers of all ages and abilities.

Classical Ballet is taught using the Associated Board of Dance (A.B.D.) Syllabus, and we proudly maintain a 100% examination pass rate, including our most recent Summer 2024 examination session.

Alongside examination pathways, we also offer recreational classes for students who wish to dance for enjoyment, fitness, wellbeing, and friendship.

Recognition & Achievements

-Finalists at the 2024 NI Dance Awards for Highest Performing School for Ballet
-Dancers placed within the Top 100 Classical Dancers at the prestigious UK Young Dancer 2025 Competition
-Proudly represented by Dance World Cup Finalist 2026, Phoebe Shephard (Team NI)
-Consistent examination success across all levels

Opportunities for Students

Students enjoy a wide range of experiences, including:

-Recreational classes
-Graded examination classes
-Medal tests
-Competitive training opportunities
-School performances and showcases

Our most recent show took place in December 2025 at The Courtyard Theatre, providing students with the exciting opportunity to perform on a professional stage in front of family and friends.

We also place great importance on community and friendship, hosting regular discos, holiday camps, and social events throughout the year.
Parent Testimonial

"I have two young daughters (3 years old and 5 years old) who started at JK Ballet last year. They're both quite shy with no previous experience of dance classes. They now go into the class on their own and have no interest in me staying with them! They have grown so much in confidence in just a matter of months and have made some lovely friendships there too outside of school. Both girls just adore Miss Judith and she truly brings out the best in them. They look forward to their class so much each week. It has been a game changer for us. I honestly can't recommend highly enough – 5⭐️"

Dervla, Parent

Join the JK Ballet Family

At JK Ballet, every child is known by name. You're never just a number - you're part of our dance family.

We take pride in our exceptional standards, but even more so in how we support each student as an individual. We care for your child as if they were our own, nurturing their confidence, creativity, and artistic development in a warm and positive environment.

Join us at our vibrant school in the heart of Glengormley, Newtownabbey. Whether your child is taking their first dance steps or pursuing advanced training, our professional teachers, welcoming community, and purpose-built dance studio will support them every step of the way.