Children’s Dance Classes in South Bristol
ISTD Modern, Tap + Ballet dance classes and Holiday dance camps for children aged 3+
Try a class for free
Phoebe loves practising at home and her confidence in how she moves has improved so much. She's always asking us when her next class is!
It’s the first time Martha has attended a class like this without me and Jo instantly made her feel comfortable and confident.
We are always counting down the days to Ivy’s next dance class! I can't wait to sign my son up too when he's old enough.
Seren loves her dance class, and having watched Jo working with the class I can see why. She is a natural teacher and great with little ones.
our founderS:
jo & ALICE
A dedicated and passionate teacher with over 20 years experience, Jo was prompted to start classes in Knowle when there were none she could find for her own daughter.
Having worked together in London at Jo's studio there, Alice joined RSD when she relocated to Bath.
Alice has prepared hundreds of students for ISTD exams + performances as well as owned and ran an early years dance school in London for 8 years.
About the classes
Combining discipline and fun, our classes follow the prestigious ISTD syllabus with the option of exams.
Classes have a strong focus on technique and are high energy; bringing dance to life through music.
Camps run during Bristol school holidays - participants do not need to attend regular classes to join camps!
Our class types
Tiny Tap + Mini Modern
This class introduces pre-school children to dance using music, props and stories.
The emphasis is on moving and capturing the imagination. Each exercise builds essential motor skills, co-ordination and rhythm. Children work in partners and groups to discover their first Tap, Modern and Ballet steps. This nurtures their social and emotional development.
Pre Primary Tap + Modern
Children are now able to remember the names of the steps they learn and begin putting them into short sequences. Following the Pre-Primary ISTD syllabus in Tap and Modern provides an appreciation of the contrasting styles and accompanying music, for example; rhythmic tap and jazzy modern.
Pre-Primary Ballet
Pre-Primary Ballet introduces young dancers to the magic of ballet through imaginative movement and storytelling. Following the ISTD syllabus, children learn basic ballet steps, posture and coordination while exploring rhythm, musicality and expressive movement in a playful and creative way.
Primary Tap + Modern
Students now learn longer sequences demonstrating more precise technique. Improvisation is encouraged, drawn from the range of steps they have developed in their classes so far. There is an option of taking a class exam (where the teacher is present) in the Primary ISTD Tap and Modern syllabi they have learned. This is usually after 3 - 4 terms of study.
Grade 1 Tap + Modern
The differing styles of Tap + Modern become more defined at this level and classes are now taken separately.
The process of learning, memorising + performing longer dances contributes to increasing self-confidence.
Rhythm is a strong focus of the Tap exercises, along with the precise movement of the feet + ankles. Modern is frequently seen in musicals and the basis of these high energy steps starts here.
There is the option of taking an exam once approximately 3 - 4 terms of study have been completed.
(Tap: 4.35 - 5.05pm, Modern: 5.05 - 5.35pm)
£6 per 30 min class or £10 for both
Primary / Grade 1 Ballet
Primary and Grade 1 Ballet classes build on early ballet foundations, introducing more structured technique and musical awareness. Working to the ISTD syllabus, dancers develop strength, alignment and coordination while beginning to work towards exam preparation, all within an encouraging and enjoyable class setting.
Try a class HALF PRICE
Dance classes are key to developing a love of movement, music and exercise. RSD is invested in your child's journey and committed to getting the right class for them, at the right time.
Fees
Fees are paid monthly, on the 1st of the month. The total cost of each term is divided into 4 equal monthly payments, regardless of the number of classes within that month.
For a 12 week term this is:
- £18 per month for 30 min classes
- £24 per month for 45 min classes
After your trial, when you sign up, you will start being charged on the 1st of the next month. Any classes within the current month are charged via a 'covering payment' 1 - 3 days after you sign up.
(2 x 30 minute classes)
Discounts
When you sign up you are automatically put on to the default monthly payment plan for that length class. RSD are notified and then make any necessary adjustments e.g. switch to a sibling plan or the 2 x 30 min class plan, before any payments are taken.
Notice
We operate a 4 lesson notice period for stopping classes. This is so that we can potentially find a solution for why your child wants to stop sessions, offer your place to someone else, or make necessary adjustments for fluctuating numbers. Notice must be given in writing via email.
Uniform
Uniform is a key part of dance classes, primarily so that the students can move best.
Teachers need to be able to see the lines of the students' bodies in order to ensure proper technique is being learned from the start of their training.
Putting on uniform and doing hair puts the students in the right frame of mind for class, marking it out as something different to everyday activities.
Hair is equally important for students to be able to see and specifically learn turns (where the head is whipped round).
Core Uniform
Black Tap shoes - £21.50
Black Ballet shoes - £10.00*
Mulberry Leotard - £13.50
Black Shorts OR Black Convertible Tights
Shorts - dancers own (cycling shorts or sports shorts without logos)
Tights - £7.50
*Ballet shoes come up small so please order either half or full size bigger than regular shoe.
Ballet shoes are only needed for Mini Modern + Pre Primary Modern. For Primary and above Modern it's bare feet.
Optional Extras
Mulberry Crossover - £15.50
Mulberry/Black Scrunchie - £4.00
Mulberry/Black Headband - £3.00
TERM DATES
Autumn 2025
12 week term
Monday 8th Sept - Thursday 11th Dec
Half Term: Mon 27th + Thu 30th Oct
No classes: Mon 29th Sept, Thu 9th Oct
Spring 2026
12 week term
Monday 5th Jan - Thursday 2nd April
Half Term: Mon 16th + Thu 19th Feb
No classes:
Summer 2026
12 week term
Monday 20 April - Monday 22 July
Half Term: Mond 25th + Thu 28th May
No classes: Monday 4th May (BH)
Children are expected to learn independently, however please feel free to hang around in the waiting area. Ideally please make sure they have gone to the toilet before class starts (there are 2 there) or we can take them during the session of course.