Cotswold Baby Ballet specialises in ballet for very young children, and its reviews are full of the kind of detail that comes from delighted parents. One describes signing up straight after a free trial in Bishops Cleeve, won over by classes built around imaginative play. Miss Charlie, the teacher, is repeatedly singled out for engaging tenderly with the children and planning lessons that captivate them. With thirty-four reviews and a five-star average, the school has struck a chord with local families.
This is a ballet school aimed at toddlers and young children, where storytelling and imaginative play carry the lessons. The teacher's warmth and careful planning come through strongly in review after review, with children eager to return each week and keen to show off what they have learnt.
For parents in the Cotswolds seeking a first taste of ballet for a young child, the school builds its sessions around imaginative themes that hold small children's attention. Mummy and Me style classes let very young ones take part alongside a parent, easing them in gently. Because the emphasis is on age-appropriate, play-led ballet, it is well suited to preschoolers making their earliest steps in dance. Details of days, locations and age bands are best confirmed with the school, as these can vary across terms.
Young children settle in more easily when they are comfortable, so dress them in soft, flexible clothing and suitable shoes. Arriving a little early helps a small child adjust to the room and the teacher before the class begins.
The school runs sessions in the Cotswolds, including the Bishops Cleeve area, making it convenient for families across that part of Gloucestershire.
I took my 2 years old daughter for a free trial session at Cotswold Baby Ballet and it was so lovely that we immediatley signed up to attend the Mummy and Me sessions in Bishops Cleeve.
My daughter has adored the classes from day 1. There's a strong theme of imaginary play that appeals to her and I love how Charlie weaves ballet positions into whichever magical story they're playing.
My daughter has gained confidence over the last 6 months, and I believe it has helped her to take instruction and concentrate outside classes as well.
She looks forward to every class and talks about ballet all— Helen Lennard
Miss Charlie is absolutely fantastic. She engages so tenderly with all the children and they all absolutely adore her. A massive credit to her, for planning and delivering such engaging ballet lessons to such young children and that captivate them and support them in following all exercises and instructions. My daughter counts the sleeps to ballet dancing with Miss Charlie! It is absolutely amazing to observe what impact the classes have in cognition and physical development too. Our daughter practises and shows us all the new moves she learns. We couldn't recommend enough!— Emily Mavroudi
Our daughter absolutely loves her Thursday ballet class, she is always excited to go and cannot wait to see all her ballet friends. She has so much fun at Miss Charlie’s lessons and is always coming home showing off what she has learnt every week and saying she wishes the classes were longer!
Miss Charlie is so kind and supportive with all her little dancers. We would highly recommend Cotswold Baby Ballet to anyone thinking of starting this fab hobby with their little one!
We are so glad we found this fantastic class!
Thank you Miss Charlie!
Rosie— Ava-Rose
Our 2 year old daughter loves going each week to Cotswold baby ballet. Miss Charlie is so welcoming and friendly and makes the class full of magic, encouraging little ones to use their imagination. The repetitive structure each week of the mummy and me classes is a great introduction to ballet for little ones and has given our daughter so much confidence as she has learnt to copy the moves and excitedly knows what to expect each week. At home she’s always proudly showing family and friends her ballet 🩰— Sophie
Yes. While this school focuses on young children, adult ballet classes are widely available elsewhere and welcome beginners, improving posture, strength and flexibility at any age.
There is no age that is too late. Ballet can be started at almost any point in life, from toddlers through to adults, with lessons pitched to suit the age and stage.
Yes. Ballet is a solo discipline that needs no partner, and most beginner dance classes are run so that individuals can take part on their own.
For young children, soft, flexible clothing and suitable shoes are ideal. Many ballet schools suggest fitted dancewear so the teacher can see how the child is moving.
Prices depend on the school, the class length and how you pay. Many offer a free or low-cost trial, and the school can give you current rates when you enquire.
For very young children, play-based ballet is an excellent introduction because it combines movement with imagination. Older beginners might start with ballet or a simple structured style.