Emily Jade Theatre Arts teaches dance and performance to children in the Orpington and Eltham area, using a local church hall as its base. Reviews come from parents whose children have stayed for many years, some from the age of three. The recurring themes are growing confidence, examination success and lasting friendships across age groups. It reads as a school that treats dance and theatre training seriously while keeping lessons enjoyable.
Lessons are described as carefully planned, balancing technique, performance and the social side of a weekly class. Children work towards graded examinations, and the school has a track record of strong results with recognised dance boards.
The programme covers several performance subjects, so families exploring dance classes in orpington will find more than one discipline under one roof. Parents considering ballet classes orpington should ask which grades run and when, as provision is organised by age and stage. There is scope to try dance lessons orpington across styles, and it is worth checking directly whether ballroom dancing orpington features in the timetable, since the school's core is stage and theatre work rather than social partner dancing.
Because classes run from a church hall, it helps to arrive early and let your child ease into the group. Wear comfortable clothing suitable for movement, and bring water; the teacher can advise on any specific kit once your child settles into a regular class.
Eltham and Orpington sit on the south-eastern edge of London, well served for families and within easy reach of neighbouring boroughs. The school's long-standing pupils suggest it is a fixture in the local community.
My daughter Ella has been with Emily Jade Theatre Arts since she was 3, it has been an amazing experience for her & going from a shy child she has developed confidence & improved self esteem as well as gaining distinctions in her exams & a chance to audition for BBO scholars .
She has performed in a number of shows which are great fun & always a very high standard.
Most recently the girls on the elite squad have been competing in competitions with other dance schools throughout the country:
The last was at the O2 which was so exciting for the girls.
Whether you are looking to do something that— Penny Essam
My daughter has been at Emily Jade Theatre Arts for the last 9 years. Over this time she has developed not only her dance ability but has made a wide range of friends of all ages. The standard of dance technique taught is exceptional and she has fantastic results with her British Ballet Organisation exams. Whilst we joined initially for the ballet my daughter now does acro contemporary jazz and drama along with stretch and conditioning classes which she loves. Last years highlight was attending scholars weekend at Elmhurst ballet school in Birmingham.— mary cowan
Emily Jade Theatre Arts provides an exceptional level of dance and theatre training for children who are looking to start classes in a wide variety of subjects. Each lesson is thoroughly planned to work on technique, performance and also have lots of fun with their friends. EJTA has welcoming parents, kind children and lots of exciting opportunities such as competitions, shows and holiday courses available with its examination board for children either wanting to have fun with dance or equally those dance mad children.— Kate Eaves
Emily Jade runs an excellent dance school with a range of classes and really experienced staff teaching to a high standard. My daughter started 3 yrs ago because she wanted to do drama and now is also learning, ballet, jazz, tap and singing too and doing really well in class and exams. My son also goes to ballet and all stars and loves it! My daughter particularly loved doing her first show in a theatre with EJTA. I would highly recommend this local dance and theatre arts. school.— pinksuziesunshine Butlerfamily
Most people begin with a beginner group class, where you learn the basic frame and a few simple steps before adding turns and progression. You do not need a partner or any experience to join a starter session.
The waltz is a popular first choice because its slow, even rhythm makes the timing easy to feel. Many beginners pair it with a social favourite such as the quickstep or foxtrot as they build confidence.
Yes, adults take up ballet at every age, and beginner classes are structured with that in mind. The focus is on posture, control and enjoyment rather than the intensity of childhood vocational training.
It is never too late to start ballet as a hobby. Older beginners work at a sensible pace and gain flexibility, strength and poise regardless of when they begin.
Five familiar moves are the grapevine, the step touch, the kick ball change, the pivot turn and the shuffle. Line dances string these together into short, repeating patterns.
Beginners usually start with a routine based on a simple grapevine and step touch, since the same sequence repeats on each wall. This makes the pattern quick to memorise before moving on to livelier dances.