Welcome to the Babel School of Dance

We are a friendly school providing children of all ages with classes in performing arts. Whether you are looking for classical ballet, jazz, tap or funky disco/street dance, I am sure we have something to suit you and your child.

Our ethos is to bring dance to children in a warm, friendly but disciplined environment. All children are treated equally, taking into consideration individual capabilities and personalities.

For the Under 5’s we have fun classes that combine ballet, tap and modern. Once, children reach the age of 5, there is more open to them. Disco and Street, as well as continuing with Ballet, Tap and Modern if they so choose.

Classes are held in two areas: Hayes and Heston. Hayes has classes for children from the age of 3 to approximately 12/13 years. ISTD - Tap and Modern, RAD - Ballet and Street classes where exams are optional. Heston offers the same but the age range extends to young adults and includes ISTD – Disco. Please see the relevant sub-heading for a more detailed timetable.

We are able to enter children for exams and do so on a regular basis. We put on shows, the most recent took place at The Beck Theatre, Hayes in April 2011. We run a choreography competition, encouraging children to be creative and be rewarded for their achievements.

Come along, under no obligation and meet us, watch a class, let your child join in and see what you think.

RAD Syllabus ballet and ISTD Syllabus Tap, Modern and Disco are taught from the age of 4. Examination sessions are held regularly giving the children, from the age of 5 the opportunity to progress in a formal way.

Examinations are optional. A child will never knowingly be entered for an examination that a teacher considers them not ready for. Discussions would take place between teacher and parents to ascertain the best course of action for the children.

Teachers will always make themselves available to discuss any issues or queries you may have. It is essential that you let a member of staff know you wish to have a discussion and arrangements will be made for a teacher to talk to you.

Sara Ridley will always make time for any discussions involving the children and the school. Please let a member of staff know and arrangements will be made.

Please do not enter a lesson unannounced as this is very disruptive.

When regular teachers are absent, cover will always be arranged and the same behaviour and respect as shown to all teachers is expected towards temporary ones as well. All teachers and member of staff are CRB checked.

When children first start, parents may sit in for the first couple of lessons, until a child settles, but then will be expected to wait outside. Children must never enter a teaching area before their lessons starts and certainly not if another lesson is in progress. They must wait outside and a teacher will come and collect the children. If you arrive late, please let your child enter quietly, an apology for lateness is always appreciated, but it is not necessary for parents to accompany them to do this unless they are under the age of 5.

If you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to contact Sara Ridley, who will be happy to answer any questions. Once you are happy with all that you see and read on this website, please print off a copy of the Registration Form, under the Enrolment heading, complete and bring along to your first visit or send to the office. Some classes have a waiting list, so please contact Sara before coming along, to avoid disappointment.

For your information, the following documents are available for you to see:

Child Protection Policy
Health and Safety Policy
Code of Conduct

You will also find Babel School of Dance on Facebook.