Four stages, from 3 to 18

• Listening to the music and to the teacher

• Walking, skipping and galloping in a line

• Waiting a turn and sharing the floor

• First shapes with scarves and hoops

When a dancer is comfortable in the room and happy to join the class without a grown-up beside them, the teacher suggests Stage 2.

• A first barre and first position

• A tap sound and a simple rhythm

• Counting a phrase of eight

• A short combination learned each month

When the steps of the stage are done calmly and in order, the teacher moves a dancer up at a session break.

• Longer combinations across the floor

• Jazz, hip hop and ballet in one week

• Turns and small jumps

• Working with a partner or in a group of three

When combinations hold together from memory, the teacher talks with the family about the next stage and, if the dancer is interested, the company track.

• Full classes in ballet, jazz and contemporary

• Open styles and choreography of your own

• Helping younger dancers at the recital

• Choosing how much time to give the studio

This is the top stage. Dancers stay as long as they like, and the teacher sets new goals with each of them.