Highgate Ballet School

Was founded in 1995 in Highgate village, north London to provide the highest quality Cecchetti classical ballet training leading to exams and performances

Baby ballet for mothers and toddlers 2+

Pre-ballet classes for Under 5’s

Cecchetti Classical Ballet syllabus from Primary to Advanced 2

Technique and variations, coaching for auditions by appointment

Theatre Performances

Cecchetti Classical Ballet Awards

Special events, workshops, private lessons by appointment

GYROKINESIS ® body conditioning classes may be booked on demand .

Most classes are accompanied by experienced pianists.

A minimum twice weekly attendance from Grade 4 is required for eligibility to do pointework.

Students from the school regularly progress to full time training at vocational institutions and into careers as dancers and teachers.

 

NEW!  The Cecchetti Connection

Inspired by the teaching legacy of Cecchetti and Bournonville

Starting Sunday 29th March 2026, 3-5pm at the Highgate URC, N6

Open Ballet Class for pre-vocational students ages 12+ on the last Sunday afternoon of the month and in the school holidays

The class focus is on jumps, turns and developing flow of movement. Some pointework may be included for more advanced level students.

Open to HBS and non HBS students

£25 drop in fee, discount for multi class attendance.

Minimum level Grade 6/Inter foundation

Dates: Classical Ballet on Sunday Afternoons, (CBoSA) Spring and summer 2026:

Sundays 29th March 3-5pm, 26th April 5-7pm, 31st May 4-6pm, 28th June 4-6pm and 26th July 3-5pm

School Holiday classes:

Leap into Spring: Monday 30th March Tuesday 31st March and Wednesday 1st April 2026,10.15-12noon,

Soar into Summer:  Monday 14th, Tuesday 15th Thursday 17th July  2026, 5.30-7.15pm

Back to the Barre: Tuesday 1st and Wednesday 2nd September 2026, 5.30-7.15pm

Contact the school for more details. Pre-registration essential

 

HBS Pre-Vocational Training

Pre-vocational training is aimed at enthusiastic dancers who want to enhance their weekly classes with more intense training and who may be potentially suited for a career in dancing.

Our staff liaise regularly with parents assessing the student’s ongoing development and their potential for full-time training.

Vocational dance schools both in the UK and around the world attract many highly trained dancers. The entrance level auditions have become more competitive than ever.

The Cecchetti training at Highgate Ballet School is sought after by discerning students from across London for its purity of technique and artistry, reducing faults that create the potential for injury, and curing bad habits.

Photo by Elaine Mayson of Madeline Squire, former HBS student, soloist Scottish Ballet. 

 

What our students have said….

‘Thank you …..you truly have given me so much over the years, I will take everything with me in September and in life, thank you for everything.’  Maddy, now with Scottish Ballet

‘It’s so sad to be leaving ballet this year…Hopefully I will carry on at university and join the ballet society.’  Juliet

‘We have really enjoyed all our ballet this year and we have both improved massively thanks to your teaching.’  Joe, professional classical dancer

‘Thank you so much for helping me get to where I am now. I’m truly grateful for everything’. Evie, at Tring Park

Thank you very much for everything you teached (sic) me. You have made my dream come true!!’  Rin, at the Royal Ballet School, White Lodge, featured on the Royal Ballet ‘Nutcracker’ documentary, December 2016

‘Thank you so much I have had so much fun and I have loved every moment.’   Ruby, in Matilda

‘I am very grateful having been taught at Highgate Ballet School and had great experience learning Cecchetti style.’  Azusa