CLASSES WE OFFER
BALLET
Learning Ballet at Dance Expression Studios is a journey which typically starts from the the age of 2.5 years old in our Preschool class when we introduce the first ballet steps in the context of stories and imagery to stimulate imagination.
Our objectives are always to ensure a caring and fun loving environment whilst developing the building blocks of dance.
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From reception age, we introduce the Primary syllabus of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) and gradually prepare your child for an optional first Ballet exam that can be taken once they reach the age of 6 years old and are of the standard required.
Exams are not compulsory, but we do encourage parents to have their child’s progress recognised through the ISTD examination board. Preparing for exams instills a sense of purpose, setting goals to work towards and ultimately being rewarded with a certificate in that grade. Higher Grades achieved also count in points on the UCAS tariff for entry into higher education and university.
TAP
Tap is a great dance form to learn as it combines a love of dance, music and performance. It teaches the dancer about choreography, improvisation and syncopation.
You’ll love finding your inner rhythm and improving your sense for finding the beats and patterns in music. It requires a lot of aerobic movement and weight shift which improves your fitness, coordination, balance, and core control.
Tap dance can be adapted for any age or fitness level, from young children to senior citizens and everyone in between. Tap steps are complex. Learning, practising, and putting them together is great exercise for your brain. It doesn’t matter how old you are, making noise just feels good!
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At Dance Expression Studios we start Tap from the age of 2.5 years in our preschool combo classes and this training can continue all the way through to adulthood in Adult Tap Classes.
From reception age we follow the ISTD syllabus and examinations are optional once the child reaches the age of 6 and their technique is if the required standard.
MODERN
Our Modern classes at Dance Expression Studios follow the ISTD curriculum. It is an energetic dance style with theatrical qualities as seen in musical productions.
We introduce modern in our Primary Combo class and this training can then be continued through the grades as the child gets older.
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The Syllabus combines musical theatre, jazz and lyrical dance and teaches you movements from high kicks to leaps and turns! In class we work on strength and flexibility as well as performance skills and musicality. We offer the opportunity to take exams at the teachers’ discretion.
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ACRO
Acro dancing is a unique genre of dance that encompasses an exciting mix of acrobatics and contemporary dance. It has recently gained popularity from acrobatic and circus shows such as Cirque du Soleil.
Acro dance is comprised of athleticism, balance, limbering and tumbling, while increasing the body’s contortion ability, strength and flexibility. These elements help make you stronger which will help you refine your form and keep control, especially when holding your own body weight.
Unlike gymnastics, acro dance blends the dance and acrobatic elements seamlessly, without pause and without the help of a sprung floor. It can either be fast-paced and energetic or slow and expressive, but it is choreographed in a fluid dance style, where acrobatics and dance work together harmoniously.
We follow the Acrobatic Arts syllabus and are the only certified studio in the area!
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TUMBLING
This class has been specifically added to our timetable to encourage our Acrobats Level 2 and above to take their training a step further.
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Tumbling is similar to the floor element of gymnastics where you see gymnasts flipping and doing somersaults across the room! Many people looking for gymnastics and acrobatic classes often discover it is actually the tumbling element which appealed most to them.
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This class is only open to our existing students and will aid them in learning skills such as walkovers, cartwheels, handsprings and aerials!
BALLET
Learning Ballet at Dance Expression Studios is a journey which typically starts from the the age of 2.5 years old in our Preschool class when we introduce the first ballet steps in the context of stories and imagery to stimulate imagination.
Our objectives are always to ensure a caring and fun loving environment whilst developing the building blocks of dance.
​
From reception age, we introduce the Primary syllabus of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) and gradually prepare your child for an optional first Ballet exam that can be taken once they reach the age of 6 years old and are of the standard required.
Exams are not compulsory, but we do encourage parents to have their child’s progress recognised through the ISTD examination board. Preparing for exams instills a sense of purpose, setting goals to work towards and ultimately being rewarded with a certificate in that grade. Higher Grades achieved also count in points on the UCAS tariff for entry into higher education and university.
STREET DANCE
Our street dance classes are fun, energetic, and open to dancers of all abilities, from age 3 right through to 18.
Whether your child is brand new to dance or ready to take their skills to the next level, our classes offer something for everyone.
Each lesson is packed with upbeat music, exciting choreography, and age-appropriate training. Younger dancers enjoy playful movement and games that build coordination and confidence, while older students focus on technique, musicality, performance quality, and style.
All dancers are encouraged to express themselves, make friends, and grow in a supportive and positive environment.
We also offer lots of exciting performance opportunities, giving dancers the chance to showcase their skills and build confidence on stage. Including appearances at London’s West End, as well as local shows and events.
These experiences help dancers develop stage presence, teamwork, and unforgettable memories.
Classes are held at High Ongar Village Hall and are suitable for beginners through to more experienced dancers.
LYRICAL CONTEMPORARY
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Our lyrical contemporary classes are perfect for dancers from Year 3 and above who love to move with emotion, creativity, and purpose.
These classes combine graceful technique with powerful storytelling, allowing dancers to express themselves through movement.
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Each lesson focuses on strength, flexibility, control, and fluidity, alongside musicality and performance quality. Dancers explore travelling steps, floor work, turns, leaps, and expressive choreography, all set to inspiring music.
Classes are carefully structured to suit different ages and abilities, helping dancers grow in both confidence and technical skill.
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There are also exciting performance opportunities throughout the year, giving dancers the chance to perform on stage and develop strong performance presence, teamwork, and confidence in front of an audience.
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Our lyrical contemporary classes provide a supportive and encouraging environment where dancers can challenge themselves, develop artistry, and truly connect with the music.
KICKS, LEAPS & TURNS
Our Kicks, Leaps & Turns class is designed for dancers from Year 3 and above who want to build strong technique and take their dancing to the next level.
This class focuses on developing the key skills that appear across many dance styles.
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Each lesson works on flexibility, strength, balance, and control, with targeted exercises to improve kicks, travelling leaps, turns, and overall body alignment.
Dancers learn how to move safely and correctly, helping to build confidence, precision, and clean technique.
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This class is perfect for supporting training in other styles, helping dancers feel stronger, more confident, and more capable in choreography and performance. Classes are structured, encouraging, and suitable for all abilities, from beginners to more experienced dancers.
STRETCH & STRENGTH
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Our Stretch & Strength class is open to everyone and designed to support dancers of all ages and abilities. This class focuses on improving flexibility, strength, control, and overall body conditioning in a safe and supportive environment.
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Each session includes guided stretching, strength-building exercises, and core work to help improve posture, balance, and injury prevention. Exercises can be adapted to suit different levels, making the class accessible for beginners while still challenging more experienced dancers.
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This class is the perfect addition to any dance training, helping dancers feel stronger, move more freely, and perform with greater confidence across all styles.