Starbursts

(Ages 6-7, 8-9, 10-11)

An exciting introduction to structured technique and musicality, taught with storytelling, ISTD exam entrance, group choreography and fun performance opportunities.

Ballet, Primary

An imaginative intro to classical ballet. Dancers explore positions, travel steps, and basic technique. The use of storytelling keeps young dancers engaged, committed to learning and expressive.

Ages 5.5-7 (We suggest beginners aged 5 join Starlings classes for a limited time to introduce them gently to the class format)
£7/session Paid monthly £21 (OR STARBURSTS Ballet, Modern Theatre & Tap 120 mins £16.75 per week; £50.25 per month)
Acacia School of Dance, Clapham, Battersea

Ballet, Grade 1

Builds on Primary by focusing on alignment, grace, and balance. Includes barre work and structured centre exercises. Dances for performing help dancers develop confidence and memory.

Ages 8-10 (Older beginners will start in this class)
£7.00 45 mins/£8.50 60 mins, paid monthly £21/£25.50 (OR STARBURSTS: Ballet, Modern, Tap 120/150 mins £16.75/£19.00 per week, £50.25/£57.00 monthly)
Clapham Baptist Studio, 825 Wandsworth Road, Clapham

Ballet, Grade 2

Develops technique, strength and artistry, forming the basis for more advanced movements, while learning new, more advanced steps children will be able to recognise in professional productions. Everyone will reach different levels at times depending on not only their age, but their physical growth and development, which isn't always down to practise and learning, but everyone can reach the same goals eventually!

Ages 8-10 (Older beginners will start in this class)
£7.00 45 mins/£8.50 60 mins, paid monthly £21/£25.50 (OR STARBURSTS: Ballet, Modern, Tap 120/150 mins £16.75/£19.00 per week, £50.25/£57.00 monthly)
Clapham Baptist Studio, 825 Wandsworth Road, Clapham

Modern Theatre Dance, Grade 1

Stories and dance that develops performing skills, rhythm and style, with imaginative exercises for strengthening and stretching muscles to prepare for more advanced dance technique. Group and solo choreography

Ages 6-8
£7/session (Paid monthly £21, or STARBURSTS, paid monthly Ballet, Modern, Tap - 120 mins, £50.25)

Modern Theatre Dance, Grade 2

This class blends flexibility and strengthening exercises with performing skills using different styles of music and dance: e.g jazz, musical theatre, lyrical, funky, Children learn group and solo dances for performances and can take ISTD Modern Theatre exams progressing through the grades.

Ages 9-10
£7/session (Paid monthly £21, or STARBURSTS, 3 genres paid monthly, 135 minutes £57.00)

Tap, Grades 1, 2 or 3

Building on first steps, rhythm games, group and solo choreography, and dancing to all kinds of music!

Ages 8-10 (Grade 1 for Beginners, 2 or 3 depending on previous exerience)
£7/session (Paid monthly £21 OR STARBURSTS - 3 genres paid monthly, 135 minutes £57.00 )

“Positive Communication, Quality, Professionalism, Value" – Suzan Mathias, Parent

"My daughter started taking lessons when she was just 4 years old, she is now 19. Totally excellent service. A dance class that is more than just dancing but teaching kids life skills, organisation and respect. Structured, teaching kids attention to detail. Team work and much more.

👏👏"

“We are so glad we found this school” – Nathan Collins., Parent
“My daughter started Ballet, Tap and Modern over two years ago. She really loves her classes, her confidence and co-ordination have grown massively. Miss Joan goes over and above for her students and has created a lovely community,”

“She can't wait to go to her lessons every week” – Hosana H., Parent

“Acacia Dance School is incredible. My daughter absolutely loves her Ballet and Tap lessons. Miss Joan is an amazing teacher and my daughter adores her.”

"The atmosphere at the school is always happy and enthusiastic and over time it has become a big family"

Valeria R., Parent

"Miss Joan is amazing at communicating with the children, combining a very imaginative approach with discipline. She has a great understanding of her pupils' individual abilities and characters, stimulating their imagination and helping them grow in confidence and self expression. She has decades of experience in teaching dance at all ages, from children to adults. The atmosphere at the school is always happy and enthusiastic and over time it has become a big family. We couldn't recommend it highly enough"

Starlings

(Ages 3-5)

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Starbursts

(Ages 6-10)

Aces

(Ages 11-18)

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Adults

(age 18±)

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News/Events

Acacia Music & Video Channels

Coming September!

We’re excited to announce that soon, parents and students will be able to access music and videos to assist with practise at home and catch up missed choreography through our new members' hub.
Keep an eye on your emails and our socials for the official launch date!

Acacia Show 2026

Our biggest event of the year is just around the corner!

🗓 Rehearsals: Saturday, 14th November
🎭 Show Day: Saturday 21st November

Join us for a day of celebration, sparkle, and stage magic.

Let’s celebrate the talent, teamwork, and joy our dancers bring to the stage!

FAQ's

Can my child join if they’ve never danced before?

Absolutely! We welcome beginners at every age and place them in classes that match their comfort level and confidence.

What should we wear to class?

We recommend easy-to-move-in leggings and a t-shirt and bare feet. You can try Tap in outdoor shoes before investing in Tap shoes. Don't buy any special clothing as there's a uniform; details are shared at enrolment. We sell Ballet shoes at the class so they can be tried on. Some other items are available in class, and we also have an online supplier.

Can parents watch dance classes?

Children learn best when their attention isn't divided between parent and teacher, so we have a 'Watch Week' once a term, when parents can watch any classes. Younger or shy children may need their parent in the room to begin with, and this is always possible.

It's worth remembering that children are often engaged with the class, but then get a little 'clingy' when they see Mum or Dad, which 'breaks the spell'. Being patient with a child's desire to engage is important; they may really enjoy dancing, but even adults going to a new place, with a new teacher and classmates and a new activity and routine can feel a little overwhelmed at first. Encouraging them to try the class is all part of building resilience.

What if my child is shy?

Younger children, (especially 3-5 year olds), may want to watch for a while first, and it's best to let them take the lead. Some will join in on their own after a few minutes, others can take a few weeks,. It IS worth persevering as many dancers and teachers who love dancing were reluctant at first! (I was one of those children). We'll always come and get you if your child needs you. New parents of young children who join in straight away can wait nearby in the changing room or elsewhere in the building where other parents will be congregating.

Can we take dance exams?

Absolutely! We enter students for ISTD Grade and Vocational Graded Exams (Imperial Ballet, Modern Theatre and Tap).

Younger children can take the Primary Class Exams, but once they reach Grade 1 level, they work to the higher 'Grade' standard so they're prepared for Vocational exams in case they decide later that they're really interested and would like a career in dance, teaching or related theatrical disciplines. You can also be awarded UCAS points for Grade 6, Intermediate, and Advanced 1 or 2. These are earned for passing Grade 6 and Vocational exams so committed students can use them for their non-dance university applications.

Adults can take Popular Tap Tests (Levels and Medals). and a few adults have surprised us all by starting as beginners and going on to take Grade and Vocational exams in Ballet, Modern Theatre and Tap!