Brighton Ballet School
Ballet, tap, acrobatics and body conditioning for all ages from 2+
A ballet-focused dance school offering classical ballet training along with related dance disciplines.
Photo: Brighton Ballet School via Google
Before your first class
Complete beginners are welcome at all ages; the adult beginners class is designed as a gentle introduction and children aged 2+ can start with Stay, Play, Ballet or music and movement classes.
Uniform is required for graded classes but not during the three-week trial period; details are available from the school.
No uniform is required during the initial three-week trial period for children.
Free onsite parking is available at BHASVIC Sixth Form College.
About this studio
Brighton Ballet School has operated for over 20 years, teaching dance to students of all ages and abilities across children's and adult programmes. The school is based in a purpose-built dance studio at BHASVIC Sixth Form College on Old Shoreham Road in Hove, equipped with a sprung harlequin dance floor, floor-to-wall mirrors, barres, changing facilities and full air conditioning. Free onsite parking is available.
The children's school welcomes students from as young as 2 years old, starting with Stay, Play, Ballet classes and progressing through graded ballet and tap exams, usually taken once per academic year. From age 4.5, children move into Pre-Primary Ballet & Tap, which provides a gentle introduction in a safe, encouraging environment. The school also offers Acrobatic Arts (taught by registered and qualified instructors) and Progressing Ballet Technique, a body conditioning system designed to fast-track progress through targeted strength, flexibility, core stability and injury prevention work.
The adult school is one of very few in the country specialising in graded ballet training for adults. It offers classes from complete beginners through to Advanced Level in ballet, tap and contemporary dance, using the BBO Dance Syllabus as a framework. Adults progress through Grade 1 to Grade 8 and Advanced Level, with several students now dancing on pointe. Classes run Monday to Friday 6–9 pm and Saturday 9 am–5 pm.
The school holds exams at least once yearly in ballet, tap and acrobatics, with a 100% pass rate and an average of 70% of students receiving Merit or Distinction. Performance opportunities include recitals, competitions, festivals and a theatre show once every 2–3 years. Vocational training and audition preparation are major parts of the offer; the school has 20 years' experience preparing students for full-time vocational schools including The Royal Ballet School Associates, Elmhurst Ballet School, Central School of Ballet, Laban Conservatoire of Music & Dance, The Place Contemporary Dance School, Legat Dance Academy and Northern Ballet School.
Small bespoke classes are a defining feature, with every student receiving individual feedback from teachers. The school supports the Compass & Carers Card initiatives and is fully accessible to wheelchair users. Drop-in classes are available at a flat rate where spaces permit. Children can trial classes for three weeks before committing to a full term.
What to expect
Your first visit
You'll work in a fully equipped purpose-built studio with sprung flooring and full-length mirrors. Classes are tailored to your level, with individual feedback from teachers. Children start with a three-week trial period; parents can stay for the first couple of weeks while their child settles, then are invited to 'watching week' at the end of each term.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Sonya Pettigrew is the Principal and owner, teaching ballet, tap, acrobatics, stretching & limbering, progressing ballet technique, vocational and exam training, audition preparation, and pre-pointe work assessments and evaluations. All teaching staff are carefully selected, skills-assessed, and hold enhanced DBS checks and professional liability insurance.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Complete beginners are welcome at all ages; the adult beginners class is designed as a gentle introduction and children aged 2+ can start with Stay, Play, Ballet or music and movement classes.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
Dress code
Uniform is required for graded classes but not during the three-week trial period; details are available from the school.
What to bring
No uniform is required during the initial three-week trial period for children. Uniform is purchased through the school shop at the end of the trial. Specific attire requirements vary by class.
Studio history
Brighton Ballet School was established over 20 years ago. During that time, it has prepared hundreds of students for exams in ballet and tap, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in the dance industry. The school has consistently achieved a 100% exam pass rate.
Styles offered
6 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Amenities
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Brighton Ballet Schoolhasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Brighton Ballet School, claiming the studio lets you add a public schedule in about 2 minutes. A free Google Calendar is the easiest path — visitors see your class times inline + can add events to their own calendar.
Frequently asked about Brighton Ballet School
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Brighton Ballet School teach?
Brighton Ballet School teaches Ballet, Tap Dance, Acrobatic Arts, Progressing Ballet Technique (body conditioning), Stretching & Limbering, Contemporary Dance. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Brighton Ballet School located?
Brighton Ballet School is located in Brighton and Hove. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Brighton Ballet School offer private lessons?
Contact Brighton Ballet School directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Brighton Ballet School teach kids and adults?
Brighton Ballet School welcomes students of varied ages and experience levels. Contact the studio to learn which classes fit your age group and level.
How do I sign up for classes at Brighton Ballet School?
The fastest path is to visit Brighton Ballet School via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.
Is there parking at Brighton Ballet School?
Free onsite parking is available at BHASVIC Sixth Form College.
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