Oxford School of Ballet
Classical ballet for ages 3–18 and adults across Oxford, taught by profession…
A ballet-focused dance school offering classical ballet training along with related dance disciplines.
Photo: Oxford School of Ballet via Google
Before your first class
The school welcomes children from age 3 and offers adult classes for complete beginners, teaching in a friendly and nurturing environment.
About this studio
Oxford School of Ballet was established in 1978 and has been teaching classical ballet to the Oxford area for over four decades. The school offers classes for children from age 3 through to 18, as well as dedicated adult ballet classes at beginner, improver and advanced levels. In 2021, the school took on students from Deddington Ballet School following its closure, expanding its reach across the region.
The curriculum follows the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus. Children progress through Pre School Ballet (age 3–5), Pre-Primary, Primary, Grades 1–8, and vocational exams at Intermediate Foundation, Intermediate, Advanced Foundation, Advanced 1 and Advanced 2 levels. Pointe work is also offered. All pupils have the opportunity to take accredited examinations, though this is not compulsory. Adult classes are structured separately for complete beginners through to advanced dancers.
Classes run across six locations: Church of St Gregory and St Augustine in Oxford, Wolvercote Primary School, Oxford High School on Belbroughton Road, Summertown Church Hall (St Michael's), Duns Tew Village Hall on Middle Barton Road, and The Windmill Centre in Deddington. This network of venues makes the school accessible across Oxfordshire.
The teaching team brings substantial professional experience. Principal Esme Calcutt trained at London Studio Centre, where she graduated in 2019 with a first-class honours degree in Theatre Dance with Classical Ballet. She trained at Urdang Academy, Elmhurst Ballet School, Tring Park School for the Performing Arts, English National Ballet School and English Youth Ballet. She toured with Images Ballet Company and danced in the Netflix film Rebecca. Before taking over the school in 2021, she taught Cecchetti Associates at The Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance. Mary Colegrove, semi-retired, founded the school in 1978 and ran it for 43 years. She trained at The Arts Educational School, London, danced before Dame Margot Fonteyn in exhibition work for The Royal Academy of Dance, and performed with The London Festival Ballet at The Festival Hall. She also worked with the German Pfalztheater Ballet and Munich Television Ballet. She was appointed an Examiner for The Royal Academy of Dance in 1981. Judith Licence trained under RAD major examiners Ruth French (who danced as Principal dancer with Anna Pavlova) and Alexander Morrow (who created the original RAD Boys' syllabus). She danced professionally throughout the 1970s and 1980s with the National Ballet of Iran, Festival Ballet, Roland Petit, Pforzheim Ballet in Germany, and Bern & St Gallen Ballets in Switzerland. She has taught adult ballet locally for the last ten years. Natalie Strike holds RAD CBTS and is a Level 4 Strength and Conditioning Coach. She recently completed the Royal Academy of Dance Certificate in Ballet Teaching course under Wendy McElroy, an RAD examiner and tutor. After dancing for 15 years, she explored strength and conditioning, completing a Level 4 Certificate in Strength and Conditioning and a Practical Pilates and Corrective Exercise course, which she applies to her teaching. Sakeena Reynolds holds a BA Dance degree from Buckinghamshire New University specialising in jazz and ballet, and is undertaking a dance teachers qualification with the British Ballet Organisation. Emma Elliot and Chloe Reilly also teach. All teachers and staff have valid DBS checks.
The school prides itself on offering high-quality tuition in a friendly and nurturing environment. A merchandise shop is available on site.
What to expect
Your first visit
Classes are structured by age and ability, from Pre School Ballet for three-year-olds to advanced vocational levels. You'll find teaching rooted in the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus, with the option to prepare for accredited examinations. Lessons take place across six venues in Oxford and the surrounding areas.
Instructors
Who teaches here
The team includes Esme Calcutt (Principal, London Studio Centre graduate, Netflix film dancer), Mary Colegrove (founder, 43-year director, RAD Examiner since 1981, worked with London Festival Ballet and Dame Margot Fonteyn), Judith Licence (professional dancer with Festival Ballet and companies across Europe, 10 years local teaching), Natalie Strike (RAD CBTS, Level 4 Strength and Conditioning Coach, specialising in holistic training), Sakeena Reynolds (BA Dance, Buckinghamshire New University), Emma Elliot, and Chloe Reilly. All hold valid DBS checks.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
The school welcomes children from age 3 and offers adult classes for complete beginners, teaching in a friendly and nurturing environment.
Studio history
Oxford School of Ballet was established in 1978 by Mary Colegrove, who led the school for 43 years before Esme Calcutt took over as Principal in 2021. In 2021, the school also integrated students from Deddington Ballet School following its closure, expanding its teaching reach across Oxfordshire.
Styles offered
6 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Amenities
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Oxford School of Ballethasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Oxford School of Ballet, 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 Oxford School of Ballet
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Oxford School of Ballet teach?
Oxford School of Ballet teaches Ballet, Pre School Ballet, Pre-Primary Ballet, Primary Ballet, Ballet Grades 1–8, Pointe Work. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Oxford School of Ballet located?
Oxford School of Ballet is located in Woodstock Rd. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Oxford School of Ballet offer private lessons?
Contact Oxford School of Ballet directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Oxford School of Ballet teach kids and adults?
Oxford School of Ballet 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 Oxford School of Ballet?
The fastest path is to visit Oxford School of Ballet via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.