18months to 5 years
Dance classes for children aged 18 months to 5 years
Their first experience of dance should feel magical.
Our Little Performers programme has been specially created to introduce young children to dance and movement in a fun, nurturing and age-appropriate environment.
Starting from 18 months, children can explore music and movement alongside their parent or guardian in our Melody Bear classes. Then, as their confidence and independence grow, they can progress into our unaccompanied classes, where they’ll begin developing their dance skills while making friends and learning to feel comfortable away from their grown-ups.
From Ballet and Tap to Street Dance and Acro, every class combines learning with imagination and fun. As a result, children develop coordination, musicality, confidence and independence without even realising how much they’re learning.
Most importantly, there’s no expectation for your little one to arrive confident, independent or knowing what to do. That’s what we’re here to help them develop.
Their first class is free
Come and experience Elite before committing. We’ll help you choose the most suitable class for your child and make their first visit as welcoming as possible.
Ballet & Tap
Melody Bear
Melody Bear
18 months – 3 years | Parent accompanied
Saturday | 9:00–9:45am
Laindon Community Centre, Aston Road, Laindon, Basildon, SS15 6NX
The perfect first step into the wonderful world of dance.
Our Melody Bear classes are specially designed for little ones aged 18 months to 3 years, with their grown-up right there beside them. Through music, imagination, nursery rhymes and creative movement, children are gently introduced to the foundations of Ballet and Tap in a way that feels like play.
Along the way, they’ll begin developing coordination, musicality, listening skills and body awareness. At the same time, they’ll grow in confidence as they become familiar with the studio, their teacher and dancing as part of a group.
And because their grown-up joins in too, it’s a lovely opportunity to share those first magical dance moments together.
No previous experience is needed… just come along, join in and have fun!
£28 per month, inclusive of VAT | First class FREE
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Mini Movers
Mini Movers
Ages 3–4 | Parent unaccompanied
Saturdays | 9:15–10:00am & 10:45–11:30am
Laindon Community Centre, Aston Road, Laindon, Basildon, SS15 6NX
£28 per month, inclusive of VAT | First class FREE
A little more independence, a little more structure, but still plenty of magic!
Mini Movers is designed for children who are ready to take their first steps into the studio without their grown-up. Classes remain fun, imaginative and playful while gently introducing more structure and developing their confidence and independence.
Each class begins with Tap, where children can stomp, shuffle and make plenty of noise while developing rhythm, coordination and musicality. We then move into Ballet, using music and imagination to introduce beautiful movement, posture and the foundations of Ballet technique.
Along the way, children learn to listen to their teacher, follow instructions, take turns and become comfortable as part of a class — all important skills that can support them as they prepare for school too.
And, of course, there’s still plenty of time for bubbles, parachutes, stickers and lots of fun!
It’s the perfect next step for little dancers who are ready to begin doing it all by themselves.
£28 per month, inclusive of VAT | First class FREE
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Pre-Primary Ballet
Pre-Primary Ballet
Ages 4–5 | Parent unaccompanied
As our Little Performers grow in confidence, Pre-Primary Ballet introduces them to the next stage of their dance journey.
Classes remain imaginative, encouraging and fun while beginning to introduce more structured Ballet technique. Through carefully designed exercises, music and creative movement, children develop posture, balance, coordination, musicality and an understanding of the foundations of Ballet.
At this age, we also begin encouraging greater independence and focus. Children learn to follow combinations, remember sequences and work together as a class while continuing to build confidence in their own abilities.
Most importantly, we want children to love coming to Ballet. There’s still plenty of imagination and fun, but they’ll also begin experiencing that wonderful feeling of mastering new skills and seeing themselves progress.
A beautiful next step for little dancers who are ready to learn, grow and shine.
£28 per month, inclusive of VAT | First class FREE
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Pre-Primary Tap & Modern
Pre-Primary Tap & Ballet
Ages 4–5 | Parent unaccompanied
£28 per month, inclusive of VAT | First class FREE
The next exciting step in their dance journey!
Our Pre-Primary Tap & Ballet class combines two fantastic dance styles, giving children the opportunity to develop a wider range of skills while continuing to build their confidence and independence.
In Tap, children explore rhythm, musicality and coordination as they learn new steps, make sounds with their feet and begin putting movements together.
Then, in Ballet, the focus moves towards posture, balance, control and beautiful movement while introducing the foundations of Ballet technique in a fun and age-appropriate way.
As children progress, they’ll begin learning to remember sequences, follow combinations, listen independently and work together as part of a class. **As a result, they’re not only developing as little dancers but also building focus
£28 per month, inclusive of VAT | First class FREE
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Street Dance
Pre-School Street Dance
Pre-School Street Dance
Ages 3–5 | Parent unaccompanied
£23 per month, inclusive of VAT | First class FREE
Big energy, big personality and lots of fun!
Our Pre-School Street Dance classes are perfect for little ones who love music, movement and having the freedom to express themselves.
Using upbeat, age-appropriate music and exciting choreography, children begin learning the foundations of Street Dance while developing coordination, rhythm, musicality and body awareness.
Classes are energetic and encouraging, giving children the freedom to find their own style and personality. At the same time, they’ll learn to follow their teacher, remember simple routines and dance together as part of a group.
Most importantly, Street Dance is a fantastic way for young children to burn off some energy, make friends and grow in confidence, all while feeling like they’re simply having fun.
Perfect for little performers who just can’t stop moving when the music comes on!
£23 per month, inclusive of VAT | First class FREE
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Acro
Pre-School Acro
Pre-School Acro
Ages 3–5 | Parent unaccompanied
£23 per month, inclusive of VAT | First class FREE
For little ones who love to climb, roll, balance and be upside down!
Our Pre-School Acro classes introduce children to the foundations of acrobatic movement in a fun, safe and age-appropriate environment.
Through carefully structured exercises, children develop strength, flexibility, balance, coordination and body awareness while beginning to learn exciting skills such as rolls, balances, bridges and introductory acrobatic movements.
However, Acro is about much more than learning tricks. As children practise new skills, they also learn to listen, persevere and keep trying when something doesn’t happen straight away. As a result, there’s a wonderful sense of achievement when they finally master something they’ve been working towards.
Classes are encouraging, energetic and designed to help every child progress at their own pace.
Perfect for adventurous little performers who love to move, explore and learn new skills.
£23 per month, inclusive of VAT | First class FREE
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Elite Dance Centre FAQ
What should my child wear to their first class?
Comfortable clothing that allows freedom of movement is suitable for their first few classes e.g. leggings, tracksuits and t-shirts. Jeans are not permitted to be worn for any class. Hair MUST be tied back and off the face for all classes.
What should they wear on their feet?
Until correct dance shoes are purchased, we suggest your child has bare feet for modern & ballet and trainers/pumps/school shoes for Tap. We do have a second hand box with lots of different size shoes so hopefully we can find some suitable for your child until you purchase your own.
Can I stay in the classroom with my child?
We allow parents to stay in the classroom for the child’s first class (if they wish) however after this and once your child has settled in we ask that all parents/guardians wait outside the classroom. Why not grab yourself a coffee or tea and have a chat and mingle with some of our dance parents?
Of course if they are still unsure after the first class, we would encourage you to come in and settle them into the class.
When should I buy the uniform?
Allow your child a couple of weeks to settle in before buying a uniform, and even then it is not compulsory. Although we do feel that wearing a uniform makes your child feel like part of our dance family.
When and how do I pay?
Your child’s first class is free. Your child will then fall in love with the class and once you have completed your application form you will receive an invoice for the remainder of the month which is due to be paid before you next attend your lesson. After that invoices are sent on a monthly basis. Payment can be paid in cash, card payment for bank details shown on your invoice.
Do you close for school holidays?
We are a term-time-only dance school and close during the school holidays. Other than this all missed classes must be paid.
Do you do exams & shows?
Yes, we follow the ISTD Tap, Ballet & Modern examination syllabus. Teachers will asses each students suitability for exams during lessons. It is important to remember that children may not be ready to take exams every exam session, and that all children progress at different rates. Exams are not compulsory, and if you choose not to enter exams, your child will still progress through the grades at the appropriate times. All students are included in our shows & performance oppourtunities throughout the year.
