Young Artist Development Programme
Monthly / Weekly classes in Classical Ballet, Strength & Conditioning, and Creative genres
Diamonds class / Intermediate Foundation
First Sunday of each month
Monument Dance Centre, Stirling, FK9 5PB
- 5 hour Day of Dance
- Non-syllabus ballet
- Rambert Grades Contemporary
- Anatomy & Conditioning
- Pointe/Jump strengthening
- Guest workshops
- Highly qualified faculty
- Performance opportunities
- Competition opportunities
£47/month
All remaining Sundays
Dunnswood Studios, Cumbernauld, G67 3ER
9:30am - 11:30am Intermediate Levels
11:30am - 1:30pm Advanced Levels
- 2 hour weekly class RAD Vocational Graded or Pre-Vocational Ballet Class
- Strength and Conditioning
- Pointe training
- Examination Opportunities
- In-house physiotherapist (available for all Young Artists)
£84/month
Gracie – Young Artist
Fiona – Parent
Ms Sarah is the Founder and Principal Teacher of Starting Pointe Ballet and the Young Artist Development Programme.
She began her training at the Bernadette Sloan Dance School and was a Scottish Ballet Junior Associate before pursuing teaching, gaining Membership status with the BATD and a first class Honours degree in Community Arts from the University of Strathclyde. She continued her training at the RAD headquarters in London where she was awarded the Iris Truscott Scholarship for academic excellence, achieving Associate, Licentiate and Registered Teacher status with Distinction.
Ms Sarah has taught in the Republic of Ireland and across Scotland, from pre-school to elderly adults, has trained BATD Associate teachers and delivered numerous community dance projects both as an individual and as part of the education outreach team at Scottish Ballet.
Ms Sarah’s passion is biomechanics and safe dance practice, and she has completed an MSc in Dance Science and Education with Honours, from the University of Edinburgh. Her research into pre-pointe strength training was presented at the IADMS e-conference in October 2021.
Miss Holly began studying ballet, tap and modern at a young age and knew quickly that she wanted to pursue a career in dance. At seventeen she moved North to train full-time at Ballet West Scotland, where training placed great emphasis on classical technique as well as offering classes in contemporary, jazz and choreography. During her three years there she also had the opportunity to perform with their touring company in ballets such as Swan Lake.
Upon graduating with a first class honours degree, Miss Holly moved back to Edinburgh to focus on teaching. Since then, she has also obtained an MSc in Dance Science and Education from Edinburgh University, which has supplemented her teaching knowledge. Her research into motivational climate in the dance studio was also presented at the IADMS e-conference in October 2021.
Miss Holly is delighted to be part of the YADP team and loves helping students realise their potential and develop their knowledge in dance class.
Miss Hazel began training at Bernadette Sloan Dance School where she was a pupil in Ms Sarah's first vocational class! From a young age Miss Hazel enjoyed taking part in workshops and days of dance through Scottish Ballet Junior Associates, RAD Awards Days and many more.
She graduated from full time training with a BA hons in Ballet and has toured Scotland performing corps de ballet roles in Giselle and Nutcracker as well as soloist roles in Swan Lake and contemporary showcases. Miss Hazel has completed the RAD Access Routes course and is now a registered RAD teacher.
Miss Hazel loves teaching on the Young Artist Development Programme as it creates a safe space for young artists to explore their art form and she is proud to be part of a programme which is supported by such a knowledgeable team who keep safe practice and love for dance at the heart of everything.
Jayne MacFarlane – Physiotherapist
Age 10 +
Monthly / Weekly classes in Classical Ballet, Strength & Conditioning, and Creative genres
Diamonds class / Intermediate Foundation
Age 11 +
Intermediate Foundation Optional Examination
Pre-pointe strengthening exercises in class and at home. Dancers progress at individual rate
Age 12+
Intermediate (Compulsory Examination before advanced levels)
Opportunities to compete
Age 13+
Advanced Foundation, Advanced 1, Advanced 2
Age 18+
Beginners to Experienced level, Optional Examinations & pointe training
Age 50+
Classes designed around lifelong wellbeing, improving coordination and balance
All Ages
Whatever you want to improve on, we can help you achieve it!
E-mail: startingpointeballet@gmail.com