Elevate Flexi
Course - Middle

Body conditioning and safe stretching are an essential part of classical ballet training for students aged 11–14, supporting the increasing physical demands placed on the developing dancer as training becomes more intensive.

At this stage, students are often experiencing significant growth and physical change, so training focuses on maintaining correct alignment, stability, coordination, and strength throughout this period of development. Body conditioning helps strengthen the core, legs, feet, back, and turnout muscles, improving control, stamina, posture, and overall technical consistency.

Safe stretching continues to be approached carefully and progressively, with strong emphasis placed on correct placement, muscular support, and working safely within each dancer’s natural range. Students are encouraged to develop flexibility through controlled and supported training rather than forcing movement, helping to reduce the risk of strain or injury.

Dancers also begin to develop a greater understanding of anatomy and body mechanics, learning how muscles and joints function within ballet technique, and how proper alignment and strength contribute to safe and efficient movement. This growing awareness encourages students to take more responsibility for their training and physical wellbeing.

Together, conditioning, safe stretching, and anatomical understanding help students build the strength, control, and resilience needed for continued progression into higher-level classical ballet training.

Classical ballet repertoire becomes an increasingly important part of training for students aged 11–14, as it allows dancers to apply their developing technique within the artistic and performance demands of classical ballet.

Working on repertoire helps students connect technical training to real choreography, developing musicality, coordination, stamina, memory, and performance quality. As choreography becomes more complex, dancers learn how technique, artistry, and expression work together within classical ballet vocabulary and style.

At this stage, students also begin to develop a greater understanding of performance dynamics, including spatial awareness, timing, stagecraft, and working as part of an ensemble. Rehearsing and performing repertoire encourages discipline, focus, adaptability, and professional working habits, all of which are important for continued progression in dance training.

Repertoire training also deepens students’ understanding of the history, traditions, and storytelling within classical ballet. Dancers explore well-known ballets, characters, and stylistic differences, learning how movement communicates emotion, narrative, and intention. This helps students develop greater artistic maturity and expressive range.

Costumes, music, and theatrical presentation continue to be explored in an age-appropriate and educational way, helping students gain a fuller appreciation of ballet as a performing art form that combines technique, artistry, music, storytelling, and production elements.

FLEXI-SCHOOLING INFORMATION

In the UK, flexi-schooling refers to an arrangement where a child is registered at a mainstream school but attends only part-time, with the remainder of their education taking place outside of school—often at home or in specialist training programmes such as sports or performing arts.

HOW FLEXI-SCHOOLING WORKS

1. Definition:
The child remains registered at their mainstream school but is educated off-site for part of the week. It is distinct from elective home education, as the child remains on roll at the school.

2. Parental Request:
Flexi-schooling is not a legal right and requires the headteacher’s permission. Each school has discretion to decide whether to allow it.

3. School Approval:
If agreed, a formal arrangement is made between the school and the parent. The Local Authority does not need to approve the arrangement but remains responsible for ensuring suitable education overall.

4. Attendance:
Absences are recorded as authorised in line with the school’s attendance policy.

ELIGIBILITY – ELITE ATHLETES & DANCERS

Flexi-schooling is often considered for young athletes or dancers when:

• Training requires regular release from school hours.
• The programme offers structured, high-quality, supervised training.
• Academic education remains supported and balanced.

IMPORTANT NOTES

• Headteachers have full discretion to approve or decline requests.
• There is no formal right of appeal, though decisions may be discussed further with the school.
• A clear and well-structured proposal supports successful applications.

WHAT PARENTS NEED TO DO

1. Initiate the Request:
Write to the headteacher outlining the request and proposed schedule:

• Thursday release for ages 11–14 (Years 7–9).

2. Provide an Educational Plan:
Demonstrate how academic progress will be maintained, including:

• Completion of schoolwork.
• Independent study or tutoring.
• Ongoing communication with school.

3. Submit Supporting Documents:

• Programme information.
• Weekly timetable.
• Safeguarding and welfare details.

4. Formal Agreement:
If approved, this will outline:

• Days in and out of school.
• Responsibilities.
• Review process (termly or annual).

5. Ongoing Communication:
Parents must maintain regular contact and ensure academic progress is sustained.

EXAMPLE ARRANGEMENT

A Year 7 pupil attends school Monday–Wednesday and Friday and a pre-vocational ballet programme on Thursday. Academic support is maintained through structured independent study, completion of school-set work, and ongoing communication between parents, the school, and the training provider.

• All staff are enhanced DBS checked
• Trained in first aid and safeguarding
• Emphasis on respectful communication, healthy body image, and injury prevention
• Environment nurtures confidence, self-discipline, and well-being