Children’s Dance Classes in South Bristol

ISTD Modern and Tap dance classes for children aged 3+
3 young girls in the dance studio posing for the camera with their hands on their hips
Phoebe loves practising at home and her confidence in how she moves has improved so much. She's always asking us when her next class is!

Phoebe + Gemma
It’s the first time Martha has attended a class like this without me and Jo instantly made her feel comfortable and confident.


Martha + Claire
We are always counting down the days to Ivy’s next dance class! I can't wait to sign my son up too when he's old enough.


Ivy + Laura
Seren loves her dance class, and having watched Jo working with the class I can see why. She is a natural teacher and great with little ones.

Seren + Zoe
Photos are from our sister dance school in London (Clifford Studios).
School founder Jo smiling at the camera with her arms folded wearing a white vest.

About our founder, jo

A dedicated and passionate teacher with over 20 years experience, Jo, was prompted to start classes in Knowle when there were none she could find for her own daughter.

Jo also runs a thriving dance studio in London, as well as South Bristol Barre and Pilates.

About the classes

Combining discipline and fun, our classes follow the prestigious ISTD syllabus with the option of exams.

Classes have a strong focus on technique and are high energy; bringing dance to life through music.

Our class types

Tiny Tap + Mini Modern

3–4 years (Preschool)

This class introduces pre-school children to dance using music, props and stories.

The emphasis is on moving and capturing the imagination. Each exercise builds essential motor skills, co-ordination and rhythm. Children work in partners and groups to discover their first Tap, Modern and Ballet steps. This nurtures their social and emotional development.

Thursdays, 3.45–4.15pm at Redcatch Community Church

Pre Primary Tap + Modern

4–5 years (Preschool/Reception)

Children are now able to remember the names of the steps they learn and begin putting them into short sequences. Following the Pre-Primary ISTD syllabus in Tap and Modern provides an appreciation of the contrasting styles and accompanying music, for example; rhythmic tap and jazzy modern.

Thursdays, 4.20 - 5.05pm at Redcatch Community Church

Primary Tap + Modern

5-6 years (Reception/Yr 1)

Students now learn longer sequences demonstrating more precise technique. Improvisation is encouraged, drawn from the range of steps they have developed in their classes so far. There is an option of taking a class exam (where the teacher is present) in the Primary ISTD Tap and Modern syllabi they have learned. This is usually after 3 - 4 terms of study.

Mondays, 3.45 - 4.30pm at Redcatch Community Church

Grade 1 Tap + Modern

6-8 years (Yr 2/3)

The differing styles of Tap + Modern become more defined at this level and classes are now taken separately.

The process of learning, memorising + performing longer dances contributes to increasing self-confidence.

Rhythm is a strong focus of the Tap exercises, along with the precise movement of the feet + ankles. Modern is frequently seen in musicals and the basis of these high energy steps starts here.

There is the option of taking an exam once approximately 3 - 4 terms of study have been completed.

Mondays, 4.35 - 5.35pm at Redcatch Community Church
Tap : 4.35 - 5.05pm
Modern: 5.05 - 5.35pm
£6 per 30 min class or £10 for both
*ages are merely a guideline, after your trial class Jo will advise as to whether the class is the right level.

Try a class HALF PRICE

Dance classes are key to developing a love of movement, music and exercise. RSD is invested in your child's journey and committed to getting the right class for them, at the right time.

Register for your trial