Ella SheppardSchool of Performing Arts

Dance • Drama • Singing

Classes for every age and ability

From first classes with a grown-up at 18 months in Parent & Me, to graded examinations, teen classes and adult sessions.

01

Ballet

Technique, poise and musicality from first steps to graded work.

Graded ISTD ballet running from Pre Primary through to Teens, with an adult class each Monday morning. Students can work towards recognised examinations at their own pace.

On the timetable

  • Monday09:15–10:15Adult Ballet
  • Tuesday15:45–16:15Pre-Primary Ballet
  • Tuesday17:00–17:45Grade 3 Ballet
  • Wednesday16:15–16:45Primary Ballet
  • Wednesday16:45–17:30Grade 1 Ballet
  • Wednesday16:45–17:30Grade 2 Ballet
  • Wednesday18:15–19:00Teen Ballet
  • Saturday10:05–10:35Pre-Primary Ballet
  • Saturday10:40–11:10Primary Ballet

02

Tap

Rhythm, sound and plenty of noise — one of the school's favourites.

Graded tap alongside a teens class, with regular ISTD examinations and an annual Tapathon for Children in Need.

Four ESSOPA children in black and silver costumes posing together after a performance
The ESSOPA Tapathon group, raising money for Children in Need.

On the timetable

  • Monday16:15–17:15Grade 1 Modern & Tap
  • Monday18:00–18:45Teen / Adult Tap
  • Thursday17:00–17:45Grade 2 Tap

03

Modern & Jazz

Expressive, energetic and performance-focused.

Modern and jazz classes build strength, flexibility and stagecraft, feeding directly into shows, festivals and competitions.

On the timetable

  • Monday16:15–17:15Grade 1 Modern & Tap
  • Monday17:15–18:00Teen Jazz
  • Thursday16:15–17:00Grade 2 Modern

04

Street Dance

Current styles, big energy, taught by Mr Charlie.

Three street dance groups run weekly, with choreography developed for shows and events.

On the timetable

  • Tuesday17:00–17:45Junior Street
  • Wednesday17:30–18:15Middle Street
  • Wednesday18:15–19:00Senior Street

05

Acrobatics

Strength, flexibility and tricks through the Acrobatic Arts syllabus.

Acro classes run across several levels including a seniors group, with Acrobatic Arts examinations held through the year.

On the timetable

  • Tuesday16:15–17:00Acrobatics
  • Wednesday15:45–16:15Acrobatics
  • Wednesday17:30–18:15Senior Acrobatics
  • Thursday15:45–16:15Acrobatics

06

Drama

Speech, acting and confidence with Miss Jeni.

Junior, intermediate and senior drama groups, with LAMDA and New Era examinations and local festival performances.

On the timetable

  • Thursday15:30–16:00Junior Drama
  • Thursday16:00–17:00Junior Drama 2
  • Thursday17:00–18:00Intermediate Drama
  • Thursday18:00–18:45Senior Drama

07

Singing & Music

Find your voice with Vocal Coach & Dance Teacher Miss Iona AJ.

Singing is available with Vocal Coach & Dance Teacher Miss Iona AJ, alongside private music tuition. Private guitar tuition is also available with Mr Mike.

Mr Mike playing guitar beside a young ESSOPA student singing into a microphone
Mr Mike supporting a student during a live music performance.

On the timetable

  • Tuesday16:15–17:00Singing

08

Adult Classes

For grown-ups who want to move, learn and enjoy themselves.

Adult Ballet runs on Monday mornings. Other adult opportunities run through the year — get in touch to ask what's currently available.

On the timetable

  • Monday09:15–10:15Adult Ballet
  • Monday18:00–18:45Teen / Adult Tap

Ages, levels and additional adult sessions can be confirmed by contacting the school.

09

Parent & Me

A gentle first taste of dance, together.

A Saturday morning class where children from 18 months dance alongside a grown-up before moving up to Pre Primary Ballet.

On the timetable

  • Saturday09:30–10:00Parent & Me

Ready to join us?

Registration takes a few minutes. Classes run through the week in Ryde, with Parent & Me from 18 months through to teen and adult opportunities. Private guitar tuition is also available.