Celebrating 20 years of Primary Steps

On Saturday 24 May, we held our final Primary Steps graduation at Upper School in Covent Garden. 

It was a bittersweet day as this year’s graduation marked the end of the programme after 20 years. 

While we are deeply saddened that the programme will no longer continue in its current form, we are grateful to the Department for Education for supporting it for the last two decades.  

Established in 2005, Primary Steps is a national junior school programme that has provided students in Years 3-6 with a positive introduction to ballet and initial creative ballet training. Through national partnerships, the programme has increased access to ballet and promoted a deeper engagement with dance.  

Thanks to funding from the Department for Education, the School has been able to provide access to creative ballet education for thousands of children who may not otherwise have the opportunity, targeting areas of social, economic and cultural diversity. The programme operated in five regions across the UK, reaching 28 primary schools and on average, 1500+ children per year. Some Primary Steps students have gone on to join the School’s Associate and full-time training programmes. 

Year 5 and 6 students from Blackpool, Bury St Edmunds, Dagenham, Mansfield and Swindon travelled to London for the special graduation event. The students had the opportunity to warm up and rehearse their pieces before the final performance in the School’s Linden Studio Theatre. It was a day of celebration as these young dancers showcased their hard work and talent in front of family and friends.

Victoria Collinson, Head of the Associate and Primary Steps Programmes, together with Mark Annear, Director of Training and Access, shared a heartfelt message to the final cohort of graduates: 

‘We are very proud of all your achievements. We hope that you have enjoyed, been challenged and have created lots of wonderful memories whilst on the Primary Steps Programme. As a Primary Steps Graduate you have attained great dance skills, the ability to think creatively, work as a team member and shown commitment and determination. Your Primary Steps teachers and musicians are very proud of the wonderful young people you are. We hope that you continue to enjoy dancing or working creatively in the future.’ 

Some of this year’s graduates also shared what they have loved about Primary Steps, demonstrating the impact this programme has had and the legacy it will leave for years to come: 

‘Primary Steps has been a wonderful opportunity for me to increase my creativity. Dance has inspired me and given me the freedom to express my personality.’ – Darcie Byrne 

‘The Royal Ballet School has helped build my confidence performing in front of people and helped me make new friends’ – Harper Pogson 

‘I’m so proud to have been part of this wonderful programme. I’ve enjoyed every minute. I want to say a big thank you to the teachers and people working behind the scenes to make this possible for children in my area.’ – Alice Mottershead 

‘Primary Steps is not just a dance class, it is a way to be yourself and let your imagination fly. I have loved every minute.’ – Maisie Looker 

‘Primary Steps is a place of opportunity, experience and friendship. The past three years were amazing, and I loved the teachers.’ – Freya Redfern 

‘Primary Steps is a great way for young children to express themselves. I’m sad to see it stop. These three years have been the best! – Laila Emmett-Price 

‘I began Primary Steps in Year 3 feeling nervous and shy about expressing my movements. Three years later I’m confident due to the skills I’ve learned and the support I’ve had. I’m attending other dance classes thanks to Primary Steps.’ – Lily-Mae Palmer

‘Attending Primary Steps has given me the opportunity to learn ballet and dance in Covent Garden in front of an audience. Without Primary Steps I would have never successfully auditioned to become a Junior Associate. Thank you to all my teachers.’ – Henry Wood 

‘My favourite memory is when I performed at The Royal Ballet School in London for the first time.’ – Bobbie Alvey 

‘I like ballet because it’s an opportunity to make new friends and learn dance skills and techniques. I liked going on trips and going to London was exciting.’ – Florence Wakeland 

‘Ballet has been more than an art form—it has been a lesson in discipline, resilience, and passion. Every bit of feedback, every movement, and every note of music has shaped me as a dancer and as a person. Ms Gibbs and Mr Sharp, your dedication and guidance has instilled in me a deep appreciation for the beauty of ballet and the power of perseverance. Mr Sanders, your music brought our movements to life, turning each class into an unforgettable experience. Though this chapter is coming to an end, the lessons, memories, and love for dance will remain with me.’ – Cherish Osagiede 

The Primary Steps programme has played a crucial role in discovering and nurturing young talent across the UK for the last two decades.  

Our sincere thanks go to the national dance agencies, host secondary schools, and the cluster of primary and junior schools who have created a supportive and enriching environment for young dancers.  

We also thank the Primary Steps teachers who have worked together to deliver weekly classes and develop pupils’ creative knowledge and skills through foundation ballet technique, alongside the professional musicians who have accompanied the workshops and classes to bring the student’s movement to life. 

We are incredibly proud of all our graduates, past and present, and look forward to seeing where their passion for ballet will take them next.