Heath Street Arts
CONTEMPORARY DANCE CLASSES
Rambert Grades
The Rambert Grades syllabus provides Contemporary Dance training, with material developed by leading experts in dance education and performance material created by some of the most exciting companies and choreographers, including Matthew Bourne, Hofesh Shechter, and ZooNation. As students move through the Grades, they build strong technical dance skills that improve their physical ability, artistic expression, musicality, and confidence.
Creative Dance for Early Years
Classes take children on a joyful and imaginative journey through contemporary dance. They are supported to develop physical skills, improve communication, harness musicality, foster creativity and grow in confidence.
What are classes like?
We begin each class with an energetic warm-up, followed by physical and spatial skill development, with a deep dive into their imaginations to close. This class uses storytelling, music and games to spark imaginations and develop a love of movement.
Grades
Creative Movers • Pre-Primary Contemporary Dance • Primary Contemporary Dance
Grades 1-8
Our Rambert Grades Contemporary Dance classes offer a balanced blend of technical exercises, including centre work, floorwork, and traveling sequences; learning a Performance Strand solo with opportunities to interpret it personally; and Creative work where students collaborate to choreograph their own pieces
Each grade focuses on three key strands: Technical, Performance, and Creative—giving students the tools they need to thrive in the professional dance industry and beyond.
Technical Strand
The Technical Strand equips dancers with a wide understanding of technical contemporary dance skills enabling them to move safely and efficiently as they develop across all elements of technical skills, from floorwork to complex leaps.
Performance Strand
Connecting dance students with the professional industry, every dancer learns a solo created by a renowned choreographer. Personal interpretation is encouraged as students gain experience performing professional dance seen in theatres.
Creative Strand
Students gain the skills to investigate a creative task in group settings and to develop improvisation skills. Teachers introduce a stimulus, such as an artwork, photograph or poem, and students develop their creative response, with the assessment process favouring creative process over end product.
About Examinations and Qualifications
Rambert Grades exams celebrate progress in a supportive way. Exams are filmed in groups by the teacher in the students' familiar environment, making for a friendly and welcoming environment.
Exam candidates receive a certificate to mark their achievement, awarded with pass, merit, distinction and distinction.
Exams are designed to inspire confidence and prepare children for the next step in their dance journey.
Rambert Grades qualifications are regulated by Ofqual. Rambert Grades is the only fully structured contemporary dance examination programme, and the qualifications are recognised and taught at many universities.
Inclusivity and Accessibility
Rambert Grades qualifications are adaptable and inclusive to all students, welcoming dancers of all abilities and learning styles to participate in our contemporary dance exams.
| Class | Time | Cost |
| Creative Movers | 4:00-4.45 pm | £8 per class, fees paid termly |
| Contemporary technique (Foundation) | 5:00-6:00 pm | £8 per class, fees paid termly |
Teachers
Lydia Baker BA (Hons)
Diploma in Dance Teaching and learning (Level 6)
Lydia graduated from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in 2011 and further gained her level 6 Diploma in Dance Teaching and Learning in 2019. She is an experienced teacher, having spent over a decade working across the community and education sector. She is a lead specialist in community projects for The Place, Springs Dance Company, The Natashas Project and The Royal Academy of Dance (Step into Dance). She is also employed as a Dance Specialist in a performing arts specialist secondary school and has taught dance as part of the curriculum in various primary schools across north London. Lydia is also currently completing her MA in Dance Education with The Royal Academy of Dance.
I believe dance to be unique in its ability to blend both artistic practice and physical activity. As a teacher I strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for students to have fun, move in the space and try new things. I am passionate about nurturing creativity and it’s always a privilege to watch students grow in confidence as they embrace their individuality through dance.
On Tuesdays at Heath Street Baptist Church, Heath Street, Hampstead, London NW3 1DN. See map and get directions.
If you would like to find out further information or book a free trial please contact Lydia Baker at lydiabakerdance@gmail.com 0776 045 8644.
For more information about the classes see below.