Where dancers discover what they are truly capable of.

Sapphire is a dynamic encouraging programme where 8-11 year olds grow in technique, confidence, and connection in a small class where they are known, challenged, and genuinely supported. This is the stage where things start to click - where skills meet expression and your dancer begins to find their own voice through movement.

Welcome to Sapphire

A dynamic and encouraging program for developing dancers aged 8-11, ready to grow in skill, confidence, and self-expression.

At 8-11 years, young people are developing a stronger sense of identity, deepening friendships, and becoming increasingly aware of their own abilities - dance is a powerful space for all of that to flourish. Classes focus on coordination, musicality, performance skills, and self-expression, while building the focus, resilience, and sense of belonging that this age group genuinely thrives on. Sapphire provides a purposeful environment where dancers strengthen technique, explore a variety of styles, and begin to discover what movement means to them.

Each class supports growth through:

💠 Structured technical development across multiple styles

💠 Exploration of artistry, musicality, and expressive movement

💠 Opportunities to build focus, resilience, and genuine self-confidence

💠 Encouragement to take on new challenges and feel pride in progress
💠 A sense of identity and belonging within a peer group who share the same passion

Sapphire dancers experience:

💠 Regular performance opportunities that build confidence and stage presence

💠 The excitement of performing in the annual production

💠 A supportive environment that recognises and celebrates individual progress

As dancers grow through the Sapphire programme, they develop strong technical foundations, a deeper connection to their artistry, and the readiness to step into more advanced training. Those who are ready are warmly invited into the Amethyst programme, the next chapter of their journey at CORE.

Small Classes. Big Impact.

Our Sapphire classes are intentionally small - because at this age, being truly known by your teacher makes all the difference. Your dancer won't get lost in the crowd. Their teacher will understand how they learn, where they're growing, and how to draw out their best - every single week.

This programme is perfect for...

Parents who want more than a dance class for their child - a space where growing confidence, resilience, and self-expression are taken as seriously as technique. Where their dancer is known, valued, and genuinely inspired to keep showing up
💠 Confidence

💠 Resilience

💠 Friendships that matter

Children who love to dance and:

💠 Learn

💠 Discover

💠 Grow into who they are

Families looking for a structured meaningful activity that nurtures:

💠 Physical strength and coordination

💠 Emotional resilience and self-belief

💠 A sense of connection and belonging

💠 Leadership and personal responsibility

What your child will love...

💠 Friendships with people who love dance as much as they do - connections that often extend well beyond the studio.

💠 Exploring a range of styles - ballet, jazz, musical theatre, contemporary and tap - each one offering something different to discover.

💠 Examination, workshop and performance options through bboDance.

💠 Participating in the annual showcase - a highlight of the CORE year.

💠 The opportunity to be invited into the DanceStep leadership programme, developing real-world skills through mentoring younger dancers.

💠 Certificates and a graduation celebration as they complete the programme.

What you will love...

💠 Small class sizes that mean your dancer is genuinely known - their teacher understands how they learn, where they're growing, and how to bring out the best.

💠 Watching your child's confidence grow not just on the dance floor, but in how they carry themselves - in class, at school, and in life.

💠 Increased coordination, strength, and musicality through engaging, purposeful classes.

💠 Meaningful friendships that develop naturally within a positive, values-led community.

💠 Clear, easy monthly pricing with no hidden costs.

💠 Parent communication app with updates, videos, and dance resources.

💠 Our four-lesson Heartfelt Promise: if it's not the right fit, we'll work with you - no pressure, no obligation.

Class Timetable

Level 1 - 8 yrs

Level 2 - 9yrs

Level 3 - 10yrs

Level 4 - 11yrs

Easy, Simple and Consistent fees

💠 Registration and insurance costs

💠 Class Tuition

💠 Access to our app for communication, updates, and resources

💠 Participation in our dance showcase

💠 All rehearsal costs

💠 Costume and accessory hire

💠 Professional show recording and photography

💠 Paid in fixed monthly installments

💠 Each calendar month paid in advance

💠 No extra costs

💠 Keeping dance easy to budget for

The CORE Experience

💠 Convenient secure location

💠 Curriculum designed around the developmental needs of 8-11 year olds

💠 Small classes led by devoted, experienced teachers who genuinely know your dancer

💠 Parent Communication app with regular updates

💠 Moments worth celebrating

💠 Home away from home

💠 Our four-lesson Heartfelt Promise: if it's not the right fit, we'll work with you - no pressure, no obligation

And so much more!

Everything your child needs to grow in skill, confidence and expression

💠 Nurturing, Qualified Teachers Experienced teachers who know your dancer by name, by strength and by what they need to grow - in a class small enough for that knowledge to genuinely shape every class.

💠 Leadership Development

Eligible dancers are invited into the DanceStep leadership programme - a transformative experience that builds confidence, communication, empathy and responsibility through mentoring younger students.

💠 Achievement & Recognition

Participation in annual bboDance examinations - meaningful milestones that celebrate how far your dancer has come and motivate them to keep reaching recognising achievement and growth.

💠Additional Experience & Opportunities

Invitation to bboDance Days each year, offering additional learning, workshops, and performance opportunities beyond the studio.

💠 Growth in Technique & Style

Purposefully designed for ages 8-11, with structured development across ballet, jazz, musical theatre, contemporary, and tap - building technique, expression, and musicality at every level.

💠 Celebrations & Performance Moments

Informal studio sharings, a joyful annual showcase, special theme weeks and a meaningful graduation celebration.

💠 Simple, Supportive Experience for Families

Clear communication through our parent app, easy monthly payments with no hidden costs, and our four-lesson Heartfelt Promise for complete peace of mind.

Ready to Enrol? Secure your child’s spot in Sapphire classes today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my child need any experience to join?

Finding the ideal class placement for your dancer matters to us. Depending on your child's experience, we'll informally assess them within their first few classes to make sure they are in the right environment to thrive.

Whether this is their very first class or they’re returning to class after a break, they'll be welcomed, guided, and supported every step of the way.

What should I wear?

For your first class, comfortable leggings, joggers or shorts and a t-shirt are perfect. Bare feet work well to start.

After your first class, your dancer will be fitted for their Sapphire uniform. We'll also provide you with information you need for the appropriate dance shoes for your child's classes.

How big are the classes?

Our classes are kept intentionally small so that every dancer receives genuine personal attention and truly feels part of the group.

At this age, that connection to their teacher and peers makes a real difference - both to their progress and to how much they love being here.

Can I stay and watch the class?

Due to space and safety, parents aren’t able to stay in the studio during class—but there’s a welcoming waiting area just outside, and you’re always welcome to check in. You’ll stay closely connected through our parent app, which delivers regular photos, videos and class updates directly to you. It’s a wonderful way to witness your child's growth week by week, even from outside the room.

Can I do a trial?

Enrolling directly into a regular class gives your dancer the best possible start - allowing them to settle naturally into the group, build genuine friendships, and develop a real sense of belonging from day one.

Classes fill quickly, and enrolling secures their place. Our four-lesson Heartfelt Promise means you can join with complete confidence and no financial risk.

Contact Us

020 4180 6029

62 Orbell Street, Christchurch 8023