What to Expect in Our 3-6 Year Old Dance Programme

Hwyl a Sbri (meaning "Fun" in Welsh) is our bilingual dance programme for 2.5 to 6 year olds. With imagination at its heart, Hwyl a Sbri introduces Ballet, Modern & Tap, and Commercial dance styles through themed adventures that promote confidence, independence, and whole-child development.

A Themed Curriculum for Creative Learning

Each term follows a playful, child-friendly theme – like Animals, Magic & Imagination, Toys & Teddies, or Winter Wonderland – and every week takes children on a new movement adventure.

These stories provide the structure for:

1. Technique Foundations: age-appropriate steps, postures, and dance positions

2. Imaginative Play: using props, songs, and storytelling to inspire movement

3. Musicality & Rhythm: learning to count music, follow beats, and echo sounds

4. Social Skills: waiting turns, working in groups, and celebrating each other

5. Language Development: with bilingual instruction and theme-linked vocabulary

Ballet, Modern Theatre, Tap, and Commercial Dance – Taught the Fun Way

Children can join one or more styles, each with its own approach:

Ballet:

1. Focuses on grace, posture, and coordination

2. Incorporates gentle stretching, foot positions, and storytelling

3. Often uses scarves, ribbons, and classical music

   
   

Modern & Tap:

1. Combines rhythm work with playful travelling steps and energetic movement

2. Teaches children to listen to sound cues, use different levels, and begin tap technique with toes, heels, and shuffles

   
   

Commercial (Hip Hop):

1. High-energy, expressive, and full of fun

2. Develops confidence and dynamic movement through catchy music and routines

3. Includes memory challenges, patterns, and teamwork

Supporting Independence and Confidence

This stage is all about growing independence. Children attend class without their grown-up, building trust in their teacher and pride in their abilities. Over the year, you can expect to see:

1. Greater focus and attention span

2. Improved coordination and body awareness

3. Confidence in group settings

4. Ability to remember and repeat dance sequences

   
   

We also keep class sizes small and nurturing so every child gets the support they need.

A Child-Led, Bilingual Experience

Our teachers are trained in both dance and early childhood education, ensuring every activity is developmentally appropriate. We use a mix of English and Welsh to reinforce vocabulary in both languages, helping children grow in confidence as learners as well as dancers.

Celebrating Progress

Over the year, children work toward:

1. Watch Weeks where you can see what they've been learning

2. Our Annual Show which offers a joyful, optional performance opportunity

3. Developmental Reports from their teacher

   
   

We’re here to make sure each child feels proud of their progress and enjoys every step along the way.

What Comes After Hwyl a Sbri?

When your child turns 6, they can progress into our Graded classes — with the option to work toward ISTD exams in Ballet, Modern Theatre & Tap and continue their dance development in our Commercial classes. It’s a natural next step after the foundations built in Hwyl a Sbri.

Thank you for joining us on this journey of hwyl a sbri!