Lyrical / Contemporary Classes for Children Near Canterbury
Expressive storytelling, fluid movement and strong technique — taught with care and creativity.
What Is Lyrical / Contemporary?
Lyrical blends ballet and jazz technique with expressive storytelling set to music, focusing on fluid lines, emotion and musical phrasing. Contemporary explores grounded movement, release, floorwork and dynamic contrasts. Together, they help dancers connect technique with artistry.
At Artists in Motion, classes balance safe technique with creative tasks so children build strength, flexibility and confidence while discovering their own voice in movement.
Why Lyrical / Contemporary Is Good for Children
- Expression & confidence: Story-driven choreography builds emotion, presence and self-belief.
- Technique & control: Develops alignment, balance, extensions and quality of movement.
- Flexibility & mobility: Progressive stretching supports healthy range of motion.
- Creativity & problem-solving: Improvisation and composition tasks spark imagination.
- Transferable skills: Supports Ballet, Modern, Jazz and Theatre with improved musicality and control.
Our Class Structure
Each class includes a technical warm-up, alignment and strength work, across-the-floor progressions (turns, leaps, travelling phrases), guided improvisation and choreography. We emphasise safe floorwork and age-appropriate progressions.
Classes by Age Group
- Minis (5–7 years): Gentle foundations, musical storytelling and simple floor patterns.
- Juniors (8–11 years): Lines, turns, travelling phrases and expressive dynamics.
- Inters & Seniors (12–18 years): Extensions, multiple turns, release technique, floorwork pathways and performance pieces.
What Will My Child Learn?
- Ballet-informed alignment, placement and safe stretching
- Turns, leaps, travelling phrases and transitions
- Release technique and introductory floorwork
- Musical phrasing, dynamics and storytelling
- Improvisation, composition and performance craft
We aim to develop confident, musical dancers who can combine strong technique with authentic expression.
Where We Teach
Lyrical / Contemporary runs in our Garland, Bourne and Astaire Studios at Intex House, Cooting Road, Aylesham, CT3 3EP — near Canterbury, with sprung floors, mirrors and free parking.
Lyrical / Contemporary – Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between Lyrical and Contemporary?
Lyrical focuses on fluid lines and emotion, often to melodic music, with strong ballet/jazz influence. Contemporary is more exploratory and grounded, using release and floorwork. We teach both to give dancers breadth and versatility.
Is previous Ballet experience required?
Helpful but not essential. We teach foundations and adapt exercises to each group’s experience.
What should my child wear?
Comfortable fitted dancewear allowing free movement. Bare feet or contemporary half-soles (teacher will advise), hair tied back, and water.
Do you offer trial classes?
We don’t offer free trials — the trial lesson is included in the cost of the first class to provide a full, authentic experience within the regular group setting.
Ready to Start Lyrical / Contemporary?
Your child’s first lesson serves as their trial and is included in the cost of the first class. It’s the best way to experience expressive movement, meet the teacher and join the group naturally.