Welcome to Jill Thomas School of Ballet. My school specialises in the teaching of classical ballet where the Royal Academy of Dance syllabi is taught from Pre-Primary - Grade 8. The complete new syllabi is also taught from Pre-Primary - Grade 5.
It aims to engage every pupil with the creative choreography and beautiful music making each lesson fun whilst learning a great skill. Freedom of movement, use of space, co-ordination, expressiveness, and musicality are all important to interest the modern child of today.
Every pupil is encouraged to work towards the R.A.D examination scheme where they can achieve certificates and medals to be proud of. However pupils can attend lessons purely for pleasure whilst learning valuable life skills and making new friends.
About The School
Jill Thomas School of Ballet was first established in 1982 at Marske-by-the-Sea.
From the age of 5 I learned R.A.D ballet at the Jean McDonnell School of Ballet in Redcar. During my time there I took part in a number of exams from Primary to Intermediate until I reached the age of 16, when I decided to become a ballet teacher.
I then started studying at The Hammond School in Chester to gain my teaching qualifications alongside other dance exams. From there I took my first teaching post in Bari Southern Italy for a year which was an experience I will never forget.
From 1985 I have lived in Ingleby Barwick and as time went on I wanted to move my school there. So in 1993 I started teaching in Ingleby Barwick at the Church Hall which was just a prefab portable building then!
I have now been teaching successfully in Ingleby Barwick for the past 25 years and had many children take R.A.D exams with a 100% pass rate.
My working week now also takes me to Hemlington Recreation Centre and Helmsley Arts Centre where I teach ballet.