At Footsteps Dance School in Sale, our modern jazz dance classes offer the perfect balance of structured ballet technique and high-energy performance. Designed for children from age 6 upwards, these classes help young dancers develop strength, rhythm and expressive movement.
Whether your child is completely new to jazz or building on their ballet foundation, our classes provide a fun and progressive route to develop performance skills, build confidence and work towards accredited ISTD exams.
Modern jazz dance blends traditional ballet foundations with the vibrant energy of jazz and contemporary movement. At Footsteps, our classes follow a clear structure that promotes physical strength, flexibility, rhythm and performance awareness.
We introduce core techniques such as:
Turns, leaps and isolations
Floor work and posture development
Rhythm and timing exercises
Expressive choreography
Use of varied music styles, including musical theatre, pop and instrumental
Our students are encouraged to bring their individuality into every performance, while developing strong technical discipline.
Footsteps Dance School follows the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) modern jazz syllabus. This internationally recognised programme provides a clear progression structure with optional graded exams.
Benefits of taking ISTD exams include:
Accredited dance qualifications
Motivation through goal setting and achievement
Preparation for vocational pathways in dance
Recognised certification for dance portfolios
Exams are optional. We support each student’s goals, whether they want to work towards grades or simply dance for enjoyment.
All modern jazz classes are led by Amy, a gentle and highly qualified teacher who brings a calm, child-centred approach to every session. With a background in social services and safeguarding, Amy ensures all children feel safe, seen and supported in class.
Her teaching combines detailed choreography with a soft and encouraging tone, making modern jazz accessible for beginners and enriching for more experienced dancers.
We keep class sizes capped for safety and quality. Children benefit from consistent instruction, strong routines and a classroom environment that encourages personal and technical growth.
Our modern jazz classes are suitable for:
✓ Children aged 6 and above
✓ Beginners with no dance experience
✓ Ballet students looking to expand their skills
✓ Children preparing for performance opportunities
✓ Families in Sale, Sale Moor, Brooklands and across Trafford
Children are grouped by age and ability to ensure appropriate progression and challenge.
Every 18 months, Footsteps Dance School hosts a full-school production. Every child enrolled in modern jazz is invited to take part.
These shows:
Allow dancers to showcase routines learned in class
Build confidence and stage presence
Encourage teamwork and celebration of progress
Provide a joyful experience for both dancers and their families
Additional opportunities are offered throughout the year via local events and in-house showcases, supporting dancers who enjoy regular performance exposure.
A. Modern jazz incorporates ballet-based technique with a freer, more expressive style. It includes dynamic movement and is often performed to more upbeat music. It is ideal for students who enjoy a mix of structure and performance flair.
A. Ballet experience is helpful but not essential. We welcome beginners and provide foundational exercises that support safe and progressive learning.
A. No. Exams are offered but never required. Our priority is that each dancer enjoys their learning and develops at their own pace.
A. Classes are priced at £7 per hour, invoiced per half-term. A two-week trial is available before committing.
A. All classes take place at Sale High School, Norris Road, Sale, M33 3JR, with accessible parking available.
Conveniently located at Sale High School, our facilities are easily accessible for families in Sale, Sale Moor, and the Trafford area.
If you’re looking for children’s dance classes in Sale or the surrounding areas, Footsteps Dance School is the perfect choice.
Get in touch with us to secure your place and take the first step on your child’s dance journey.