A revolutionary approach to dance education

Primary Steps on Demand is an innovative online programme designed to bring the joy and benefits of dance to primary school children, regardless of location, resources or prior experience. Developed by The Royal Ballet School, the programme is delivered via video on demand, enabling teachers to integrate movement seamlessly into their classrooms.

The programme consists of engaging, pre-recorded lessons taught by experienced dance practitioners, which align with the national curriculum and can be used to enhance learning in subjects like literacy, numeracy and science. By combining movement with traditional subjects, the programme fosters a more dynamic, inclusive and engaging learning environment.

Breaking down barriers to dance

Historically, access to high-quality dance education has been limited by geographical, financial and logistical barriers. Many schools lack specialist dance teachers or dedicated facilities, making it difficult to offer meaningful dance instruction. Primary Steps on Demand removes these obstacles, providing a structured and accessible solution any school can implement.

One of the programme’s greatest strengths is its flexibility. Teachers can incorporate dance into their timetables in a way that suits their students’ needs. Whether used as a structured PE session, an active learning tool in the classroom, or a way to energise students throughout the day, the programme makes it easy to bring movement into education.

The benefits of dance in education

Research has consistently shown that dance has a profound impact on young people’s physical, emotional and cognitive development. Primary Steps on Demand supports children’s well-being in multiple ways:

• Physical health: dance improves coordination, balance and overall fitness, promoting lifelong healthy habits.
• Emotional well-being: movement is a powerful tool for self-expression, helping children build confidence and resilience.
• Cognitive development: integrating movement into learning enhances memory retention, problem-solving skills and engagement.
• Social skills: collaborative dance activities promote teamwork, communication and respect for others.

For many students, particularly those who struggle with traditional academic learning, dance offers a different way to engage with the curriculum. By making learning active, kinaesthetic and fun, Primary Steps on Demand ensures that more children can participate and thrive.

What schools are saying

Since its launch, the programme has been adopted by schools across the UK, with teachers reporting remarkable transformations in their students. For home educators, specialist dance schools and primary schools, it has allowed teachers to incorporate a new means of creativity and movement into their classrooms.

The programme is also valuable for SEN children. Cosme Monmeneu, an SEN teacher, says how much he values the programme: “I had a child who didn’t like PE and often had conflicts in the hall. However, he stood next to his friends in the classroom, followed the videos, danced and jumped.

“Another child, who struggled to participate in class activities, danced happily with her peers when we used the videos. These moments are powerful – some children might refuse traditional PE but embrace movement through the Primary Steps on Demand programme. The dance club at playtime is another great example. Children who don’t usually interact come together to dance. It’s amazing to see.”

A case study from a school in Manchester highlights the programme’s impact: “We’ve seen a huge boost in confidence among our pupils,” says Year 3 teacher Sarah Collins. “One student who was previously very shy now looks forward to leading warm-ups. The lessons are engaging, easy to follow and have brought so much energy into our classroom.”

Other educators have noted improvements in students’ focus and enthusiasm for learning. A primary school in Birmingham integrated the programme into their literacy lessons, using movement to help children understand storytelling and character development. “We found that physically acting out key moments in a story helped our pupils retain details and engage more deeply with the material,” explains the school’s deputy headteacher.

The future of dance in schools

The growing conversation around dance in education is gaining momentum, with increasing recognition of its value in supporting children’s holistic development. Initiatives like Angela Rippon’s Let’s Dance campaign have further highlighted the need for more movement-based learning opportunities.

As part of this broader movement, The Royal Ballet School is committed to advocating for dance as an essential component of education. By making high-quality dance training widely accessible, Primary Steps on Demand is helping to reshape the way schools approach physical education and creative learning.

How schools can get involved

Schools interested in implementing Primary Steps on Demand can easily sign up through The Royal Ballet School’s website. The programme is designed to be user-friendly, with all necessary resources provided to ensure smooth integration. Training sessions and support materials are also available to help teachers feel confident in delivering dance education.

With more schools recognising the benefits of movement-based learning, Primary Steps on Demand is proving that dance belongs in every classroom. As we continue to explore new ways to engage and inspire young learners, one thing is clear: the future of education is more creative, dynamic and active than ever before.

You can find more information on bringing Primary Steps on Demand to your school here.