Secondary School Teachers vs. Top Practitioners: Who Should Be Training Your Post-16 Dancer?

When a young person takes a real interest in dance after secondary school, the next step can feel like a big decision. Parents often start weighing up what kind of training would best support their teen’s progress, especially if movement is more than just a side hobby. One common question is whether to keep going with a school dance teacher or shift to a practitioner who works full time in the field.

Each path comes with a different teaching approach, and the right fit often depends on how invested your dancer is in building skill, confidence, and connection. For those looking into 16–18 dance courses in London, understanding the kind of guidance available at this stage can help with making that choice.

What Dance Looks Like in Secondary School

Dance in a school setting usually follows a broader curriculum. These lessons are great for giving students a general feel for movement and encouraging creativity. However, when it comes to building dance as a serious skill, the level of depth may be limited.

Secondary school teachers often have training across a range of academic subjects, not just movement. While they may love the subject and enjoy helping students express themselves, they may not have years of hands-on experience performing or choreographing.

Schedules in schools also juggle many subjects throughout the day. This means dance classes are usually shorter and more spaced out, which can make consistent progress slower. Time for in-depth feedback, correction, or skill refinement just is not always possible. The support is there, but it is shaped by the structure of the school day.

How Top Practitioners Train Young Dancers

Practitioner-led classes tend to look and feel quite different. These teachers often train and work in movement full time, so they bring in fresh knowledge from their own practice. Some are still performing or creating for shows and events, which means they stay up to date with what is current in the dance world.

This kind of teaching usually happens in spaces set up specifically for movement. Adore Dance, for example, offers a purpose-built studio with professional sprung floors and mirrors that are designed to support safe technique and dynamic training for all levels. The timetables allow for more focused sessions in a dedicated environment.

There is also the energy of the room to think about. Being in a space filled with other passionate dancers can keep motivation high and give young people something to aim for. At our Hackney Wick studio, teens can access a variety of styles including Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, and Commercial. It can feel less like a subject at school and more like being part of a real team.

What Your Teen Really Needs at Ages 16–18

This age group sees a shift in mindset. Many teenagers start thinking more deeply about where movement fits into their life. Some are ready to go all in, while others just want to keep doing something they love at a higher level.

Extra hours of practice can be a big help now. At 16 to 18, bodies are still developing, but with enough repetition, dancers pick up control, strength, and musicality much quicker. It is the stage where students begin understanding not just what a move is, but what makes it look strong, fluid, or expressive.

Being around others who feel the same way about movement makes a big difference too. Friends from general classes might not always get why you would do the same routine twenty times in a row. But in a focused space, that is just part of a normal day. It builds a sense of support and belonging, which can keep students going even when the physical work gets tough.

When Is Each Option the Right Fit?

Not every dancer has the same goals, and not every path needs to look alike. For some, continuing with dance at school makes sense. It is part of a balanced day, and they can enjoy it without pressure. This works well for teens who like dancing but want space for other subjects too.

Those who see movement as something they would like to push further, maybe even perform or pursue long term, may benefit more from a practitioner-led setting. Programmes at specialist studios, such as those at Adore Dance, provide regular classes that can support practical performance, theoretical understanding, and personal growth in a nurturing community.

When thinking it through, it can help to ask a few questions:

• How serious is my teen about improving their technique?

• Do they light up when they dance, or is it more of a fun break?

• Would more class time be helpful, or could it feel like too much?

• Do they get a boost from being around similarly driven students?

If your teen is passionate about movement and eager to elevate their skills, now is the perfect time to explore what a dance college in London can offer. At Adore Dance, we provide a nurturing, professional environment tailored to young dancers ready to take the next step. Give your young artist the chance to grow alongside dedicated peers and expert instructors. Start their journey toward a brighter, more expressive future in dance today.