BALPA Classes 2026/2027

Based in Thornbury, Bristol and run by The Inspire Arts Trust, Bristol Academy of Live Performing Arts (BALPA) opened its doors in September 2011 and offers high quality arts training to those aged 1.5 – 18 years. We have also branched out into adult dance and fitness classes too.

All courses are based at the premier arts facility Caedmon Complex on Bristol Road, which includes dance studio, performance venue, soundproof training rooms, recording studios and more! There is plenty of free parking on-site too.

All courses and lessons are taught by experienced and enthusiastic tutors. All tutors are DBS checked, trained in safeguarding and have a heart to see people excel in the performing arts.

PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR FOR EVERY YOUNG PERSON!

We do 2 shows a year (Christmas and summer) plus a BALPA Extravaganza in May

Also performance opportunities at events such as Thornbury Christmas lights switch on, school fayres, care homes and more!

We believe performing is a great way for children to gain confidence, so here at BALPA every young person gets an opportunity to perform.

MAKING BALPA ACCESSIBLE

Here at BALPA we want to ensure our lessons and classes are as accessible as possible for everyone. The building we use is fully accessible (most lessons take place on the ground floor but we do have a lift). Our tutors have all undergone Autism Awareness Training and two of our lead staff have undertaken Disability Awareness Training courses as well. When we see on a booking form there is an additional need we always contact the participant/parent to see how we can best assist the persons affected.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Here at BALPA we never want finance to be a barrier to anyone attending our classes/lessons and therefore we run a BALPA bursary scheme. You can apply for help towards the cost of your child’s classes/lessons if needed.

For more detailed information on any of our classes visit www.inspiretrust.org.uk.

Musical Theatre:
Musical Theatre Juniors - YR - Y3 Monday's 4 - 5pm
Musical Theatre Seniors - Y4 - Y8 Monday's 5 - 6pm

Street Dance:
Street Dance Juniors - Age 4 - Y1 Thursdays 4 - 5pm
Street Dance Intermediates - Y2 - Y4 Wednesdays 4 - 5pm
Street Dance Pre-Seniors - Y5 - Y6 Wednesdays 5 - 6pm
Street Dance Seniors - Y7 - Y11+ Monday's 6 - 7pm

Lyrical Dance:
Lyrical Dance Juniors - Age 4 - Y2 Fridays 4 - 5pm
Lyrical Dance Intermediates - Y3 - Y5 Fridays 5 - 6pm
Lyrical Dance Seniors - Y6 - Y7 Thursdays 6.15 - 7.15pm
Lyrical Dance Seniors - Y8 - Y11 Wednesdays 6.30 - 7pm

Accessible Dance:
Accessible Dance Juniors Y2 - Y6 Saturdays 10am - 11am
Accessible Dance Seniors Y7 - Y10 Saturdays 11am - 12pm

Pre-School
Rhythm & Movement - Age 1.5 - 4 years Fridays 9.15 - 10am

Please note classes run term time only for 10 weeks per term (30 weeks per year).

PLEASE NOTE THE BOOKINGS ON THIS SITE ARE FOR THOSE ON BENEFIT-RELATED FREE SCHOOL MEALS ONLY (OR YOUNGER SIBLINGS NOT YET AT SCHOOL) OR FOR THOSE NEEDING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. FOR PAID PLACES PLEASE VISIT WWW.INSPIRETRUST.ORG.UK.

We have free parking on-site and are also accessible via the T1 bus as well as on foot from Thornbury.

There is a cafe-style reception area where parents and siblings can wait during the classes with free drinks and biscuits and also a selection of toys and books.