The Heart of Elite Academy: Our Story and Mission
When we opened our doors as Inverclyde’s only dedicated Royal Academy of Dance School of Classical Ballet, we knew we were embarking on something special. Today, we stand proud as the Elite Academy of Dance, where passion meets excellence and dreams take flight through the art of classical ballet.
Our Roots in Inverclyde
Our story begins with our founder and owner, Julie Gunn Kavanagh, a woman whose dedication to ballet and community has shaped everything we do. Born and bred in Inverclyde, Julie brings a unique perspective to our academy. She understands our local community intimately, yet her vision extends far beyond our borders. As the only fully trained Royal Academy of Dance teacher living in Inverclyde, Julie recognised a gap that needed filling, a dream that needed nurturing.
We’ve watched Julie pour her heart into every aspect of our academy. Her mornings start early, reviewing lesson plans and preparing studios. Her evenings often extend late, supporting students through their examination preparations and celebrating their achievements. This isn’t just her profession; it’s her calling. When you meet Julie, you immediately sense her genuine care for each student who walks through our doors.
Our academy operates on the principle that exceptional ballet education should be accessible right here in Greenock and Inverclyde. We didn’t want talented young dancers to feel they had to travel far from home to receive world-class training. Instead, we brought that training to them, creating a space where local talent could flourish under international standards.
Building Excellence Through Royal Academy Standards
We affiliate ourselves with the Royal Academy of Dance because we believe in their proven methodology. Since 1920, the RAD has set global standards in classical ballet education, and we’re honoured to carry forward this legacy. Our connection to this prestigious nearly century-old institution means our students receive training that’s recognised worldwide.
Every class we teach follows RAD principles, ensuring our students develop proper technique from their very first plié. We maintain rigorous standards because we know that strong foundations create confident, capable dancers. Our approach balances discipline with encouragement, pushing students to reach their potential while celebrating every milestone along the way.
When parents ask us why RAD certification matters, we explain that it opens doors. Whether a student dreams of professional dance careers or simply wants to build confidence and grace, RAD qualifications provide credibility and structure that serves them throughout their lives.
Our Remarkable Student Achievements
Nothing fills us with more pride than watching our students succeed. Over the past sixteen years, we’ve witnessed extraordinary achievements that validate our teaching approach and our students’ dedication. Pupils have gained places at the Scottish Ballet Associate Scheme, a testament to the quality of training we provide.
We’ve celebrated as others progressed to the Dance School of Scotland, taking their passion to the next level. These aren’t just statistics to us; they represent young people whose lives have been shaped by their time in our studios.
Beyond professional placements, we’ve seen countless students achieve excellence in RAD examinations and gain invaluable performance experience. Some of our most rewarding moments come from students who simply fall in love with ballet, regardless of whether they pursue it professionally. We measure success not just in career achievements, but in the confidence, discipline, and joy our students carry with them.
Sharing Our Art with Scotland
Our commitment extends beyond individual student success to cultural contribution. We’ve had the privilege of representing our academy and our community at some of Scotland’s most significant events. In 2011, twenty of our dancers performed at the Tall Ships event, showcasing classical ballet to thousands of spectators from around the world.
Our collaboration with Scottish Ballet in 2012 remains one of our proudest moments. Working alongside professional dancers gave our students insights into the industry while demonstrating our academy’s reputation within Scotland’s dance community.
Community events hold special places in our hearts too. Our St Andrews Night Fundraiser combined our love of dance with support for local causes. Our Burns Night performance celebrated Scottish culture through the elegant language of ballet. Our performances at Erskine Veterans Military Ball helps remember local and national veterans. These events remind us why Julie’s connection to Inverclyde matters so much – we’re not just teaching dance, we’re contributing to our community’s cultural fabric.
A Patron Who Inspires Excellence
We’re deeply honoured by our distinguished patron Bethany Kingsley Graner, who has become recognised as the face of ballet in Scotland and one of the most celebrated ballerinas of her generation. Her partnership with our academy brings invaluable expertise and inspiration to our programmes.
Our patron contributes extensive performance experience, innovative ideas, and strategic guidance that benefits students across all our classes. Her involvement validates our mission while providing our dancers with mentorship from someone who has achieved the highest levels of ballet artistry. When our students meet her, they see what dedication and passion can achieve.
This partnership enhances our ability to provide exceptional classical ballet training while connecting our students to the broader world of professional dance. Our patron’s insights help us stay current with industry developments while maintaining our commitment to classical foundations.
Comprehensive Training for Every Stage
We believe ballet education should be accessible to everyone, regardless of age or starting point. Our Pre-School classes introduce the youngest dancers to movement and musicality in age-appropriate ways. We watch two, three and four-year-olds learn basic positions while developing coordination and listening skills.
Our primary and intermediate classes build systematic technique while nurturing artistry. Students progress through carefully structured levels, ensuring they’re properly prepared for RAD examinations when ready. We never rush this process; solid technique takes time to develop properly.
Our Silverswans classes, designed for dancers aged 50 and over, exemplify our belief that ballet has no age limits. These sessions focus on grace, flexibility, and the pure joy of movement, proving that dance enriches lives at every stage.
Your Journey Starts Here
If your child shows interest in ballet, or if you’re considering dance education for yourself, we invite you to experience what makes our academy special. Our proven track record speaks to our teaching quality, but our welcoming atmosphere and individual attention make the real difference.
We run classes every weekdays, ensuring flexibility for busy families. Our studios in the Watt Street provide convenient access for Greenock families while maintaining the professional environment serious dance training requires.
When you choose Elite Academy of Dance, you’re not just selecting dance lessons. You’re joining a community that values excellence, celebrates achievement, and believes in the power of classical ballet to shape confident, disciplined, and joyful individuals.
Visit our about us page to learn more about our programmes and how we can support your ballet journey. We’re ready to help you or your child experience the transformative power of classical ballet education, right here in Inverclyde.
