3pm–3:40pm3.5–5yo
Pre-Ballet
classical_ballet · Carnmore Cross
New venue at Galway Physio, Carnmore Cross, from September 2026.
Places available
Corrib Dance Academy
Galway
FeaturedFrom age 3.5Beginners WelcomeKidsTrial Available
About Corrib Dance Academy
The Home of Ballet in Galway Since 1996 | Ages 3.5 to Vocational Level
Founded and led by RAD Registered Teacher and B.Phil (Hons) graduate Phyllis Hayes, Corrib Dance Academy provides high-standard classical ballet and modern dance training from a child’s very first steps at age 3.5 through to Grade 8 and vocational exam levels
Why Start Your Child’s Ballet Journey at Corrib?
A Proven Progression Pathway: In today’s crowded dance market, Corrib offers more than just a weekly class. We offer a clear, structured pathway. Younger beginners grow within a supportive environment into confident, highly trained dancers with strong technique.
Welcoming to All (Including Boys!): All our classes are fully inclusive and mixed. We take pride in supporting male dancers across all ages (currently 5 to 17), with junior boys building solid technique through to senior RAD examination levels.
Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Excellence: Following the world’s leading ballet syllabus, students build posture, discipline, rhythm, and confidence, whether dancing for fun, fitness, or career aspirations.
Stage Experience & Magic: Students take part in full production performances (recent shows include Journey Through Narnia and Neverland), building lifelong memories and stage confidence.
Trial classes are available for all beginner age groups. Start your child's dance journey with Galway’s most established ballet academy.
Teacher Biographies
Phyllis Hayes
Principal and founder. B.Phil (Hons), RAD Registered Teacher, ISTD.
Phyllis has led Corrib Dance Academy for over twenty years and is one of the most highly qualified and experienced ballet teachers in Ireland. She previously taught at RAD schools in Italy, Greece and Germany, and holds a B.Phil in Ballet and Contextual Studies from Durham University. She established the academy's vocational training programme in 2003, became an RAD mentor in 2005, and co-founded Youth Ballet West in 2007. In 2020 she was elected chairperson of the Irish Ballet Teachers Association.
Ciara Kavanagh
Ballet and Modern teacher. BA (Hons), ISTD DDI (Modern Theatre), RAD Registered Teacher.
Ciara trained at Margaret Howard Theatre College in Hertfordshire under West End and Broadway performers, professional ballet dancers and ISTD examiners, gaining Advanced 2 in Modern Theatre and Advanced 1 in Tap. She returned to Corrib as a teacher in 2009 and is a rehearsal assistant for Youth Ballet West.
Clare Farrell
Ballet and Modern teacher. RAD Registered Teacher.
Clare trained at Corrib Dance Academy in RAD Ballet and ISTD Modern, reaching Advanced 1 in both, and was a member of Youth Ballet West. She completed RAD's Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies in 2021 and is currently training towards her Diploma in Dance Education in Modern Dance.
Class Locations
- 1
Corrib Dance Academy
25c Briarhill Business Park, Ballybrit, Galway City, Galway (H91 YXC3)
KidsGet Directions - 2
Exams & Syllabus
- Exam entry
- Exams available
- Syllabus
- Royal Academy of Dance (RAD)
- Notes
- Graded RAD Exams (1 - 8) and Vocational RAD Exams (Intermediate Foundation up to Advanced 2) are offered.
Some schools follow a syllabus but don't enter students for exams. Always check with the school for current exam session details.
Dance Styles Offered
- Classical Ballet
- Contemporary / Modern
- Jazz
Training & Programmes
- Weekly classes
Good For
- Children starting their ballet journey
- Those wanting to try before committing
- Complete beginners with no previous experience
- Students working towards ballet examinations
Frequently Asked Questions
What age can children start ballet at Corrib Dance Academy?
The youngest class is Pre-Ballet, which takes children from age 3.5. Classes run from there, and the full timetable with ages and times is listed on this page.
What days does Corrib Dance Academy run classes?
Classes run on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. There are 26 classes on the timetable, and you can filter them by age and day on this page.
Where are Corrib Dance Academy classes held?
Corrib Dance Academy teaches at 2 locations: Corrib Dance Academy, Galway City, Galway and Galway Physio, Carnmore Cross, Carnmore, Galway. Full addresses and directions are listed on this page.
What dance styles does Corrib Dance Academy teach?
Classical Ballet, Contemporary / Modern and Jazz. Not every style runs at every age, so check the timetable or ask which suits your level.
Does Corrib Dance Academy prepare students for ballet exams?
Yes, Corrib Dance Academy offers exam entry for students. They follow the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) syllabus.
Can I try a class at Corrib Dance Academy before signing up?
Yes, Corrib Dance Academy offers trial lessons. Some classes are showing places available right now. Book one using the enquiry form at the bottom of this page.
How do I contact Corrib Dance Academy?
You can send a message using the enquiry form at the bottom of this page and Corrib Dance Academy will reply to you by email. You can also call them on 087 245 6945.
Send an Enquiry
Contact Corrib Dance Academy directly and they will reply to you by email.
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