Rachel is a fully qualified ballet teacher holding the Licenciate (L.I.S.T.D. Cecc.) higher level teaching qualification with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (Cecchetti Classical Ballet Faculty). She taught dance and gymnastics for 15 years in a primary school and trained teachers in dance at other schools. Having danced since the age of 3, she was well placed - at the age of 15 - to start teaching ballet for her mother’s dance school as an assistant. She has taught ballet full-time since 2010.

Rachel is also a qualified primary school teacher with a BA honours degree in Primary Teaching with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a pre-school practitioner (Diploma in Pre-school Practices).

Cumbria Ballet School is Carlisle’s leading ballet school, specialising in Classical Ballet training for pupils from age 3 up to adults. All classes are taught by qualified ballet teacher Rachel Gordon.

Lessons are tailored to the individual dancers and are carefully planned to facilitate progression, whatever their current level. We believe there is always something new to learn about dance, and all our classes are educational, whether for experienced dancers or complete beginners.

Classes for pre-school children encourage imaginative use of movement through music, songs and stories. From reception age onwards classes are more structured but still use stories and themes to develop children’s creativity through movement.

Dancers can work towards classical ballet examinations to suit them, whether they just dance for enjoyment or plan to move into a career in dance. The school’s Adult Ballet Programme has a range of ballet classes for adults at all levels of ability.

Based at Atlas Works in the centre of Carlisle, the school has a well equipped and spacious dance studio.

Rachel is a specialist ballet teacher as well as a primary and pre-school teacher. She herself has danced since the age of 3 and now dedicates herself to helping children find their passion for dance. Your child doesn’t need to dream of being a dancer to join the children’s ballet classes. Many come because they love the activity and enjoy using their imagination and creating stories through movement and music. Ballet classes can also help your child get used to being part of a class and learn how to listen and communicate in a group situation. If your child does want to pursue ballet further, then Rachel teaches ballet technique classes for older children, where they can work towards the ISTD Cecchetti classical ballet class, grade and vocational examinations.

Find out more about pre-school ballet classes and our other weekly children's ballet classes.

Note: Our children’s classes are extremely popular and we do run a waiting list if spaces are not currently available. If your child is interested in joining us we strongly recommend getting in touch as early as possible. We can also add children under 3 to the waiting list ready for when they are old enough to start attending classes.

Have you always dreamt of dancing but thought it was too late now you are an adult? Or maybe you used to dance as a teenager, but then university and work took over, and you’re only now realising how much you miss having ballet in your life.

Rachel passionately believes that dance is for everyone and it is never too late to learn ballet. Cumbria Ballet School’s adult ballet classes welcome anyone with an interest in ballet. Whatever your level of ability, experience, fitness, flexibility and strength, there will be a welcoming class suitable for you. If you are apprehensive about where to start then you can arrange a visit and chat with Rachel before you begin attending classes.