Ballet Classes in Glasgow

ballet school glasgow

About Us

Glasgow School of Ballet Formally known as - Lillian McNeill School of Dance - One of Glasgow's oldest dance schools.

Lillian McNeill School of Dance was one of the original dance schools in Glasgow. Lillian McNeill was pivotal in bringing Royal Academy of Dance to the west of Scotland. Glasgow School of Ballet has continued this teaching today.

Gemma Lockhart is the current and 3rd Owner/Principal of Glasgow School of Ballet. Gemma has 15 years of teaching experience and has been the Principal or the school for 10 years.

Glasgow School of Ballet prides itself in being a welcoming, friendly and inclusive environment for pupils to achieve their full potential. Whether you are attending classes as a worthwhile hobby or for a professional career there is a choice of classes suitable.

Our Team

ballet glasgow

Gemma Lockhart RAD RTS

Principal Teacher

Gemma started dancing at 3years old and has never stopped since. Through her teens Gemma danced in many amateur musical theatre productions around Edinburgh, her performances included Oliver, Brigadoon, Meet Me in St Louis, and the lead in Oklahoma. Gemma then went on to further her dance training at Dance For All at the Theatre School in Edinburgh where she completed a 3 year professional dance course, along with many other qualifications, Gemma achieved the Royal Academy of Dance teaching certificate.

After leaving Dance For All Gemma made the move to Glasgow where she began her teaching career at Lillian McNeill School of Dance. When the opportunity arose to become the next Principal of Lillian McNeill School of Dance Gemma saw a great opportunity to steer the school in a new direction. In 2008 Gemma took on her new role of Principal and has never looked back. The school has had many changes since then from new premises, new teaching staff, and the biggest change of all… our name – Glasgow School of Ballet.

Gemma strongly believes in continuous development both personally and professionally and in 2019 she embarked in one of the most difficult and rewarding challenges she has ever faced. Gemma successfully applied for the MEd in Learning and Teaching in the Arts at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Gemma will graduate in 2023 and although it has pushed Gemma beyond her comfort, she has broadened her knowledge and understanding which she has imparted on her pupils in Glasgow School of ballet, some who have also helped her run hugely successful and informative research projects.

As a school, Glasgow School of Ballet strives to support all our pupils, students and staff in all and any endeavours they choose to embark on. This ethos is directly linked to Gemma’s own personal values surrounding personal and professional satisfaction.

ballet glasgow

Jennifer Peddie RAD RTS

Teacher

Jennifer has taught professionally in London, Aberdeen, Edinburgh and for Glasgow School of Ballet since 2012. Jennifer studied at the Royal Academy of Dance Headquarters in London and graduated with an Honours Degree in Ballet Education. Since then she has also gained a Diploma in Dance Instruction from the Imperial Society of teachers of Dancing in both Imperial Ballet and Modern Theatre Dance.

Jennifer has extensive experience teaching a variety of dance including ballet, contemporary, jazz, and modern. Here at Glasgow School of Ballet Jennifer teaches Saturday RAD ballet classes and our Senior classes.

In 2022 Jennifer decided to extend her love for teaching and her undeniable skill as a teacher into a more mainstream environment and successfully applied for the Post Graduate Diploma in Primary Education at the University West of Scotland. Jennifer will graduate in 2023 but she has no plans to leave Glasgow School of Ballet as dance teaching will always be her first love.

What Our Students Think

Fantastic teacher who is very dedicated and hard working!

Carol Ann Boylan

Gemma is a brilliant teacher. She manages to nurture the talent of her pupils with good discipline. And they love her!

Alison Pearson

ballet classes glasgow