DANCE CLASSES IN ASHTEAD
Dance Classes
We offer classes in Ballet (including pointe work and adult ballet), Jazz Dance, Contemporary and Body Conditioning. Our aim is to provide students with a fun environment in which they develop to their full potential, whether dance is their hobby or a career aspiration.
We offer exams in Ballet for those who wish to take them and all of our students are able to take part in our full-school shows at a local theatre - a highlight of the calendar for all!
See below for more information on our classes and which class is best for you.
Ballet
Ballet is a wonderful dance form for both boys and girls, developing strength as well as grace and flexibility. We teach the Royal Academy of Dance* syllabus alongside non-syllabus classes for pre-school children, teenagers and adults. Syllabus classes also include exercises to build up to the required steps for that level, so there is always an amount of non-syllabus work offered.
Pre-school children aged 3-4 years begin with the Introductory Ballet class. This is a fun, imaginative first experience of a ballet class, incorporating props, rhymes and songs to help young dancers develop basic technique and musicality whilst having a wonderful time!
Children then have the chance to progress through the RAD grades, taking exams if they wish. A feature of the RAD grades work which the students love is the inclusion of "character" dances, based on traditional national dances from various countries. Older dancers are able to progress to pointe work.
For adult dancers we offer an Adult Ballet class suitable for beginners, improvers and those returning to dance after a break. This is for anyone who loves dancing and want to exercise in a fun, rewarding way to beautiful music.
* The RAD is one of the world’s most influential dance training organisations which had as its patron Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for 69 years. Dame Darcey Bussell is its current President. Its examinations are recognised worldwide for their thoroughness and quality.
Jazz Dance
Our Jazz classes give children the chance to throw themselves into dance, learning energetic steps and having great fun in the process! Packed with high energy, these classes focus on building strong technical foundations alongside dynamic, exciting choreography that lets dancers express themselves to great music. Non-syllabus exercises are also incorporated to build up technique and boost performance confidence.
Children from 5 years of age can join our Junior Jazz class - a lovely, high-energy way to discover the style with fun exercises incorporating performance and imagination to engage young dancers.
Our Jazz classes can be taken alongside other styles or completely on their own. Students do not have to attend a ballet class in order to join our Jazz classes.
Contemporary Dance
Contemporary is a dynamic and expressive dance style that blends elements from modern, ballet and jazz. As well as strong technical elements Contemporary also emphasises freedom of expression, fluid movement and improvisation. It is well suited to ballet and modern dance students but this class is not exclusively aimed at them; it will suit any student who wishes to develop their creativity and enjoy a more fluid style of dance. Students are welcome from age 9 upwards in this mixed ability, non-exam class.
Body Conditioning
For dancers from Grade 3 upwards or non dancers from 12-13 years. This is a Pilates based class designed to support dance training but also to counter some of the negative influences of our modern lifestyle on developing bodies, such as spending a lot of time seated and using technology. Students will improve their core strength but also gain an understanding of how their bodies are designed to move with good alignment and learn some strategies for undoing the strains of everyday life on their joints and muscles.
Which Class?
Age is not the best indicator as to which class is best for you or your child, as students start at different ages and progress at different rates. However age can be a useful starting point. The age ranges below are not definitive and we will always speak to you to advise which is the best class for your child.
- For pre-school children aged 3-4 years: Introductory Ballet
- For children aged 4-6 who are at school: Pre Primary Ballet, Grade 1 Tap & Modern
- For children aged 6-8: Primary or Grade 1 Ballet, Grade 1 or 2 Tap & Modern
- For children aged 9-12: Grade 2 onwards in all disciplines, according to ability and experience; Contemporary
- For Teenagers 13+ and young adults: higher grades, including Vocational Grades, Grade 3/4 Tap & Modern, Pre pointe/Pointe class, Body Conditioning, Contemporary
- For Adults: Adult Beginner/Improver Ballet and Adult Intermediate Ballet
Students who start lessons later than their peers will not be placed in classes with much younger children, though sometimes we might advise trying more than one level at once to build their technique and stamina.
Please feel free to contact us for a no obligation discussion.
