DANCE CLASSES
Dance Classes
We offer classes in Ballet (including pointe work and adult ballet), Tap and Modern Dance 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, Tap and Modern 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.
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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.
Tap and Modern
Our tap and modern classes give children the chance to really let go, creating lots of noise in their tap shoes, learning energetic dance steps and having great fun in the process. With its quick footwork Tap Dance is great for developing rhythm and co-ordination whilst Modern Dance can vary from lyrical to pop. We follow the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing syllabus, though as with the ballet classes there is always an amount of non-syllabus work offered as a fun "extra" or to build up the technique required for that level. The ISTD is one of the world's largest dance examining bodies and is based in the UK.
Children from 3 years of age can join our Primary Tap & Modern class, a lovely introduction to these dance styles with fun exercises incorporating song and imagination to engage these young dancers. As they progress through the grades they can take exams if they wish.
Our Tap & Modern classes can be taken together or alone. Students do not have to attend a ballet class in order to join Tap & Modern classes.
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, Primary Tap & Modern
- For children aged 4-6 who are at school: Pre Primary Ballet, Primary Tap & Modern, 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, according to ability and experience
- For Teenagers 13+ and young adults: higher grades, including Vocational Grades, Grade 3/4 Tap & Modern, Pre pointe/Pointe class,Teens Ballet (non-syllabus mixed ability ballet class, including beginner. As there is no exam to prepare for this class introduces steps which might be outside of the current level of study, encouraging students to just "have a go" as well as developing general technique, strength and stamina)
- For Adults: Adult Ballet (mixed ability class suitable for beginners, improvers or returners)
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.
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