Classical Ballet
Ballet is a classical dance form characterised by the beauty, grace and precision of the movements. The study of ballet has numerous health benefits including increased strength, flexibility and poise as well as development of artistry and musicality. Here at the school, we teach the British Ballet Organisation classical ballet syllabus and offer our most committed students the opportunity to take nationally recognised examinations in the genre. The classes consist of syllabus material at the barre and in the centre combined with 'free' work such as classical repertoire, choreographed dances, free enchainêment, PBT (Progressing Ballet Technique) strength work and conditioning. Pointe work is introduced at higher levels for exceptional female students. Male syllabus is also taught within the classes.
Here is a little about what to expect from our classes:
Baby Ballet- suitable for ages 18 months - 3 years old (approx). Children will learn a mixture of very basic dance technique with use of props and characterisation, alongside a parent or caregiver.
Pre-School Ballet- a fun and exciting start to classical ballet training for ages 3-4 (approx). Children will learn a mixture of basic ballet technique, travelling steps and characterisation independently.
Pre-Syllabus Ballet (formally Introduction to Ballet)- a fun and creative class for children aged 4-5 years old (approx). Pre-Syllabus Ballet prepares the students for formal syllabus classes and follows on from our Baby and Pre-School classes.
Pre-Primary Ballet- a structured ballet class aimed at children aged between 6-7 years old, depending on natural ability. The structure is more formal than the Pre-Syllabus classes and students will begin to learn more challenging techniques. Students may be invited to take an exam upon completion of this level.
Primary Ballet- Following on from our Pre-Primary Ballet, Primary ballet classes maintain the enjoyment of the lower levels whilst building on the technique that the students have already learnt. Barre work is introduced at this level along with some more in-depth steps. Students may be invited to take an exam upon completion of this level.
Grades 1, 2 and 3 (Level 1 on National Qualifications Framework)- Graded classes for older children. The classes provide students with the knowledge, technique and skills appropriate for their natural facility, technical ability and age. The classes are fun and informative and provide numerous health benefits such as strength, poise, flexibility, musicality and an increased self-confidence. Students may be invited to take exams on completion of each grade, if deemed ready to do so.
Grades 4, 5 and Intermediate Foundation (Level 2 on National Qualifications Framework)- graded and vocational classes for children and teenagers. Experience and natural ability will be considered when placing new students in these classes.
Grades 6, 7, 8, and Intermediate (Level 3 on National Qualification Framework)- graded and vocational classes for teenagers. Experience and natural ability is essential and will be considered when placing new students in these classes. Students will need to be assessed before joining at this level.
Advanced 1 & 2 (Level 4 on the National Qualification Framework)- vocational classes for talented students who have studied ballet since early childhood. Experience is essential and students will be assessed before joining these classes.
Adult Ballet A fun alternative to regular fitness classes, ballet can offer a number of health benefits such as strength, flexibility and cardiovascular fitness with the added bonus of learning to move with grace, posture and poise. It is helpful for participants of the class to have had prior experience in ballet e.g. have taken classes as a child/teenager and want to come back to it after a break.
Tap
Tap dance is a form of dance characterised by using the sound of one's tap shoes hitting the floor. We follow the British Ballet Organisation syllabi. Tap classes are lively and enjoyable classes that provide participants with numerous benefits such as an increased sense of rhythm, coordination and learning to move with style and confidence.
Here is a little about what to expect from our classes:
Pre-School Tap- a fun and exciting start to tap dance training for ages 3-4 years old (approx). Children will learn a mixture of basic tap technique, travelling steps and characterisation independently.
Pre-Syllabus Tap- a fun and creative class for children aged between 4-5 years old (approx). Pre-Syllabus Tap is a great class to develop coordination, spatial awareness, team work, listening, rhythm and musicality.
Pre-Primary Tap- Aimed at around 6-7 years old, this class is the first tap class to follow a syllabus for our youngest students. More formal than the previous levels, this is where students begin to learn techniques that will lead to examination. Students may be invited to take an exam upon completion of this level.
Primary Tap- Following on from our Pre-Primary Tap, Primary Tap classes maintain the enjoyment of the lower levels whilst building on the technique that the students have already learnt. Students may be invited to take an exam upon completion of this level.
Grades 1, 2 and 3 (Level 1 on National Qualifications Framework)- Graded classes for older children. The classes provide students with the knowledge, technique and skills appropriate for their ability. Students may be invited to take exams on completion of each grade, if appropriate.
Grades 4, 5 and Intermediate Foundation (Level 2 on National Qualifications Framework)- graded and vocational classes for children and teenagers. Experience and natural ability will be considered when placing new students in these classes.
Grades 6, 7, 8, and Intermediate (Level 3 on National Qualification Framework)- graded and vocational classes for teenagers. Experience and natural ability is essential and will be considered when placing new students in these classes. Students will need to be assessed before joining these classes.
Advanced 1 & 2 (Level 4 on the National Qualification Framework)- vocational classes for talented students who have studied tap since early childhood. Experience is essential and students will be assessed before joining these classes.
Beginner/Improver Adult Tap- Tap class for adults over the age of 18. A fun alternative to regular fitness classes, tap dance offers a number of health benefits such as rhythm, improved coordination and cardiovascular fitness with the added bonus of learning to move with style and confidence. No experience required, the techniques will be taught from the very basics.
Intermediate/Advanced Adult Tap- Tap class for adults over the age of 18. A fun alternative to regular fitness classes, tap dance offers a number of health benefits such as rhythm, improved coordination and cardiovascular fitness with the added bonus of learning to move with style and confidence. Experience is required for this class- at least 2-3 years of prior training.
Modern
A traditional modern class begins with warm up and barre work, followed by a number of centre, floor and amalgamation exercises as well as routines. Bridging the gap between classical ballet and jazz, modern is ideal for students who want to advance their dance training and become rounded and technical dancers. Great for increasing strength and flexibility. An ideal class to complement ballet or jazz.
Here is a little about what to expect from our classes:
Pre-School Modern- a fun and exciting start to modern dance training for ages 3-4 (approx). Children will learn a mixture of basic modern technique, travelling steps and routines independently.
Pre-Syllabus Modern- a fun and creative class for children aged between 4-5 years old (approx). Pre-Syllabus Modern is a great class to develop coordination, strength, flexibility, team work, musicality and performance.
Pre-Primary Modern- Aimed at around 6-7 years old, this class is the first modern class to follow a syllabus for our youngest students. More formal than the previous levels where students begin to learn techniques that will lead to examination.
Primary Modern- Following on from our Pre-Primary Modern, Primary Modern classes maintain the enjoyment of the lower levels whilst building on the technique that the students have already learnt. Students may be invited to take an exam upon completion of this level.
Grades 1, 2 and 3 (Level 1 on National Qualifications Framework)- Graded classes for older children. The classes provide students with the knowledge, technique and skills appropriate for their technical ability, strength, flexibility and age. Students may be invited to take exams on completion of each grade, if appropriate.
Grades 4, 5 and Intermediate Foundation (Level 2 on National Qualifications Framework)- graded and vocational classes for children and teenagers. Experience and natural ability will be considered when placing new students in these classes.
Grades 6, 7, 8, and Intermediate (Level 3 on National Qualification Framework)- graded and vocational classes for teenagers. Experience and natural ability is essential and will be considered when placing new students in these classes. Students will need to be assessed before joining these classes.
Advanced 1 & 2 (Level 4 on the National Qualification Framework)- vocational classes for talented students who have studied dance since early childhood. Experience is essential and students will be assessed before joining these classes.
Non-syllabus dance classes
Jazz Dance (levels 1-6 and adult)
Level 1-6 for ages 5-18, adult jazz for 18+. A fun and energetic non-syllabus mixture of traditional, musical theatre, lyrical and commercial jazz. The classes take the same basic format and are tailored to the age ranges and abilities of the students within them. Class will start with cardiovascular warm up followed by strength and conditioning, followed by technique exercises appropriate to the level. They will then learn of a wide range of stylised routines.
Street Dance (Junior, Intermediate and Senior)
A fun and energetic non-syllabus based class for ages 5-18. Ideal for children and teenagers who love watching music videos and want to learn to dance like their favourite performers! A routine-based class that will provide students with the chance to learn exciting and current choreography to a wide variety of chart music.
Contemporary dance (levels 1-2)
Contemporary dance emerged in the early 20th century as a reaction to established dance genres. Paradoxically, it also fuses many of these more traditional dance genres, including Classical Ballet, Modern and Jazz styles and, more recently, Hip-Hop and Commercial. The genre is difficult to describe, as it is more interested in dance philosophy rather than a specific, codified technique (information from the bbodance website). We offer contemporary dance lessons to senior students who also study ballet and modern at Grade 5 or above.
Singing and acting
Introduction
An introduction to the very basics of singing technique. A fun class suitable for ages 3-4.
Junior
Classes for students who have a passion for performing arts and who want to take their singing and musical theatre skills further. The fundamental basics of singing such as breathing, timing and musicality will be taught in detail from scratch and built upon along with acting through song. Musical theatre and contemporary songs will be taught within these classes as well a variety of training exercises. Suitable for ages 5-8 approximately.
Intermediate
Classes for students who have a passion for performing arts and who want to build upon the singing and musical theatre skills that they have already learnt. The breathing, timing and musicality will be continued in detail and built upon along with acting through song. Musical theatre and contemporary songs will be taught within these classes as well a variety of training exercises. Suitable for ages 9-12 approximately.
Senior
A class for senior students (ages 13+) who are considering a full time course in performing arts, performing arts teaching or who wish to take their hobby and passion seriously. Lessons will focus on audition and performance technique, including investigation of audition material, solo performance and etiquette. Students must be prepared to perform group and solo songs.
Adult Group Singing
An informal group singing class for adults. You will learn technique, breath work, timing and musicality through numbers from the shows, the charts and more.
Ballet is a classical dance form characterised by the beauty, grace and precision of the movements. The study of ballet has numerous health benefits including increased strength, flexibility and poise as well as development of artistry and musicality. Here at the school, we teach the British Ballet Organisation classical ballet syllabus and offer our most committed students the opportunity to take nationally recognised examinations in the genre. The classes consist of syllabus material at the barre and in the centre combined with 'free' work such as classical repertoire, choreographed dances, free enchainêment, PBT (Progressing Ballet Technique) strength work and conditioning. Pointe work is introduced at higher levels for exceptional female students. Male syllabus is also taught within the classes.
Here is a little about what to expect from our classes:
Baby Ballet- suitable for ages 18 months - 3 years old (approx). Children will learn a mixture of very basic dance technique with use of props and characterisation, alongside a parent or caregiver.
Pre-School Ballet- a fun and exciting start to classical ballet training for ages 3-4 (approx). Children will learn a mixture of basic ballet technique, travelling steps and characterisation independently.
Pre-Syllabus Ballet (formally Introduction to Ballet)- a fun and creative class for children aged 4-5 years old (approx). Pre-Syllabus Ballet prepares the students for formal syllabus classes and follows on from our Baby and Pre-School classes.
Pre-Primary Ballet- a structured ballet class aimed at children aged between 6-7 years old, depending on natural ability. The structure is more formal than the Pre-Syllabus classes and students will begin to learn more challenging techniques. Students may be invited to take an exam upon completion of this level.
Primary Ballet- Following on from our Pre-Primary Ballet, Primary ballet classes maintain the enjoyment of the lower levels whilst building on the technique that the students have already learnt. Barre work is introduced at this level along with some more in-depth steps. Students may be invited to take an exam upon completion of this level.
Grades 1, 2 and 3 (Level 1 on National Qualifications Framework)- Graded classes for older children. The classes provide students with the knowledge, technique and skills appropriate for their natural facility, technical ability and age. The classes are fun and informative and provide numerous health benefits such as strength, poise, flexibility, musicality and an increased self-confidence. Students may be invited to take exams on completion of each grade, if deemed ready to do so.
Grades 4, 5 and Intermediate Foundation (Level 2 on National Qualifications Framework)- graded and vocational classes for children and teenagers. Experience and natural ability will be considered when placing new students in these classes.
Grades 6, 7, 8, and Intermediate (Level 3 on National Qualification Framework)- graded and vocational classes for teenagers. Experience and natural ability is essential and will be considered when placing new students in these classes. Students will need to be assessed before joining at this level.
Advanced 1 & 2 (Level 4 on the National Qualification Framework)- vocational classes for talented students who have studied ballet since early childhood. Experience is essential and students will be assessed before joining these classes.
Adult Ballet A fun alternative to regular fitness classes, ballet can offer a number of health benefits such as strength, flexibility and cardiovascular fitness with the added bonus of learning to move with grace, posture and poise. It is helpful for participants of the class to have had prior experience in ballet e.g. have taken classes as a child/teenager and want to come back to it after a break.
Tap
Tap dance is a form of dance characterised by using the sound of one's tap shoes hitting the floor. We follow the British Ballet Organisation syllabi. Tap classes are lively and enjoyable classes that provide participants with numerous benefits such as an increased sense of rhythm, coordination and learning to move with style and confidence.
Here is a little about what to expect from our classes:
Pre-School Tap- a fun and exciting start to tap dance training for ages 3-4 years old (approx). Children will learn a mixture of basic tap technique, travelling steps and characterisation independently.
Pre-Syllabus Tap- a fun and creative class for children aged between 4-5 years old (approx). Pre-Syllabus Tap is a great class to develop coordination, spatial awareness, team work, listening, rhythm and musicality.
Pre-Primary Tap- Aimed at around 6-7 years old, this class is the first tap class to follow a syllabus for our youngest students. More formal than the previous levels, this is where students begin to learn techniques that will lead to examination. Students may be invited to take an exam upon completion of this level.
Primary Tap- Following on from our Pre-Primary Tap, Primary Tap classes maintain the enjoyment of the lower levels whilst building on the technique that the students have already learnt. Students may be invited to take an exam upon completion of this level.
Grades 1, 2 and 3 (Level 1 on National Qualifications Framework)- Graded classes for older children. The classes provide students with the knowledge, technique and skills appropriate for their ability. Students may be invited to take exams on completion of each grade, if appropriate.
Grades 4, 5 and Intermediate Foundation (Level 2 on National Qualifications Framework)- graded and vocational classes for children and teenagers. Experience and natural ability will be considered when placing new students in these classes.
Grades 6, 7, 8, and Intermediate (Level 3 on National Qualification Framework)- graded and vocational classes for teenagers. Experience and natural ability is essential and will be considered when placing new students in these classes. Students will need to be assessed before joining these classes.
Advanced 1 & 2 (Level 4 on the National Qualification Framework)- vocational classes for talented students who have studied tap since early childhood. Experience is essential and students will be assessed before joining these classes.
Beginner/Improver Adult Tap- Tap class for adults over the age of 18. A fun alternative to regular fitness classes, tap dance offers a number of health benefits such as rhythm, improved coordination and cardiovascular fitness with the added bonus of learning to move with style and confidence. No experience required, the techniques will be taught from the very basics.
Intermediate/Advanced Adult Tap- Tap class for adults over the age of 18. A fun alternative to regular fitness classes, tap dance offers a number of health benefits such as rhythm, improved coordination and cardiovascular fitness with the added bonus of learning to move with style and confidence. Experience is required for this class- at least 2-3 years of prior training.
Modern
A traditional modern class begins with warm up and barre work, followed by a number of centre, floor and amalgamation exercises as well as routines. Bridging the gap between classical ballet and jazz, modern is ideal for students who want to advance their dance training and become rounded and technical dancers. Great for increasing strength and flexibility. An ideal class to complement ballet or jazz.
Here is a little about what to expect from our classes:
Pre-School Modern- a fun and exciting start to modern dance training for ages 3-4 (approx). Children will learn a mixture of basic modern technique, travelling steps and routines independently.
Pre-Syllabus Modern- a fun and creative class for children aged between 4-5 years old (approx). Pre-Syllabus Modern is a great class to develop coordination, strength, flexibility, team work, musicality and performance.
Pre-Primary Modern- Aimed at around 6-7 years old, this class is the first modern class to follow a syllabus for our youngest students. More formal than the previous levels where students begin to learn techniques that will lead to examination.
Primary Modern- Following on from our Pre-Primary Modern, Primary Modern classes maintain the enjoyment of the lower levels whilst building on the technique that the students have already learnt. Students may be invited to take an exam upon completion of this level.
Grades 1, 2 and 3 (Level 1 on National Qualifications Framework)- Graded classes for older children. The classes provide students with the knowledge, technique and skills appropriate for their technical ability, strength, flexibility and age. Students may be invited to take exams on completion of each grade, if appropriate.
Grades 4, 5 and Intermediate Foundation (Level 2 on National Qualifications Framework)- graded and vocational classes for children and teenagers. Experience and natural ability will be considered when placing new students in these classes.
Grades 6, 7, 8, and Intermediate (Level 3 on National Qualification Framework)- graded and vocational classes for teenagers. Experience and natural ability is essential and will be considered when placing new students in these classes. Students will need to be assessed before joining these classes.
Advanced 1 & 2 (Level 4 on the National Qualification Framework)- vocational classes for talented students who have studied dance since early childhood. Experience is essential and students will be assessed before joining these classes.
Non-syllabus dance classes
Jazz Dance (levels 1-6 and adult)
Level 1-6 for ages 5-18, adult jazz for 18+. A fun and energetic non-syllabus mixture of traditional, musical theatre, lyrical and commercial jazz. The classes take the same basic format and are tailored to the age ranges and abilities of the students within them. Class will start with cardiovascular warm up followed by strength and conditioning, followed by technique exercises appropriate to the level. They will then learn of a wide range of stylised routines.
Street Dance (Junior, Intermediate and Senior)
A fun and energetic non-syllabus based class for ages 5-18. Ideal for children and teenagers who love watching music videos and want to learn to dance like their favourite performers! A routine-based class that will provide students with the chance to learn exciting and current choreography to a wide variety of chart music.
Contemporary dance (levels 1-2)
Contemporary dance emerged in the early 20th century as a reaction to established dance genres. Paradoxically, it also fuses many of these more traditional dance genres, including Classical Ballet, Modern and Jazz styles and, more recently, Hip-Hop and Commercial. The genre is difficult to describe, as it is more interested in dance philosophy rather than a specific, codified technique (information from the bbodance website). We offer contemporary dance lessons to senior students who also study ballet and modern at Grade 5 or above.
Singing and acting
Introduction
An introduction to the very basics of singing technique. A fun class suitable for ages 3-4.
Junior
Classes for students who have a passion for performing arts and who want to take their singing and musical theatre skills further. The fundamental basics of singing such as breathing, timing and musicality will be taught in detail from scratch and built upon along with acting through song. Musical theatre and contemporary songs will be taught within these classes as well a variety of training exercises. Suitable for ages 5-8 approximately.
Intermediate
Classes for students who have a passion for performing arts and who want to build upon the singing and musical theatre skills that they have already learnt. The breathing, timing and musicality will be continued in detail and built upon along with acting through song. Musical theatre and contemporary songs will be taught within these classes as well a variety of training exercises. Suitable for ages 9-12 approximately.
Senior
A class for senior students (ages 13+) who are considering a full time course in performing arts, performing arts teaching or who wish to take their hobby and passion seriously. Lessons will focus on audition and performance technique, including investigation of audition material, solo performance and etiquette. Students must be prepared to perform group and solo songs.
Adult Group Singing
An informal group singing class for adults. You will learn technique, breath work, timing and musicality through numbers from the shows, the charts and more.