Classes We Offer

Preschool

Our preschool class is from 9-9.30am on Saturday mornings ... it's an early start but most little tots are wide awake at this time! Each week we take our preschoolers on a unique journey to a different place ... be it the circus, zoo, seaside or even into space, whilst introducing the basic techniques of ballet and tap.  The children develop musicality and rhythm, whilst we ignite their imaginations with the use of stories, pictures and props.

Ballet

After pre-school, our pupils move on to follow the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus in ballet.  The RAD is recognised internationally as one of the most prestigious ballet organisations, with Dame Darcey Bussell as its President.  The RAD syllabus begins with Pre-Primary in Dance which helps to develop co-ordination and balance, as well as expression and use of the imagination.  There are also lots of props ... feathers, ribbons, pompoms etc. and it's a super lively class!

The next grade, Primary in Dance builds on technique and musicality whilst developing strength and control with the introduction of steps such as marches, galops and leaps!

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Ballet (continued)

Grades 1 to 5 continue to develop ballet technique, with increasingly challenging steps and arrangements with lots of focus on performance and musicality.  Character dances, based on National & Folk Dances from around the World are also introduced.

Grades 6 to 8 continue to introduce new steps and strengthen technique whilst developing a real sense of dance and artistry.

We also offer the Vocational Grades,  which provide a sound ballet base in preparation for further training or a dance-related career,  beginning with Intermediate Foundation where pointe-work is introduced.

Tap

Tap dancing is beneficial in many ways including cardiovascular conditioning, strength in the legs and feet, increased flexibility in hips, knees and ankles, as well as improving coordination, rhythm and musicality.

Following the preschool class our little dancers progress to National Association of Teachers of Dancing (N.A.T.D.) grades in tap dancing.  We chose this syllabus as it allows plenty of stylistic and musical freedom within a rigorous and widely recognised framework.  Len Goodman is one of several well known patrons.

The grades commence with Class Examination (from age 4) which introduces rhythmical skills and spatial awareness plus team building skills.  This exam is taken in a small group alongside the teacher to build confidence.  

First Steps is the next grade.  It builds on the techniques learnt and encourages musicality and a developing sense of style.

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Tap (Continued)

Grades 1 to 5 continue to introduce and consolidate a wide range of tap dancing techniques, skills and step combinations.  Complex rhythms are combined with a sense of fun and performance.

Intermediate Foundation to Advanced 2 encourage students who wish to teach or dance professionally (or those who just continue to dance for fitness and fun) to improve their technical ability and develop performance skills.

Smash It!

Soon after opening the dance school, we recognised that there were lots of boys who were keen to dance but found joining a class where boys were in the minority a bit daunting!  And so we developed "Smash it!"  
The class doesn't follow a set syllabus but is a high energy class, set to contemporary music (along with a few classics such as Stevie Wonder!) There was also an obvious desire to tap, so we incorporate tap dancing into the class too.  The basic format of the class involves a warm up, travelling steps, focus on a specific technique e.g. leaps / turns and learning a longer routine or dance .... some of the current routines we teach are set to Perm (Bruno Mars), The Last Time (The Script) and Wake Me Up (Avici).  The class is open to boys of any age from 6 upwards and currently has an age range of 6 to 14!