All our classes are progressive and as such, regular attendance is very important to allow the individual and the class to advance in their skills to the best of their ability.
Children's Classes
Ballet
Ballet is offered from the age of 3 years to 18 years.
For young children the emphasis is on developing imagination through music and movement incorporating basic classical ballet technique. Pupils may then progress to learning more formal movements of classical technique together with developing strength, an awareness of good posture, grace and fluidity of movement and appreciation of varying musical styles. Ballet can be enjoyed by those who wish it to be a hobby or for those who wish to pursue it more seriously where external examinations with the RAD are offered.
Ballet offers the foundation to all forms of dance.
Ballet Development
Junior, Mid and Senior development classes are offered at around grade 3 level and upwards. These additional classes are designed to deepen understanding of ballet technique and attending an extra class will enhance technique, artistry and musicality and provides valuable support for the grades syllabus.
These non-syllabus classes will give your child the opportunity to strengthen core technique through conditioning exercises that promote good posture, arm shaping, and leg and foot strength.
Pointe Preparation & Pointe Work
Pointe preparation and pointe classes are offered to those taking more than one ballet class per week and at the recommendation of the teacher.
Tap
Tap is a fun way to exercise and can be enjoyed by all age groups. Tap technique starts with simple steps which will develop in intricacy and speed to produce an eye and ear catching dance form. Tap is great for developing musical awareness, sense of rhythm and co-ordination. We offer tap from Yr.R upwards
Modern
Modern offers many different styles from lyrical flowing to quick and exciting jazz movements. Musical styles vary enormously allowing the pupil to explore many different rhythms, and emotions which will help to develop their versatility of movement. Modern classes will help with strength and flexibility. We offer modern from Yr.R upwards
Acrobatic Arts
This subject offers the opportunity to learn some acrobatic skills. It is also invaluable to help with strength and flexibility. We offer Acrobatic Arts from Yr.3 upwards. A child must also attend a ballet or modern class.
All disciplines of dance are excellent for developing co-ordination, physical strength, good posture, self-discipline, and confidence. Whether you choose to dance for a hobby or wish to take it more seriously, you will gain a real sense of achievement.
All our classes are progressive and as such, regular attendance is very important to allow the individual and the class to advance in their skills to the best of their ability.
Examinations
Most of our classes follow a syllabus with Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) for Ballet and Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance (ISTD) for Tap and Modern and pupils are encouraged to work towards the opportunity to take exams and achieve a recognised qualifications which are included on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). UCAS points are awarded for grades 6 and above.
Examinations are are by no means compulsory and some pupils choose not to enter but enjoy learning and perfecting their chosen genres.
For those interested in taking exams, the teacher will guide pupils as to when an appropriate level has been achieved and entry is at the discretion of the teacher. In order to prepare a pupil well, commitment and regular attendance from pupils throughout the year is of paramount importance and it is usual practice to attend extra coaching classes on Saturday afternoons in the weeks leading up to exams.
Pupils have always enjoyed a positive outcome for their efforts and the school is very proud of its 100% pass rate.
Adult Classes
We currently offer the following classes:
- Advanced Level Tap on Wednesday evenings
- Advanced Level Ballet on Tuesday evenings
- Improvers Level Ballet on Thursday evenings
- Improvers Level Tap on Thursday evenings
Silver Swans Classes
Classes designed for more senior learners (55year +) can be enjoyed at any level. Our classes welcome all abilities and we nurture the love of ballet and dance with the benefits of gentle movement, stretching and balance for a complete mind and body exercise with a lovely group of people.
We currently offer a class on the following days:
- Monday at 2.00 - 3.00pm for those with experience.
- Friday at 11.30am - 12.30pm for those with experience.
- Friday at 1.00 - 2.00pm - beginners & improvers.
Dance Productions
A staged dance show is produced every few years. Rehearsals take place during lessons with some extra rehearsals taking place at weekends. It is a lovely time for pupils to experience all the preparations and to perform in make-up and costume to friends and family in the audience. Many parents get involved with preparations, helping back stage and front of house and without their support these productions would be extremely difficult to organise. Any help at show time is much appreciated.
Other Activities
From time to time there may be the opportunity to offer workshops, theatre trips, choreography competitions, professional photographer sessions, raffles and events to support chosen charities.
At show time, we hold various activities to raise funds for our 'costume fund'.
Some children may be interested in attending external workshops and auditions for independent productions and external associate classes and information for these will either be displayed on our notice board or direct contact from the principal. Pupils have successfully auditioned for places in various dance productions and pantomimes and London based associate classes.
School trophies and medals are awarded once a year, to pupils who have shown particular improvement, commitment, enthusiasm and ability throughout the year.
Please visit our NEWS page for the latest information.