CHILDREN'S CLASSES
Our children’s classes start from age 5+. Ballet classes introduce the Royal Academy of Dances syllabus from Pre-Primary through to Vocational levels. We also run Jazz and Progressing Ballet Technique classes. All our children's classes develop technique, musicality, and performance.
PRE-PRIMARY BALLET
Pre-Primary Ballet is the beginning of the RAD syllabus aimed at children aged 5-6 years (Reception/Y1). These classes introduce basic Ballet movements and steps using stories, mine and imaginative sequences. Props play an integral part of classes using ribbons, scarves, feathers and musical instruments to spark creativity and introduce different movement qualities.
Our Pre-Primary Class develops:
Control and Co-ordination
Awareness of Basic Ballet Movement
Ability to perform a sequence of simple Steps to a story
Confidence to Recall patterns
Responsiveness to Music
Expression and Self-esteem
PRIMARY BALLET
RAD Primary is suitable for children aged 6-7 years (Year 1/Year 2). Students are gradually introduced to more challenging movements and patterns following on from our Pre-Primary Classes. Primary students continue to focus on improving control, co-ordination and learning about expression and musicality. In this class, students can take their first Ballet Exam should they wish. Class awards and Exams are not compulsory, however, we believe through offering an examination process our students are given the opportunity set a goal and to feel a sense of achievement. This class prepares students for the RAD Graded Syllabus.
Our Primary Class develops:
Control and Co-ordination
Awareness of more complex Ballet Movement
Ability to recall and perform a sequence of steps
Musicality and Creativity
Expression and Self-esteem
GRADED SYALLBUS (GRADE 1 - 5)
The graded syllabus introduces new Ballet vocabulary and builds in complexity throughout each grade. Graded Syllabus classes start in Grade 1 for children aged 7-8 Years (Year 3) and progresses to Grade 5. Each grade focuses on technical skill as well as and joy for dancing. Free-work, Character and Neo-Classical work is introduced alongside Classical Ballet to create versatile dancers and and develop expression and performance.
Our Grades classes develop:
Technical skills including: posture, weight placement, co-ordination, control, line and spatial awareness
Responding in time to the Music
Performance skills: expression and communicating to an audience
HIGHER GRADES (GRADES 6 - 8)
The Higher Grades are created for mature dancers and contain beautiful choreography, challenging enchainments and various solos. Students continue to learn Classical Ballet and Character as in previous grades, but are also introduced to Free Movement. Grade 8 is the final award of the graded levels where students perform a series of solo variations. Grades 6, 7 and 8 give an opportunity to gain UCAS points for university applications or higher education in the UK.
Our Higher Grades classes develop:
Technical, musical and performance skills whilst demonstrating complex enchainments
Fluidity of movement
A matured sense of performance, expression and communication
VOCATIONAL BALLET
Following completion of the Grades, Vocational Syllabus classes provide an in-depth study of ballet, intended for students who have the desire to take Ballet more seriously and may even consider dance as a career. Vocational training is a commitment and requires maturity, hard work and self discipline. Dancers being considered for vocational exams need to show these qualities as well as high levels of strength, stability and stamina to successfully complete the work. The Vocational syllabus includes a Classical Barre, Centre, Variations and the introduction of Pointe work.
Our Vocational classes develop:
High level of technical, musical and performance skills in Ballet
Moving en pointe with fluidity and control
Performing confidently with a high level of expression and engagement
PROGRESSING BALLET TECHNIQUE (PBT)
Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) is an innovative body-conditioning and strengthening program that has been designed to enhance students' technique. It is a unique training system using ballet-technique specific exercises to train skills progressively from junior through to advanced levels. The PBT program has outstanding success and prepares students to receive the strength they need to achieve their personal best.
JAZZ & MODERN
This class is fun, upbeat, and energetic. We run Pre-Junior (3-4 years), Junior (5-8 years) Mid (9-12 years) and Senior (12+ years) level classes. Jazz includes turning, kicks and leaps. Students work to improve flexibility, strength and learn routines in various styles including lyrical, modern, and musical theatre.
Interested in learning more about our classes? Get in touch today.