Our students are taught the ISTD Imperial Ballet syllabus. Ballet is the foundation of all dance and is the number one recommended class to encourage technique and growth in all dancers. Ballet originated during the Italian renaissance and later developed into a concert dance form in France and Russia. Ballet has become a widespread highly technical form of dance with its own vocabulary based on French terminology. Throughout the classes, fundamental characteristics of ballet will be taught including barre, turn out, alignment, port de bras, posture, centre work including correct body positions, lines and angles.
Tap is a form of dance characterised by using the sounds of tap shoes striking the floor as a form of percussion. The sound is made by shoes which have a metal tap on the toe and heel. There are several variations of tap dance including rhythm tap classical tap and Broadway tap. Influences can come from Jazz dance and musical theatre and in more recent years, street dance. Regarded as one of the most difficult styles to learn due to not only the dance steps but also the rhythms created with the feet, tap is an absolute must for the keen dancer.
Our students are taught the ISTD Modern Theatre Dance syllabus. Modern Theatre dance is a highly energetic and rhythmic dance style that originated in America, before spreading throughout the rest of the world. It’s often seen on the stages of musical productions and is known for its theatrical qualities. The style uses travelling steps, high kicks, leaps and turns which all require strength and flexibility.
Street is an umbrella term for styles of dance the originated from a social scene. House, Locking, Popping, Nu Skool to name a few are all styles that fall under the Street term. Although one of the newest forms of dance genres its roots go all the way back to the 18th Century. Commercial dance refers to dancing performed in pop artist live shows, music videos and movies.Sometimes, you will find uncommon styles worked into this style but most commonly it is 'street dance'. Commercial dance is a super fun style of dance to learn, very upbeat and entertaining.
Contemporary dance encourages natural, spontaneous movement and personal interpretation. It’s all about unrestricted lines and using the space you have, with a focus on self-expression, awareness of space and body movement, use of body weight, efficiency of muscle use and safe body alignment. With elements of lyrical jazz, ballet and modern dance, contemporary is an exciting fusion that’s becoming increasingly popular. Classes start with a comprehensive warm-up and gradually build up to more elaborate dance routines.
Jazz dance is based on elements of ballet and modern dance, incorporating syncopation and isolations of the body. By adding more sophistication and finesse to the movement, the students learn about ‘line’ and how the effects from ballet and modern techniques take hold. Jazz overlaps with ballet syllabuses thanks to the similar techniques used in turns, jumps, phrases and transitions. Students of all levels will work on gaining strength, flexibility, endurance, coordination, musicality and performance skills. Classes include a warm-up, technique exercises, across-the-floor exercises, choreography and stretches.
Lyrical dance moves are a creative combination of Ballet, Modern and Jazz, meant to
showcase the emotional spirit of the music through the body of the dancer. Performing lyrical
dance is a great way to express music through movement. One of the most prevalent qualities
of lyrical dance is the continuation of movement. The choreography is usually designed to
have the movements flow very naturally and smoothly into each other, with little or no
stopping or moments of stillness.
Musical theatre is a form of theatre that incorporates dialogue, music, dancing, singing and acting. The primary focus of this class is to introduce the student to the elements of a musical. We select the repertoire from popular musical theatre from the West End, Broadway and Musical films, often exploring work by composers that include Andrew Lloyd Webber, Boubil and Schoenberg, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Kander and Ebb, Jason Robert Brown, Rodgers and Hammerstein and many more.
Drama classes enable students to express their individuality and unlock their imagination, improve self-esteem and boost their confidence. Classes include improvisational skills, voice technique, script and character work and accent work.
Acro classes are arranged by age and ability. We help develop gymnastic skills that include energetic moves and various tricks, while also incorporating our strength building program to improve flexibility and core strength. These classes allow your child to enjoy the physical fitness of gymnastics in a fun, enthusiastic and safe environment
Body Conditioning is a whole body workout that can improve your overall fitness and strength. Excellent stamina is essential for the serious dancer. Body Conditioning classes can help you on your way to get in great shape and feel great about your body. Body Conditioning classes involve a high energy, high impact workout.
Muscle strengthening will help a dancer perform steps and moves both flawlessly and without discomfort. It reduces the risk of falls and injury as they also help build stamina and endurance. Flexibility training improves a dancer's posture and the ability to achieve dynamic and impressive moves. Excellent flexibility and strength in all muscles, particularly the core, is essential for dancers.
‘Little Dance Stars’ is a fun and highly enjoyable class for children at pre-school age and is a fantastic introduction to dance. Children are taught different dance styles and moves to a variety of music releasing expression and musicality and of course a love of dance.
