Ballet

Classes

Pre-School Creative Movers - Little Stars, Daisy Dance and Butterfly Ballet

These are structured creative movement dance classes for children aged 2 – 4 years old that map to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum framework. Through imaginative story-telling and the use of props, the seven Areas of Learning are addressed, encouraging creativity, expression, and confidence, as well as facilitating developmentally appropriate physical skills. Children will gain an understanding of:

body organisation (alignment and patterning) and movement skills (balance, strength, range of motion, co-ordination)
elements of dance including space, time, and energy
expression of emotions through movement.

Behind all the fun, children will be prepared for a transition to the Royal Academy of Dance ballet syllabus and other dance genres at higher levels, if they so wish.

Pre-Primary and Primary in Dance

These classes whilst more formal, are age appropriate and focus on building secure classical technique, within a creative and nurturing learning environment. There are opportunities for students to be entered into Royal Academy of Dance Class Awards and Examinations, should they wish.

Grades 1-8

The Graded syllabus provides a broad dance education developing technical, musical and performance skills. All classes include classical ballet and Character work, the theatrical presentation of national and folk dance.

Vocational

The Vocational syllabus includes Intermediate Foundation, Intermediate, Advanced Foundation, Advanced 1, Advanced 2 and Solo Seal Award. The syllabus is suitable for students who have the maturity and technical aptitude for more demanding study, and who may be considering a career in dance as a performer, educator, notator etc. Attendance of these classes do not guarantee entry to RAD exams at this level.

Pointe Class

Following on from vocational classes, this session will strengthen and develop technique in this key area of classical ballet, as well as enhance performance and artistry skills. This class can also be attended by students who wish to strengthen their demi-pointe, as activities will be adapted appropriately to suit each dancer. It is at the teacher’s discretion when a student may be ready to start pointe work itself and this is dependent on age, technical ability, commitment, and maturity

Discovering Repertoire Programme

This syllabus is based on well-known classical repertoire enabling students to learn choreography and dance to music they may recognise from traditional ballet productions such as Coppelia, Giselle, The Sleeping Beauty, Paquita, Swans Lake and The Nutcracker. It is suitable for students aged 12 through to adult and the modular learning and assessment encourages flexibility and progression at one’s own pace.

Adult Ballet

We welcome adult dancers of all ages and abilities, whether you are looking to learn a new skill, get fit, follow a childhood dream, or return to a hobby from your younger years. This is a traditional ballet class which includes a warm- up, barre and centre work with the emphasis on developing secure technique, building core strength, improving fitness and flexibility, and enjoying dancing in a fun, social way.

Silver Swans™

The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) developed Silver Swans® in response to a growing demand for ballet classes for older learners. Sessions are based upon research into dance practice for older learners from the RAD’s Dance for Lifelong Wellbeing Project, which identified both psychological benefits and physiological advantages of ballet for older participants.

Silver Swans® classes are delivered exclusively by Silver Swans® Licensees, experienced ballet teachers who have trained to safely adapt ballet techniques for older learners. There are licensees around the world, including UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and Mexico.

Whilst classes are aimed at the 55+ age group, there is no lower or upper age limit and we welcome all who wish to dance, whatever your age!
All abilities, from complete beginners to experienced dancers are welcome. Classes will help improve mobility, posture, balance, and co-ordination, however making connections with fellow dancers, having fun, and enjoying the sense of wellbeing that dance brings, is intrinsic to licensees’ holistic approach.