Our Classes
The intrinsic values offered by dance have been well researched and documented and form an important positive contribution to a young life, imparting such life skills as personal responsibility, self knowledge, teamwork, self-discipline, confidence, creativity, the ability to problem solve and a flexible approach to learning and life.
Jazz Dance
Jazz dance can be described as the grace of ballet and the life of modern with a sprinkle of Jazz music. It combines the fluid movements and classical technique of ballet with the technical aspects of a variety of popular dances and street music, using the body as an instrument to interpret the various styles. Forms of Jazz include the rhythmic and stylish Modern Jazz, which contains elements of Hip Hop, and the clean lines of Jazz Ballet. In these dance forms, rhythm and expression are incorporated, while strength and flexibility are increased and students develop a confident performance style.
Tap Dance
Tap is a great way to exercise, to develop rhythm, style and coordination and is an easily accessible dance form for all ages. Introducing basic barre and centre exercises, simple combinations and a tap dance. This gives students a real feeling of achievement and prepares them for the intricacies of more advanced steps and choreography.
Classical Ballet
Ballet is a graceful and structured dance form, which also provides the basic foundation for many other kinds of dance. It improves posture, develops poise and coordination and the refined quality and control of the body achieved through the discipline of ballet technique. Expressive quality of movement is achieved as well as body toning and muscle development and above all enjoyment.
National Dance
Children are introduced to National dance in the Classical Syllabus. It is important for several reasons: it allows students to identify with their own culture or to learn about that of another; it emphasizes self-expression and enjoyment; it introduces partnering skills and group work; it enhances aspects of technique; it teaches rhythm and often intricate footwork.
Stretch, Strength & Flexability
It is important to include flexibility training as part of your fitness routines. Improved flexibility may enhance performance and muscular conditioning associated with dance. There is scientific evidence that the incidence of injury decreases when people include flexibility training in their routines due to the enhanced ability to move unimpeded through a wider range of movement. When used appropriately, flexibility training allows dancers to become more in tune with their body.
Expression
We believe that when a child learns to dance they must also express something of themselves.
We aim to develop the personality in your children and teach them how to present themselves, as well as musical expression. Besides dance steps they will learn how to dance and to express their own culture as well as that of others through dance.
Education
We want your children to understand what they are doing and why and how their body is working to achieve this. From day one they will learn that every step and position has a name and these can be joined together in many different ways.
Encouragement
Whether in class, in the examination room or on the stage, we believe in the importance of encouraging your children to give to the best of their own ability, and assessment is based on their own personal achievement. Every child is an individual and what may be easy for one may be a milestone for another. We recognise this and give praise where it is due and constructive critique where it is needed.
Enjoyment
Children should enjoy learning to dance beyond just moving to the music. While there are many different exercises that must be practiced first, these are varied so that each week the class will be a little different. A child who is stimulated will learn more readily and perform better. We want your child to leave class with a sense of achievement and come back next week ready to achieve more.
