Ballet


 
 
                           

 

 
Learning Ballet at our school is a journey which typically starts from the the age of 3 years old when we introduce the first ballet steps in the context of stories and imagery to stimulate imagination. We work with small groups of children and will have live piano accompaniment a few times per term. Our objectives are always to ensure a caring and fun loving environment whilst developing the building blocks of dance and to this goal you can rest assured that we are very experienced teaching young children. 
  



From 5 years old we introduce the Pre Primary syllabus of the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and gradually prepare your child for an optional first Ballet exam ( Grade 1-5) that can be taken once they reach the age of 7 years old and are of the standard required. Exams are not compulsory but we do encourage parents to have their child’s progress recognised through the RAD examination board. Preparing for exams instills a sense of purpose, setting goals to work towards and ultimately being rewarded with a certificate in that grade. Higher Grades (Grade 6 -8) achieved also count in points on the UCAS tariff for entry into higher education and university.

  



 

In addition, we offer classes for students who wish to increase their training efforts or work towards a professional dance career:

       The Vocational Graded Examinations Levels for Boys and Girls:  Intermediate Foundation, Intermediate, Advanced Foundation, Advance 1 and Advance 2 – is for students who wish to pursue a career in Ballet teaching or dance, or who love the challenges of pointe work; this is the path to take. Once again, a successful completion of the Intermediate Foundation examination, enables a student membership to the Royal Academy of Dance.  With the successful result of the Intermediate examination, the student is entitled to become a full member of the RAD.  The Intermediate level is the entry level for aspiring teachers to enrol in the CBTS qualification program.
Advanced Foundation, Advance 1 and Advance 2 are the stepping stones to a Profession in Dance.  These are the levels that challenge the dancer to reach their potential to pursue a career in Professional Dance Companies. The syllabi are performance driven incorporating traditional Classical style with today’s Modern styles.