Children’s Classes
First steps
Beginner Ballet Lessons
This class is for pre-school children (boys welcome too!). Many pupils have come from referrals due to the fun and caring atmosphere in the class. The aim at this age is to introduce youngsters to the following:
Emphasis on fun and interaction with the teacher and fellow pupils
Watching then demonstrating simple dance movements
Musical appreciation, in turn, helping with rhythm
Props such as ribbons, feathers, flags, fairy wands etc are used to encourage the children to express themselves and help with coordination skills
Imaginative stories incorporating basic dance steps to interesting and varied music
For health and safety reasons with classes for children aged 3-4yrs and 4-5 yrs, one parent each week will be required to sit in the class.
Improver Ballet Lessons
This is the next step up to prepare for the Pre Primary syllabus. At this age, with stronger gross motor skills and better concentration the children are able to learn more diverse and in-depth movements and dance steps whilst still keeping the emphasis on fun and creativity.
Pre-primary to grade 5
The RAD first launched the new syllabus in 2009. The philosophy behind the syllabi is that this work will encourage the development of an appropriate and sound technique, relevant for the ballet world of today. Fun to learn and rewarding to teach, these syllabi help to develop the following:
Motor development, expressiveness, helping communication
Dexterity – helping with writing (exercise for hands): better joint articulation in bodies.
Awareness of balance/control/coordination, understanding neural pathways in their bodies
Percussion instruments– awareness of mood/style of music
Encourage children to be creative and imaginative working with props
Social interaction working with each other
Learning contemporary style dance to further enhance their ballet training
Higher Grades 6 to 8
These grades are ideal for the pupil who enjoys dancing and wishes to continue training alongside their educational training. It is especially suited to teenage students and the R.A.D have recently announced that UCAS points will go towards entry to University by passing these higher grades.