Ballet Programs

ROYAL ACADEMY OF DANCE (RAD)

As an awarding body, the Royal Academy of Dance Examinations Board offers an internationally recognized portfolio of examinations and assessments. They are designed to motivate and encourage students of all ages and levels of ability, through a systematic measurement of progress and attainment.

Students may start with the Pre-School Curriculum, move up through Pre-Primary and Primary levels and then into eight Graded levels. In the Graded syllabi, students are offered alternative options of an Examination, Class Award or Presentation Class.

The Pre-School Dance Curriculum develops basic movement skills, musical awareness, expression and creativity. Themed classes encourage class participation, focus and confidence that prepare students for entry to the Pre-Primary levels. This curriculum is appropriate for students between the ages of two and five years.

Graded Syllabi, Pre-Primary and Primary levels, develop students’ physical skills, stamina, creativity, expression and musicality using a range of sounds and musical styles. This strong foundation prepares students for a successful transition to ballet and other dance genres. These levels are appropriate for students between the ages of five and eight years.
The NEWLY devised Pre-Primary and Primary curriculum provide a syllabus that is artistically and developmentally appropriate as well as fundamentally appealing to young children. Physical fitness and core dance skills as well as each child’s creative voice are developed through activities that encourage critical thinking, self confidence and social emotional skills. Based on many years of research on how children learn, the syllabi help to build up neuropathways in regards to all types of development.

Graded Syllabi, Grades 1 — 8 Award, provide a broad practical dance education, progressively developing the technical, musical and performance skills of the student. They incorporate Classical Ballet, Free Movement and Character. Classical ballet is the core of the syllabus. Free Movement incorporates movements in common with dance genres such as Natural Movement, Contemprary and Classical Greek. Character is the theatrical presentation of national dance using ethnic dance and music, which has been freely adapted for the theatre. Three styles have been selected for study: Hungarian, Russian and Polish. These levels are appropriate for students from the age of six years and upwards, and can provide challenging and rewarding training to the end of high school.

The Vocational Graded Syllabus is the continuation of classical ballet training from the Academy’s Graded Syllabus. However, it also stands alone as a full training regime, commencing from the age of approximately nine to twelve years and is geared towards those engaging in the serious study of ballet. At the earliest level, pointe work is introduced for the first time, and each syllabus has been designed to give the necessary training to students wishing to study seriously, with a possible view to following a career in dance, or dance related subjects. There are six levels of Vocational Graded Examinations starting with Intermediate Foundation and culminating in the Solo Seal Award. This latter award is the pinnacle of the Academy’s examination system. It takes the form of a performance before a panel of judges and invited audience. Students perform a series of solo variations, and success is regarded as an indication of the candidate’s potential to work as a professional dancer in the corps de ballet of a professional company. Unlike Graded examinations, all Vocational level examinations must be taken in consecutive order.

Life as a pre-professional or Vocational level dancer is not for the faint-hearted; by this point, training demands very hard work, determination, physical aptitude and, of course, talent! Dance training tends to start at an early age, although it is difficult to be precise as to when that might be. Students interested in ballet should begin training at around age 8 or 9. Other dance forms allow for a later start. One thing is certain, however: dance training requires every ounce of dedication, focus and energy the dance student can muster but rewards are there for those who earn them.

Summer Dance Classes 2012

Check out our schedule for fun in the sun summer dance classes!!!!
Click here for more information…

Kindermusik^®

NEW Kindermusik class sessions. Classes are for newborn to age seven & and their parents. Click here for details.

Daytime Classes Available

If you are a stay-at-home Mom (or Dad) looking for daytime activities, ask us about daytime music and movement classes for your little son or daughter. Click here for details.