CLASSES
Ballet
The foundation. Ballet teaches the main principles of dance in a highly-detailed manner. Students will learn to develop strength, posture, transfer of weight, turn-out (outward rotation of the hips), flexibility, stability, grace, artistry and musicality. Classical ballet training is traditional, focused, very detail-oriented and requires both physical and mental tenacity. Our ballet classes include all aspects of classical ballet training including pointe and character dancing, as taught within the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) syllabus. Qualified students will be entered for yearly RAD ballet examinations.
Jazz
A dynamic style of dance strongly rooted in classical ballet, jazz is energetic and dynamic. Jazz consists of unique moves, fast footwork, big leaps and quick turns. To excel in jazz, dancers need a strong background in ballet.
Modern
*Available to competitive programming only for dancers in Grade 4+ ballet
A dance form developed in the early 20th century, derived from classical dance and inspired by natural human movement and composition. Modern incorporates elements of ballet, floor work, some acrobatics, experimentation with gravity and improvisation. It is a requirement at our studio that Modern dancers also take ballet.
Contemporary
*Included in competitive Senior & Advanced modern classes only
An expressive style of dance that combines elements of several genres including ballet, jazz and modern. Contemporary dance stresses versatility and requires dancers to have a strong ballet background in order to support the blending of technique, styles (and some acrobatics) at a fairly advanced level.
Lyrical
A dance style that blends ballet and jazz, lyrical dance is performed to music with lyrics where the
lyrics of the song serve as inspiration for movements and expression.
Tap
A fun and rhythmical form of dance where dancers wear special shoes equipped with metal taps.
Tap dancers use their feet like drums to create rhythmic patterns and beats.
Acro
*currently on hold until further notice
A class incorporating elements of dance & acrobatics, as taught within the Acrobatic Arts syllabus. Students will also explore elements of Rhythmic Gymnastics including the use of props such as hoola-hoops & ribbons.
Hip-Hop
A dance style that evolved from street and hip-hop culture. Hip-Hop dance is performed primarily to hip-hop and rap music and includes a wide range of styles within itself including party moves, locking and popping, breaking, and house.
Drama
A class that incorporates acting and improvisation skills/technique, scene studies and putting together a show.
Tiny Toes and Toes 'n Taps (ages 3-4)
Tot & Hop (parented, 18months -3 yrs) *on HOLD
Our preschool classes are designed to introduce young children to dance in an inspiring & imaginative environment that still maintains structure and discipline. Young children learn optimally through play & sensory experience. These classes aim to enhance a child's creativity & imagination while teaching them basic dance skills that incorporate elements of several genres such as ballet, jazz & acro. The content for this class is based on the Royal Academy of Dance's pre-school syllabus 'Dance to Your Own Tune' which states:
"Young childhood is not a time for limiting movement experiences. Within the dance curriculum, young children should participate in dance classes that use a movement vocabulary congruent to their stage of development. In developing fundamental movement teachers should be concerned with developing control and coordination and not technical refinement. Rather than perfecting or stylising movement, teachers should ensure that each fundamental movement is explored and experienced in a wide variety of contexts. At this young age, children are experimenting with movement, not perfecting and refining. Perfecting leads to the exclusion of other activities and that in turn can lead to a narrow range of movement abilities."
