Parent – Mrs Jones
The teaching is of a high technical standard but carried out so kindly that the children really enjoy themselves while learning.
Our ballet classes follow the teaching system of the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) whose syllabi are taught throughout the world. By following the RAD syllabi, we aim to nurture high standards of technique, artistry, and musicality of a dancer as well as encouraging enjoyment and a sense of achievement. Our ballet classes are designed for children and students aged 3 to 18 giving everyone the opportunity to develop confidence and develop a life-long love of dance. With careful training, pupils have the option to take RAD examinations and regular open days for parents encourage a pleasing sense of performance.
These fun, interactive classes teach the foundations of classical ballet and general movement skills through story telling. They are designed for both boys and girls to develop imaginative skills, coordination and strength. The development of large motor skills such as skipping and marching are encouraged as well as the dexterity of smaller refined movements. Music and props are used to inspire creativity and develop confidence.
Pre-school classes are for pupils aged 3 to 4 and Reception ballet for those who have started school and are aged 4-5 years. Children can start in Reception ballet without having to participate in the pre-school class. Once the children are settled in the new environment of a dance class, parents are encouraged to wait outside the dance room.
Pre-school and Reception Ballet
Pre-primary and Primary in Dance
These levels see the introduction of the RAD syllabi which has been carefully constructed for children from the age of 5 for Pre-Primary and 6 years for Primary. Again, the focus is on creativity and enjoyment but with added structure to develop basic ballet vocabulary. Movement skills become more refined and coordinated, and a strong sense of rhythm and musicality is developed.
To complete the study of Primary in Dance, pupils have the option of taking their first RAD exam. On completion they received a medal and certificate and gain a real sense of personal achievement.
Grades 1 to 8 form the basis of the RAD syllabi and through the careful introduction of steps at each grade develop poise, strength, flexibility and coordination. Classes work to develop a thinking dancer who is aware of many concepts which help develop life skills, working independently and as part of a group, self-discipline, creativity and spatial awareness amongst them. As well as building ballet technique and artistry, each grade also includes character dancing which is the stage adaptation of folk dance from around Europe. The choreography in the syllabi is engaging and the work is delivered by our teachers in an energizing and enjoyable manner.
Children usually start grade 1 at about the age of 7 and we aim to complete grade 8 before students go to university at 18. Pupils have the option of taking a class award or exam at the end of each level and for grades 6 – 8 UCAS points are awarded which can help strengthen university applications.
Grades
Vocational
Vocational classes are designed for students who wish to add greater depth to their dance training and may consider a career in dance. Students are assessed on their suitability for these classes, which demand a higher standard of technique, strength and stamina. Study of the syllabi requires more than one lesson a week of training. Musicality and artistry are also key areas of study to develop to develop a technically assured as well as artistic dancer. Pointe work is also taught in the vocational grades.
Tap has its roots in Harlem USA and is popularised throughout the world. Its origins are influenced by African dance, Irish and clog dancing. Tap dance is a theatrical art form often seen on stage in musicals. The dancer uses their feet to strike the floor, beating out different rhythms developing a musicality and timing. The ISTD tap syllabi is structured to carefully develop technique and coordination through a series of exercises and dances. Taught by Miss Chantelle, these classes are good fun and compliment both modern dance and ballet. A suitable age to start this genre at Kingston Ballet School is five to six years and we also offer the option of taking tap exams.
Modern Theatre dance is a rhythmic dance style which originated in America before travelling to the rest of the world. It is often seen on the West End stages in musical productions and is known for its theatrical qualities. The ISTD syllabi corporates limbering exercises for flexibility, a rhythm section to help musicality and the style uses many different travelling steps, high kicks, leaps, and turns which all need strength and coordination. This is a highly energetic dance style which also includes elements of jazz and contemporary.
Kingston Ballet School’ modern dance classes are taught by Miss Chantelle and are suitable from the age of five. Modern dance compliments ballet training to develop a versatile dancer who may wish to progress into a vocational dance career. We provide students with the opportunity to take exams in this genre.
Free
TRIAL
LESSON
New Students are welcome to register for a free trial lesson to ensure your child is participating in the correct class for their age and stage of development. This also give you a chance to see that you child is happy in their new environment of a dance class.
Uniform is not needed for the trial lesson. Please could your child wear something they can move around in easily and bare feet. After the trial, the teacher will confirm with you that the class was the correct level for your child.
After the trial you will be sent an invoice by email for the remaining lessons of the term. Uniform is required by all students so that they feel part of the school and have a neat appearance for all lessons, this is fundamental need of a dancer. Please could all hair be tidied off the face and from grade 1 buns are essential.