Ballet
Ballet is our most popular subject at DHD!
Ballet is a fantastic way for children to develop and refine gross motor skills, flexibility, fitness and social interaction as well as an appreciation for music and Ballet as a performance art.
Ballet encourages poise, discipline and self-confidence and children gain a real sense of pride and achievement. They also make forever dance friends!
Children's Ballet is taught following the syllabus of the ISTD (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing), one of the world’s leading dance examination boards. We also run classes specifically for teen beginners as well as our Further Development Programme offered to ambitious Ballet student who wish to enhance and accelerate their training.
Classes for young children from Preparatory and Pre-Primary are structured to learn through fun, role-play and imagination all while creating solid foundations to study classical Ballet. The Grades (from Primary) have been devised to provide a worthwhile sense of achievement for children and young people who dance for recreation and for children hoping to pursue a career in classical ballet.
Children wishing to take Grade exams must attend at least two classes a week in the lead up to their exam.
Dance classes are unlike schools, students do not move up a grade once a year, but when they have achieved the knowledge, safe understanding and developed the necessary skills and performance quality.
Age ranges are always just guidelines for dance classes. Students will be placed in the perfect class for them to reach their full potential after their class trial.
Although children are offered the opportunity to take exams, they are absolutely not compulsory and students can dance for enjoyment and the many benefits it brings!
BALLET FOR KEEN STUDENTS
Further Development Ballet is offered to current Ballet students aged 7+ in addition to their graded class, who wish to strengthen their technique and progress further in their Ballet studies. The sessions will combine classical ballet training with conditioning exercises using various pieces of equipment to safely and effectively work on flexibility, muscle memory, correct placement and alignment as well as foot strengthening and pre-pointe prep for older students.
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Pre-School & Reception Ballet
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ISTD Graded Ballet
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Teen Beginner Ballet
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Further Development Ballet
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Pointework
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Adult Ballet
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1:1 private sessions (Sundays)
Modern Theatre Jazz
These classes are lively and lots of fun! They follow the ISTD Modern Theatre Syllabus where children learn core dance skills which are developed and built upon as they progress through the grades. The lessons are based around a structured syllabus which involves learning set exercises as well as free dances, providing the children with the opportunity to take exams if they wish. Styles range from Jazzy, fast and funky to lyrical and Musical Theatre for a well rounded dance education.
This style of dance is one of the three core Theatre Dance subjects, (Ballet, Tap & Modern) and often seen on the stages of musical productions and is known for its theatrical qualities. The style uses traveling steps, high kicks, leaps, and turns which all need strength and flexibility.
Children's Modern Theatre Jazz is taught following the syllabus of the ISTD (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing), one of the world’s leading dance examination boards.
Contemporary
Contemporary classes are perfect for students who want to explore movement and creativity while learning dance technique, proper alignment, use of breath and weight and performance quality. It is an emotive and creative style which combines elements of several dance genres including modern, jazz, lyrical and classical ballet.
Contemporary Dance is all about nurturing individuality through dance - helping every student
find their voice, unlock their creativity, and develop skills that go far beyond the studio.
Classes will start with a warm up, floor work, travelling steps from the corner and across the floor and end with short dance sequences and routines.
We have 2 levels of Contemporary Dance classes at DHD starting from 8 years.
Tap
Tap dance is one of the most enjoyable and rhythmic forms of recreational dance. Tap is excellent for developing a sense of rhythm, coordination and musicality and children have great fun making different sounds with their feet!
Children's Tap is taught following the syllabus of the ISTD (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing), one of the world’s leading dance examination boards.
Students from 3 years can learn Tap. At this age Tap is combined with Ballet in our Preparatory Ballet & Tap class and from 5-6 years in Pre-Primary Ballet & Tap. and again into Primary 1 and 2. After this the styles are split and children can progress to an individual class and follow the grade system. The Grades (from Primary) have been devised to provide a worthwhile sense of achievement for children and young people who dance for recreation and for children hoping to pursue a career in dance.
Children wishing to take Grade exams must attend at least two classes a week in the term before their exam.
Dance classes are unlike schools, students do not move up a grade once a year, but when they have achieved the knowledge, safe understanding and developed the necessary skills and performance quality.
Age ranges are always just guidelines for dance classes. Students will be placed in the perfect class for them to reach their full potential after their class trial.
Although children are offered the opportunity to take exams, these are never compulsory and children can learn for recreation and fun!
