For children under the age of 4 we recommend Dinky Dance which uses the RAD's Pre-School Dance Curriculum, leading up to Ballet.
Pre-Grades Age 4-7
In the ‘pre-grades’ (Pre-Primary and Primary) the technical exercises are fairly basic and there is also mime to help inspire the children, ‘witches’ and ‘night time in the zoo’ for example. There are props such as pom poms, ribbons, wands and flags to help develop co-ordination and natural movement.
At Pre-Primary level we also regularly use themes such as Christmas, Easter, Chinese New Year, Seaside etc. to keep interest levels high and using the 'learning through play' theory. The children
learn how to point their toes and jump correctly. These classes provide an excellent basis for the more technical graded classes.
Grades Age 7+
Classical technique really begins to develop from Grade 1. As well as the classical section, character steps are practised incorporating national dances from Hungary, Poland and Russia.
There is also a free movement section based on Greek dance in each grade where the use of gravity, body weight and natural movement is encouraged. Throughout the grades, strength, turnout and correct posture develop which enables many children to begin pointework at about Grade 4 level. We currently offer RAD Grades 1-5.
Unset Ballet
This class is non-syllabus based and the exercises covered change every few weeks. This makes it suitable for children who want a taste of ballet without attending full graded classes, it is highly suitable for children who already attend other graded classes as they are expanding their knowledge and learning to pick up new steps and combinations. It is also suitable for new starters as the exercises are run through during each class (which can’t always be done during graded classes due to forthcoming exams). There is the option to take Ballet medals in this class.
Vocational Age 10+
Once a student reaches vocational levels complete commitment is required. Students should be attending at least 3 or 4 ballet classes per week. Beating steps begin and there is much more pointe work and emphasis on strength and high extensions. It is at this stage a student must decide whether he or she wishes to dance professionally. Many wish to continue just for enjoyment but for those who wish to take dancing seriously, Prima can help in preparing for professional exams, auditions and teaching exams. Ballet is considered to be the most important of the three core dance techniques.
Whilst we don't offer all levels at all times (as there are usually only a few vocational students at any one time) classes are available in RAD Intermediate Foundation, Intermediate, Advanced Foundation, Advanced 1 and Advanced 2, we can also offer IDTA Intermediate and Advanced 1 if there is sufficient demand.
