Information specific to the selected class

Tiny Tots Tap For children new to tap aged 4-6

Tap Dance

Children's Tap

Classes start from Tiny Tots Tap (ages 4-5) and students may progress through to Advanced, following the ISTD syllabus and exam structure. This is a style for those who want to explore rhythm and movement through the body whilst also focusing on mobility of the feet and ankles to create the different sounds. And you are encouraged to make a lot of noise!

During the Summer and Autumn Terms for those who are ready students can progress to the next grade by preparing for an exam. Examinations ensure that their sense of performance style and technique is progressing against the standards set by the ISTD. These exams are a fantastic opportunity for children to set a goal for themselves and then achieve it in a measurable way. Examinations will require attendance at additional special classes in the run up to the exam, and will be planned well in advance to allow time for preparing the application forms and booking an examiner. The exam day itself may be a weekday and absence requested from school.

We are proud to say that Colours of Dance students have an extremely high pass rate in Medal Tests and Exams.

Adult Tap

Beginners tap (L1)

This class is designed for adults who are new to tap, or who have less than 2 years of experience. If you have had a long break from tap dancing then this may also be a good class to get you back into it. In this class the teacher will explain each step clearly, developing exercises to work on rhythm, tone and technique throughout the term. You will learn a variety of new steps and the associated vocabulary, and be able to put steps together into short sequences. Videos of the steps will be made available to you via our online portal throughout the term.

Improvers tap (L2)

To join this class, you will need at least 1 or 2 years’ experience of tap dancing. You will be able to dance basic steps such as shuffles, tap-step, riffs and cramp rolls. Throughout each term steps will be developed and worked into short exercises or sequences, and you will learn to use more complex and interesting rhythms such as syncopation and cross accenting. If you’re not sure if this is the level for you, then you are welcome to attend a trial lesson, and the teacher will be able to tell you to which level you are best suited. If you’re an experienced tap dancer who has had a long break, then this may be a good class to get you back in the swing!

Advanced adult tap (Intermediate ISTD)

If you are an advanced adult tap dancer then we encourage you to join the Intermediate ISTD tap class. In this class you will explore a large variety of steps and styles, from short exercise drills, to performance sequences. To join this class you will need to be confident at learning new sequences, dancing elevated pick-ups on two feet or one foot, and have good turning skills. If you aren’t sure if this is the level for you, then please sign up for a trial class and the teacher can advise you afterwards.


Children

Children's Ballet:

Classes follow the RAD syllabus.

Ballet classes are based around a series of exercises & dances, specifically designed to increase strength, posture, technique, musicality and performance. All classes are taught using imagination and a variety of musical styles, to encourage, energise and motivate every student irrespective of ability. The opportunity to participate in Examinations & Class Awards are offered to all students when they are considered ready, but are not mandatory for successful progression.

Entry ages for each class are approximately as follows, but will vary according to experience and aptitude and are decided by the Principal:

Pre-Primary in Dance - 4 and a half to 5 years old Primary in Dance - 5 and a half to 6 years old Grade 1 - 6 and a half to 7 years old Grade 2 to Grade 4 - from 7 years old Grade 5 to Grade 8 - from 10 years old Intermediate Foundation to Advanced - from 11 years old

Pre-Ballet for children age 3-5, the First Steps (age 3-4) and Next Steps (age 4-5) classes form an ideal foundation for ballet and other styles of dance. Children attend these classes independently and learn basic steps and how to handle themselves in a dance-class environment. First Steps and Next Steps are not examined, although the teacher monitors progress against a set of criteria set by the Principal to ensure their development.

Boys Ballet: A Ballet class exclusively for boys aged 7-11 taught by the Principal. This is a non-syllabus class introducing ballet posture, style and steps specific to boys to develop their strength, coordination and confidence. Students may attend this class as an addition to their regular dance class or as their weekly dance class. The choice of music, environment, atmosphere in the studio and language is all designed to enthuse and inspire male dancers.

We are proud to say that Colours of Dance students have an extremely high pass rate in Medal Tests and Exams.


Dance for Pre-Schoolers

Discovering Dance and Exploring Dance : Introduces music and movement in a developmentally supported and secure manner. These classes are designed to help children explore their developing physical, cognitive, creative, social and emotional selves, and at the same time supports children reaching their developmental benchmarks. Designed for children to participate together with their carers, who might be parents, grandparents or guardians, these classes are bonding, fun, inspiring and exciting, and will give children and their carers plenty of activities and ideas to take home or beyond the studio.

Discovering Dance - for children aged birth to 18 months Exploring Dance - for children aged 18 months to 2.5 years

Adventures in Dance: For girls & boys aged 2.5-3.5 years. We explore varied music, rhythms & basic dance steps, using props, imagination and stories. It's a lovely way for children who are able to separate from their parents to take their own first dance steps... These classes are not genre specific, as they introduce fundamental dance steps which are found in all styles of dance, and focus on exploring movement, developing creativity and imaginative responses, and supporting young children in achieving their developmental benchmarks.

Dance Artists: The next step on the ladder for girls & boys aged 3.5-4.5. We develop our exploration of varied music, rhythms & dance steps, using props, imagination and stories. By the time they are 5 they will have a basic vocabulary of steps and directions which they can demonstrate consistently and which they can take with them into any dance situation. It's a great class for a little person who loves to dance through life and it's a great foundation for getting ready to choose a particular style as they start school whether it be ballet, street dance, tap or modern.

Tiny Tots Tap We generally recommend Tiny Tots Tap as being suitable from age 5, but sometimes a younger child will be suitable. This class is designed for our youngest tap dancers, giving them chance to explore footwork, rhythm and movement in a really fun way, whilst building them up to be ready to start the tap syllabus grades.

Pre-Primary in Dance This class leads on directly from Next Steps and is a pre-ballet class in nature. Children spend about 12 months at this level, and may participate in a Class Award in front of an external examiner before moving up to Primary.

Streetdance - Beginners This very first class is recommended for children aged 4-6 who have not danced before, or who have not done streetdance. Using basic dance vocabulary children will be introduced to several streetdance styles during the year, and when they are ready, may participate in Medal Tests.


Non-Syllabus

Classes in ballet encompassing all non-syllabus based classes from Child to Adult. Includes Boys Ballet, Ballet Barre, Pointe classes & most adult ballet classes. We often advise that attendance at non-syllabus classes is an excellent addition to regular syllabus classes, as it works the brain a little harder in memorising new combinations of movements, it tests the technique, and offers the challenge of a range of steps that are beyond the syllabus. Often these classes have participants across a range of ages and grades, so it also offers a wider-community dimension or a sense of 'company' that is less present in syllabus classes.

Pre-Ballet for children age 3-5, the First Steps (age 3-4) and Next Steps (age 4-5) classes form an ideal foundation for ballet and other styles of dance. Children attend these classes independently and learn basic steps and how to handle themselves in a dance-class environment. First Steps and Next Steps are not examined, although the teacher monitors progress against a set of criteria set by the Principal to ensure their development.

Boys Ballet: A Ballet class exclusively for boys aged 7-11 taught by the Principal. This is a non-syllabus class introducing ballet posture, style and steps specific to boys to develop their strength, coordination and confidence. Students may attend this class as an addition to their regular dance class or as their weekly dance class. The choice of music, environment, atmosphere in the studio and language is all designed to enthuse and inspire male dancers.

Adult Ballet - Foundation Level, Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3: We offer adults who are either: new to ballet; who might be returning to ballet; who would simply like to work with another teacher, the opportunity to come to a class that suits their level and lifestyle. Ballet is fantastic for increasing flexibility and mobility, improving posture, muscle strength and allows you to get away from the pressures of real life and dance it out while the music plays! We will help determine which class is appropriate for your skill and timetable.

Ballet Barre: For people who are short on time but still want to work on posture and general strength. It is a great class for those new to Ballet or for students with a limited range of physical movement or the more mature student who wants to maintain a level of physical fitness without having to face pirouettes or jumps.

Introduction to Ballet: Especially designed for adults who have never done ballet before, this is a complete introductory course run over 10 weeks taking you from plie to pirouette. You will be introduced to new and correct vocabulary, basic classical posture & placement and learn the skills necessary to continue in a general class setting. For those less confident this class could be repeated or be attended in addition to a beginners/general class.

Days of Dance and Workshops We often offer single days of dance and workshops that are held at weekends or in school holidays, led by visiting teachers or our own faculty. These are usually non-syllabus classes and are workshop-style, focused not only on the technique, but with a greater emphasis on performance, musicality and 'having a go'.


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