Information specific to the selected class

Boys Ballet Level 1 Age 7 +

Taken by Miss Rachel, this non-syllabus class is for students identifying as boys.  Structured to be engaging and fun, correct classical ballet technique will underpin all learning. This class would be fun to take as an supplementary class to those wishing to follow syllabus course and take exams, as well as being a course that stands on it sown for those students who prefer not to take exams!   This will be a space for boys to develop strength, stamina and artistry as well as to create and explore ballet.

Students taking this class should also take the strength class that follows immediately, so that complimentary body conditioning supports the students' technical and artistic development.  Students registering for the Boys class will automatically be added to the Strength class by the school admins.

Any age of student is welcome - Miss Rachel will adapt for skill and development is needed, but participants must be minimum age 7.

Ballet

Ballet classes at Colours of Dance are varied and cater for almost everyone from age 2 to Adult, according to demand. Our core method is the method and syllabus of the Royal Academy of Dance, of which our Principal is both a Registered Teacher and Trustee. All our graded ballet classes offer the RAD syllabi, and whilst examinations are not mandatory for development and progression, we do think they offer a valuable target and benchmark. From G6, they also come with UCAS points attached! All future dance teachers require a minimum standard of RAD Intermediate to be able to progress into teacher training.

We also offer Non-Syllabus classes, and the theme and methodology of each these will depend on the teacher. We are proud to work with several non-RAD teachers who have been trained in the wonderful Vaganova method (originally from Russia and prevalent throughout Europe and the USA), which offers an alternative focus and different settings, thus enriching the experience of our dancers here - whatever their age and aspirations. All our non syllabus classes are designed to offer really good quality teaching and dancing experience that stands on its own, but is also really useful as a support and addition to syllabus classes, so that a wider vocabulary may be explored and techniques may be applied differently.

RAD Graded classes start with Pre-Primary, which is examined through a Class Award, then then these progress from Primary and then into Grades 1 to 8. From Grade 1, the graded ballet classes include Character Dance, which is based on folk dance from various countries around the world, and relates directly into the classical ballets of the 18th and 19th centuries - think party and ballroom scenes from Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty etc. Children will be required to learn character technique and dances, and to have special character shoes, (and for the girls, skirts) in addition to their ballet shoes.

At around Grade 4, some students who have the commitment, are invited to join the RAD Vocational Graded track in addition to continuing with their Grades. The Vocational Graded exams are designed for potential Vocational dancers, or those who would like to study Pointework and have a purely classical setting. The marking system is somewhat different and there is no character dance content. The Vocational work offers a wonderful challenge as much to those who are committed to a career in dance, as to those who are committed to ballet as their primary hobby.

Appropriate entry into graded classes is partly based on age and partly on experience, so if you are in doubt, please ask. For entry to G1, the minimum age is age 6, as the minimum exam entry is age 7.

A Note on the RAD Pre-Grades

RAD Pre-Grades classes follow the RAD syllabus of Pre-Primary and Primary. Children prepare particularly for entry into classical ballet but also other dance genres by starting with these two preparatory levels, which are focused on developing strong posture, good musicality & basic dance movements.

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

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


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.


Boys Dance

At Colours of Dance, all classes are open to boys as well as girls (and of course at adult level, to men alongside women). All our teachers are skilled at ensuring that male dancers are incorporated into the class with age-appropriate language and imagery so that they feel equally involved, understood and the relevant differences in positions and posture recognised.

Boys Ballet In general dance classes, or in syllabus classes, it is quite possible that girls/women will outnumber the boys/men, and for some, particularly young boys starting out on their dance journey, this changes how they feel about coming. For this reason, we have established Boys Ballet classes on Saturdays, for boys aged 6 to 14 (approx), so that our young men can find their feet in a male-only environment, with a totally male focus on music, language and imagery. Once they know they love dance for itself, often our boys then become ready to add syllabus classes and are totally comfortable holding their own alongside the girls in a mixed class.

Because we prize our boys and make space for them, we are happy to say that there are many boys throughout our school at all ages, and in some streetdance classes, they can even outnumber the girls!

So if your boy would like to dance, please register him for any class that he is interested in.


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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