Ballet Program

Ages 3 - 5

Designed to instil a love and appreciation for dance, the program focuses on creative work, rhythm training and increasing physical confidence and expression, while encouraging accuracy and excellence through basic skills building and body awareness.  Children are encouraged to begin their studies at the age of 3 years if they have a strong interest in dance and are capable of functioning in a group setting away from their parents.  At this age students obtain a basic introduction to tap and ballet in combo classes.

Dance Schedules    Dance Fees

Ages 5 and 6 (must be in Kindergarten)

Creative forms of movement and imagination combined with appropriate music are used to bring out the little dancer within.  Fun and enjoyment are encouraged with the parameters of acceptable behaviour and listening.  Students will be introduced to the Royal Academy of dance curriculum.  They will be exposed to the following:  basic foundations in dance technique, body awareness, exercise, musicality, imagination, listening skills, dancing in a group environment/cooperating with classmates.  In order to develop these qualities, the child needs an environment free from distraction.  A parent viewing class will be scheduled by the instructor.

Dance Schedules    Dance Fees

Ages 6 - 7

Students will learn the Pre-Primary syllabus of the Royal Academy of Dance.  At these levels children are introduced to the more technical part of ballet as well as rhythm and free movement.

Dance Schedules    Dance Fees

Ages 7 - 8

Students will learn the Primary Exam Royal Academy of Dance curriculum.  An in-house presentation will be conducted at the end of winter/early spring.  A presentation is a means of formally showing the required ballet exercises.  This is not a pass or fail situation, students will go into the exam room as a group accompanied by their instructor and execute the required exercises.  The examiner will write out encouraging remarks for each candidate.  This is an excellent way for little ones to develop confidence and a sense of accomplishment.  Recital participation is part of the curriculum in this class.

Dance Schedules    Dance Fees

This program focuses on the study of classical technique through barre and center exercises as well as free movement and character dance.  Grade level ballet students are required to register for two hours of instruction per week.  Pointe work will be introduced at approximately 12 years of age, depending on previous training and the individual strength of each student.  The goal is for students to perform a ballet exam at their particular level.  An exam fee will be charged by the Royal Academy of Dance and will be required by early January.  This is an addition to the lesson fees.  Recital participation is part of the curriculum in this class.

Dance Schedules    Dance Fees

Ages 8 and up

For the child who enjoys ballet and simply does not want to participate in exams or assessments, these classes area a great alternative.  Open Ballet class will help build a strong base, work to improve alignment, strength, and clean technique, and improve the musicality of each student.  Recital participation is part of the curriculum in this class.

Dance Schedules    Dance Fees

Ages 7 and up

Lyrical Ballet combines the beauty of ballet with the strength of jazz creating a unique style of dance.  This technique focuses on strength, technique, fluidity, balance, extension and emotion.  Choreography uses movement and expression to convey the meaning of the lyrics of the music.  For those dancers who have no desire to enrol in classical ballet, lyrical ballet is seen as a great alternative.

Dance Schedules    Dance Fees

Ballet Exams

The Royal Academy of Dance holds Examinations and Presentation classes in classical ballet which tests the student's progress and ability.  The Academy's syllabus has been devised with great care to ensure the safe and correct training of students.  The Academy believes in the importance of every student having an attainable goal, and progress is measured by examination.  Examinations are open to all students from pre-primary to the major syllabi, offering them a challenge to demonstrate their understanding and knowledge of the work.

Students are expected to demonstrate the required standard of barre, centre, character work and dances from the syllabus to the examiner from the Royal Academy of Dance.  If successful, the examiner will award one of four pass classifications of unsuccessful, pass, pass plus, commended, highly commended and honours, based on the performance seen on the day, in accordance with the established criteria.

Ballet Assessments

Ballet Assessments vary from ballet exams as the instructor accompanies students into the examination room.  Each candidate will receive a form indicating to the student, teachers and parents the strengths of the candidate's performance and the areas that need improvement and each student will also receive a certificate of participation.  Assessments may be performed in any level from Primary through to Grade 6.  As well as being a positive environment, assessments allow student who may have missed classes throughout the year, started ballet later in life, or have physical difficulties to assess where they may stand as a dancer without the pressures of a pass or fail situation.