Classical ballet forms the basis of all dance genres. It is a wonderful way to develop the core skills needed to dance….and it’s fun!
Dance Central teaches ballet in accordance with the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Syllabus. This syllabus has worldwide recognition. Open Classical classes (non syllabus) are also offered for students wishing to further develop their knowledge and skills.
Classical ballet classes are as follows
PRE-PRIMARY AND PRIMARY
Pre-Primary and Primary in Dance are the levels that feed into Grade 1 and above. These classes develop the students’ physical skills, stamina, creativity, expression, and musicality using a range of sounds and musical styles. This strong foundation prepares students for a successful transition to ballet and other dance genres at higher levels. These levels are appropriate for students between the ages of 5 and 7 years.
GRADES 1 – 3
Grades 1-3 constitute Level 1 of the RAD’s Graded syllabus provision in the performance of Ballet and related dance disciplines of Free Movement and Character. Classical Ballet is the core of the syllabus. Free Movement incorporates movements in common with dance genres such as Natural Movement, Contemporary and Classical Greek. Character is the theatrical presentation of national dance using ethnic dance and music, which has been freely adapted for the theatre. Following on from Primary in Dance, the knowledge and skills gained provide a basis for progression subsequent Grades (4-8). These levels are appropriate for students between the ages of 7 and 10 year
GRADES 4-5
constitute Level 2 of the RAD’s Graded syllabus provision in the performance of Ballet and the related dance disciplines of Free Movement and Character. Classical Ballet is the core of the syllabus. Free Movement incorporates movements in common with dance genres such as Natural Movement, Contemporary and Classical Greek. Character is the theatrical presentation of national dance using ethnic dance and music, which has been freely adapted for the theatre. Following on from Grades 1-3, the knowledge and skills gained provide a basis for progression to subsequent Grades (6 – 8 Award). These levels are appropriate for students between the ages of 10 and 13 years
GRADES 6 – 8 AWARD
constitute Level 3 of the RAD’s Graded syllabus provision in the performance of Ballet and the related dance disciplines of Free Movement and Character. They follow on from Level 2 (Grades 4-5) and provide progression to further personal development, lifelong learning and further and higher education opportunities, as well as constituting a preparation for the RAD’s Vocational Graded Syllabus.
Classical Ballet is the core of the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus. Free Movement incorporates movements in common with dance genres such as Natural Movement, Contemporary and Classical Greek. Character is the theatrical presentation of national dance using ethnic dance and music, which has been freely adapted for the theatre. The syllabus aims to promote the study of ballet and related dance disciplines as a leisure and/or vocational activity, provide a means of measuring the acquisition of technical, musical and performance skills, promote and encourage enjoyment of movement as a form of physical exercise, provide all candidates with an opportunity of experiencing dance accompanied by live music, encourage personal self confidence, motivate students by providing clearly defined goals. These levels are appropriate for students aged 10 years and above who have successfully completed the subsequent grades
VOCATIONAL GRADES : Intermediate Foundation & Intermediate Advanced Foundation Advanced 1 & Advanced 2
The Vocational Graded Examinations in Dance syllabus provides an in-depth study of ballet developing the technique, music and performance skills of the student. It introduces pointe work for female candidates. This highly focused and practical training education prepares students for a dance, or dance related, career. The Vocational Graded syllabi are appropriate for students from the age of 11 years.
Students wishing to study for Vocational Graded examinations should have the maturity and technical aptitude to enable them to respond to demanding study. These examinations provides students with:
- the means to further their knowledge and understanding of ballet
- a progressive measure of attainment against specific criteria
- a sound ballet base for vocational dance training programmes
- an opportunity to gain internationally recognised qualifications.
- the opportunity to gain credit points towards their QCE from their RAD dance exams.
REPETOIRE: Level 2 – 4
Repetoire classes are a joyous addition to regular syllabus classes. Vocational and Higher grade students learn the classics, from Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty and more.