SCHEDULE OF CLASSES FROM JUNE 2021
CLASSES AT WESLEY HALLS, SHROFFOLD ROAD, DOWNHAM
MONDAY
Preliminary Ballet, Modern, Gymnastic and Song & Dance 5.00 - 6.00 pm
Grade 5 + Gymnastic Dance 6.00 - 7.00 pm
Intermediate + Ballet & Pointe 7.00 - 8.15 pm
TUESDAY
Grade 2 + Ballet / Contemporary with singing technique 5 - 6.15 pm
Grade 4 + Modern Stage Dance / Freestyle with singing technique 6.00 - 7.15 pm
Grade 5 / Professional levels Modern / Jazz 7.15 - 8.15 pm
Grade 6 / Professional Levels Contemporary / Freestyle 8.15 - 9.15 pm
WEDNESDAY
Grade 2 + Modern and Contemporary Dance 4.30 - 5.15 pm
Grade 2 + Gymnastic Dance 5.15 - 6.15 pm
Grade 4 + Ballet & Pointe 6.15 - 7.15 pm
NOTE: From January 2024 the Junior Class for age 5 and under will commence on Mondays at 4.30.
Grade 2 +
BALLET (RUSSIAN METHOD)
Ballet is a traditional and formal style of dance involving rigorous technique such as pointe work, turnout of the legs and high extensions, flowing, precise movements, and ethereal qualities. Russian ballet features high extensions and dynamic turns.
CONTEMPORARY
Contemporary dance developed during the mid twentieth century, borrowing from classical, modern and jazz styles and many other styles of dance. Contemporary dance usually combines the strong legwork of ballet with modern dance's stress on the torso and also includes contraction - release, floor work, fall and recovery, and improvisation.
STAGE TAP
Tap dance uses the sounds of tap shoes striking the floor as a form of percussion. Two major variations on tap dance exist: rhythm (jazz) tap and Broadway tap. Rhythm tap practitioners consider themselves to be a part of the Jazz tradition. Broadway tap focuses on dance; it is widely performed in musical theatre. Stage tap taught in the Cooper School focuses on the more Broadway end of the spectrum.
MODERN STAGE DANCE
Modern Theatre dance is a rhythmic dance style often seen on the stages of musical productions and is known for its theatrical qualities. The style uses travelling steps, high kicks, leaps and turns which all need strength and flexibility. It is a highly energetic dance style.
GYMNASTIC DANCE
This is a form of dance combining the techniques of Ballet, Modern and Contemporary with basic gymnastics and acrobatic tricks. It builds great core strength and enormous confidence once students overcome their initial nerves!
LYRICAL and FREESTYLE
Lyrical dance often was previously based on the Classical technique of Ballet but now use the styles of Contemporary and Hip Hop to interpret the lyrics of the music. Freestyle involves elevation, travel and flexibility and may often include acrobatic tricks.
STREET
The hip-hop dance style b - boying or breakdancing and the funk styles popping and locking are some of the most popular street dance styles.
MUSICAL THEATRE
This is a form combines songs, spoken dialogue, acting, and dance. The story and emotional content of a musical are communicated through the words, music, movement and technical aspects of the entertainment as an integrated whole. Younger students taking ‘Song and Dance’ exams
explore the techniques used in Musical Theatre while those who are more serious about this genre can enter for nationally recognised formal graded examinations.
