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Classical Ballet ISTD & RAD

The Drusilla Duffill Theatre School provides a thorough grounding in Classical Ballet. Classes are graded for pupils to study in the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing and also at Vocational Student Level in the Royal Academy of Dance Examinations. The children and students develop the skill and understanding of the Imperial Classical Ballet, at the same time building a sound, safe technique by developing the physical ability to communicate through movement in an expressive and artistic way. Children study the I.S.T.D syllabi which build up gradually ensuring that steps learned at lower levels prepare for more complex movements. Following on from the grades, students study the Vocational Graded Syllabi providing them with qualifications required for a career in dance, if they wish. Any pupil showing the dedication for Classical Ballet will be recommended to audition for further training at the discretion of the Artistic Director.

Pre-School & Reception Ballet Classes for children from 3 yrs

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Pre School Ballet Classe
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See our Pre School and Reception Ballet class page

Encourage self-confidence, self-expression, and social skills with our fun classes that help develop and inspire your child's musicality and imagination. Classes are taught by highly experienced trained staff, incorporating singing and mime. Dance is a wonderful activity for children, capable of teaching a child confidence, poise and grace. Most importantly dancing is fun.

Modern, Jazz and Tap

Modern Theatre has become one of the most popular dance styles in recent years, mainly due to its popularity on television shows, films, music videos and advertisements. Modern is energetic and fun and enables a dancer to show their own individual personality and style. Ideally Modern dancers require a background in ballet, but this is not compulsory. Children study the I.S.T.D Modern syllabi which build up gradually ensuring that steps learned at lower levels prepare for more complex movements. Following on from the grades, students study the Vocational Graded Syllabi providing them with qualifications required for a career in dance, if they wish.

 

A jazz class explodes with energy with music styles ranging from hip hop to show tunes. Children learn the dynamics required to develop their Modern Theatre dance syllabi in various forms of the Jazz style from Hip Hop, Street Dance, Classical Contemporary Jazz and Pop. Jazz classes begin with a thorough warm up which then leads into a series of stretching exercises and dance combinations as choreographed by the teacher.

 

Tap is an exciting form of dance in which dancers use their feet like drums to create rhythmic patterns and beats. Children study the I.S.T.D Tap syllabi which build up gradually ensuring that steps learned at lower levels prepare for more complex movements. Following on from the grades, students study the Vocational Graded Syllabi preparing them with qualifications required for a career in dance, if they wish.

Musical Theatre

Being a Dancer is not only about establishing a strong dance technique but also the art of performing to an audience. Learning from an experienced professional students are taught the following - performance techniques , singing and acting techniques, stage craft and theatre studies and audition preparation. The Musical Theatre Classes are split into different age group ranges. 6-10 years 11 + years.

 

Examinations

Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing and Royal Academy of Dance

 

Entry to examinations can be made at regular intervals in all dance genres and are recommended as a means of assessment and achievement for the children. An additional weekly coaching class is required to ensure repetition of the syllabus and to encourage the children to perform their exercises and dance solo. The children will be assessed individually as to when their examinations are due. Parents will be notified in advance, in writing, if their child is thought to be ready to be entered for examination.

 

As an introduction to examinations, when children in the Pre-Primary classes are ready to progress to the next level they are prepared for a Presentation Class, to which parents are invited at the end of term. The presentation will be assessed by the Artistic Director, Drusilla Duffill or the Principal, Vikki Harris who will present each child with a certificate of achievement at the Pre-Primary standard. The class will then progress to Primary Grade. It is not necessary for children to attend additional coaching classes for this presentation class or to have any special uniform or shoes.

 

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