Created to give boys and girls the opportunity to experience the dynamic culture of popular dance moves and styles such as Jazz and Funk. The main focus is to make dance enjoyable for all children, especially encouraging beginner dancers to build self esteem and confidence, improve co-ordination, muscle strength and flexibility. Dance is such an everyday part of young people's lives. It expresses the rhythms of life through movement, is stimulating and these ever popular classes are most importantly great fun. This is a fantastic class for the younger student and a great stepping stone if they wish to study to Hip Hop when they are older. Suitable for students from 4 years of age.

 

Jazz is an essential element of 'Musical Theatre' choreography and is a form of dance commonly used in Broadway shows, music videos and movies. Sharp movements, incredible precision and fast vigour are the basis for this exciting technique. Even though Jazz dancing might look easy and fun, dancers have to be in really good shape and are trained to build stamina and powers of endurance. The essence of Jazz dance is to bring entertainment to the people, with the dancer conveying an attitude to the audience. Including a large diversity of styles from smooth modern steps with a lyrical lightness to movements that are big and exaggerated, Jazz is the most popular dance form for amateur dancers.

 

Classical Ballet evokes images of romantic ballerinas, swathed in white tulle, skilfully dancing 'on pointe'. It is the universal language of music combined with graceful movement. It can be delicate, blending lightness with a lyrical beauty but can also be exciting, displaying speed and dexterity with an earthy vitality. It is the most elegant and demanding of the performing arts and the ballet class is a perfect balance of exercise, starting with basic technique at the barre leading up to centre work and culminating in spectacular turns and leaps. Ballet has the added benefits of strengthening posture and providing a strong foundation for all other forms of dance.

National Character Dance is a delightful form of dance giving students an opportunity to experience styles from other countries by simply using basic folk steps. With a strong grounding in classical ballet technique, it is however more robust and rhythmical than ballet and is of great importance, giving insight into costumes, music and dance origins of ethnic communities and countries. Many of the great ballets include character dancing such as Coppelia, Swan Lake, Raymonda and Sleeping Beauty. Bright and fresh, with a touch of vigorous peasant technique, combine to create a feeling of history with folkloric culture. This class may only be taken by students already participating in Classical Ballet classes.

Lovely classes covering the basics of classical ballet technique for Beginners through to more demanding and challenging exercises in the Advanced levels. Ballet is a wonderful way to improve fitness, muscle tone, strength and stamina whilst allowing you to enter a world of beautiful music, grace and sheer joy of dance. If you always dreamt of trying ballet but thought you were too old or it was too late or perhaps wanted to return to a childhood activity then these classes are the perfect choice. The classes are friendly, non-competitive, but most importantly great fun. Suitable for students from 16 years through to mature adults in their 60's.

 

Read more about joining Ballet Class as an Adult

 

Dancing 'en Pointe' requires not only special 'Pointe Shoes' but the correct strength and technique. Watch this mini-doco as three Australian Ballet dancers take us through their own personal pointe shoe rituals En Pointe

 

It is never too late or impossible for anyone to learn to dance. Tap Dancing is one of the most enjoyable and exciting forms to learn, as it conveys simplicity and lightheartedness. If you have never danced before or are a talented 'hoofer' from way back, these classes will have you smiling and toes tapping while improving your fitness. Just get out there and dance!

 

A fun class starting with gentle stretching exercises combining Pilates, Yoga, Alexander Technique and Floor Barre that are designed to improve suppleness and tone muscles without strain or injury. The class then moves onto some core Modern Jazz steps and dance combinations, finishing with a routine. All exercises are demonstrated in a step-by-step process and are safe for a range of body types and fitness levels. This lesson is suitable for beginners through to adults with prior dancing experience.

 

 

 

Modern Contemporary Dance is an explosive art form and a dynamic force that is both exciting and rewarding, where movements seem to well up from within the dancer and spill over, sharing the experience with those watching. It is a natural form of communication where movements are more expressive than words, incorporating a secret compulsion of movement, flowing harmony and spiritual purpose. Contemporary dance, sometimes called just 'Modern', is about momentum and weight travelling, rather than exact shapes and lines. Based upon the concept of fall and recovery where gravity pulls the body down into a fall, and the body's own efforts against gravity make it recover. Modern Contemporary Dance is largely influenced by classical ballet technique, but produces more lyrical and flowing lines with seamless movement. Students must already be studying classical ballet technique lessons.

A select group of dancers (by audition or invitation only) who must have attained a high level in their last FATD Classical Ballet, Tap & Jazz exams, have shown a positive attitude and dedication to hard work in all their classes, have excellent attendance records and the support of their families. Students will perform throughout the year at eisteddfods, community performances, public events and concerts. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to advance their performance skills, improve their stage craft and further their artistic development while building strong friendships and a sense of teamwork.

 

Private lessons for eisteddfod and competition work are available for a small group of select students who display a natural skill for dance or show potential and a love of performing.  They will have the opportunity to learn solo routines that have been personally choreographed reflect the student's personality and highlight their ability while assisting them to develop their own unique talent to become all that they can be.

 

Routines will be choreographed in many different styles such as Classical Ballet, Classical Demi-Character, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Song & Dance, Modern Expressive, Contemporary, National Character and even Baby Dances (5yrs and under). Limited spaces are available so if you feel your child would love the opportunity to perform on stage and let their talent shine speak to Miss Jodie to discuss if they display an appropriate ability and to secure a class time.