Ballet

“Let us first teach little children to breathe, to vibrate, to feel, and to become one with the general harmony and movement of nature. Let us first produce a beautiful human being, a dancing child” (Isadora Duncan)

Ballet

This classical style of expressive movement has something to offer everyone. Ballet dates back to the 17th century. The conventional steps, grace and fluidity of movement are still found in Ballet today.

Ballet has a technique, which is the foundation of all dance. Through a carefully planned curriculum we aim to create fun, interesting and imaginative classes for all pupils who attend the Academy.

Pupils will work through the grades according to ability and experience.  However, classes will not be totally geared to examinations as the Academy places a strong emphasis on developing a pupils joy of dance, encouraging freedom of expression and creativity.

 

Preparatory & Primary Grade

Pupils start with the introduction and development of basic feet and arm positions.

First steps in ballet include plies (knee bends), rises, point and close, sautés (jumps), petit jetes (springs from foot to foot), spring points and travelling steps such as walking on the demi-pointe (tiptoes), skips, running and gallops. 

Ballet Grade One - Six

Barre Work
Aims to promote strength, placing and turnout and prepares students for technically advanced steps, which are performed in the centre during the later grades. 

Centre Work
Port De Bras (carriage of the arms), Degages (points), Chasses (sliding movements), Arabesque and Attitude lines and eventually movements like Pirouettes and Set Adage.

Allegro
Jumps and quicker movements associated with Ballet.  Technical placing and strength needed for elevation is extremely important here. 

Set Balletic Variations
Pupils study the set syllabus variations and perform them individually.

Free Expressive Movement
Pupils interpret select pieces of music through free expressive movement. Movements should reflect changes of pitch, speed or mood with or without a theme.

Pointe Work
Once a pupil has reached the appropriate level and has become technically proficient on demi-pointe, exercises to develop muscle strength to sustain this demanding section commence.

Classical Award 1 & 2
Classical Ballet Awards are designed to encourage artistry and musical awareness in performance whilst preparing for the Vocationally Graded Examinations.

Intermediate, Advanced 1 & 2
Professional performers examinations prepare the pupil for vocational training within a Theatrical Dance Organisation.