On completion of Grade 2 dance, students graduate from our Junior School and progress to our Senior School.
At this age, students are encouraged to take at least 2 ballet classes per week and they also have the opportunity to be invited to our vocational class programme with pointe work. We also offer ISTD Modern and Tap; jazz; contemporary, Acro and Musical Theatre classes. Many of our students choose to study all these genres alongside our vocational programme.
Teen beginners are also able to join these classes at Grade 3 level. The syllabus followed allows for examinations to be taken if desired, or the classes can be used to just have fun and improve your fitness and coordination!
RAD Ballet
Danceforce follows the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) syllabus.
The classes available are:
Pre Primary to Grade 8 for children from 5-6 years and upwards
The graded examination syllabus incorporates ballet, free movement and character. It is recommended that children do two ballet classes a week from Grade 3 level.
Vocational Syllabus:
Intermediate Foundation and Intermediate Ballet
For very dedicated students who would like to pursue a career connected with dance or for extra technique and strength for the Higher Grades 6,7 and 8.
Preparing for examinations gives students a sense of achievement, increased confidence and self esteem. The RAD is an awarding body accredited by the QCA and students can earn UCAS points.
Additional ballet classes:
Pointe classes
Students for these classes need to be 12 years of age / Grade 5 ballet and above and be attending at least 2 ballet classes per week.
PBT (Progressive ballet Technique)
PBT is an innovative programme designed to train dancers in muscle memory to improve technique and awareness of muscles. This will benefit all types of dance whether ballet, modern, jazz or contemporary are studied.
Stretching is essential for dance students to help prevent injuries and to create long lean pliable muscles
ISTD Modern & Tap
Danceforce follows the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance [ISTD] syllabus.
The classes available are:
All grades from Pre Primary to Advanced, for children from 4 years of age
Modern classes improve co-ordination, and help students to gain flexibility and strength. The syllabus covers lyrical, blues, jazz and funky isolations. It is recommended to study Ballet to take Grade 2 Modern and above as the syllabus is technique based. 15 minutes limbering is attached to Modern classes from Grade 3 upwards.
Tap is a great choice for promoting co-ordination, a sense of rhythm, and for strengthening and loosening foot, ankle and leg muscles. Tap dance is exciting and fun and children can’t wait to get those noisy shoes on! The ISTD examinations are also accredited by the QCA.
View ISTD Modern & Tap Timetable
Jazz
Jazz is funky, fun and up to date. Classes are for ages 6 years and above. Older students can study the ISTD Jazz Awards in Bronze, Silver and Gold. Many of our students like to do both jazz and modern as it compliments the modern grades.
Contemporary
This is a new class on the timetable for secondary school students.
Contemporary dance is characterised by it’s versatility – it can be danced to almost any style of music or united with other dance genres to create new styles of movement.
LAMDA Drama
Drama classes are geared for girls and boys. The youngest students from age 4 work with poems, stories and movement. Older students work towards LAMDA drama exams improving confidence and public speaking.
Teenage Ballet & Modern Dance
Teen beginners generally join our classes at Grade 3 level. We follow a syllabus so exams can be taken if wished or just have fun and improve your fitness and coordination.
