Dance School

Grades and Examinations 

The Dance School follows the graded system of the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) for Ballet and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) for Modern & Tap. The ‘Grades’ of both organisations are designed for children who attend one, two or more lessons per week and who enjoy dance as a hobby, working to the best of their ability. There is strong emphasis on the development of musical and expressive dance qualities. 

All classes are divided by age and/or ability. Classes for Ballet and Mini Movers start from 3 years, Street Dance from 4 years and Modern and Tap from 5 years. They take the form of weekly classes of 30 minutes, 45 minutes, or 1 hour. For younger pupils the emphasis is on enjoyment as techniques are gradually introduced, and a ladder of progress followed through the system of Grades. This ensures that pupils are not physically overstrained and techniques and vocabulary are introduced in a measured way. 

Examinations provide a useful yardstick of achievement and are designed to be within the scope of virtually all pupils but are not compulsory. For those who are ready to enter examinations and have a good attendance record, extra lessons are usually needed during the term of the exams, in order to give more individual attention and to enable pupils to perform with confidence and meet the high standards required. Extra lessons are compulsory and there is an additional charge for these lessons, at the discretion of the dance teacher. 

Former pupils have won places at professional dance schools and colleges such as: