Class descriptions
Creative movement
Ages 3-4
Classes are set around a theme incorporation imagination, games, rhythm and creativity in order to introduce movement. Rituals and dance etiquette are introduced in order to establish good learning habits and appreciation of dance. Age appropriate stretches. Preparation for pre primary classes.
Girls uniform: Pink short sleeved, scoop neck leotard; bare legged, footless tights; bare feet.
Boys uniform: Close fitting clothing – leggings, jogging pants – t-shirt – bare feet.
Pre-primary / primary
Ages 5-6
Students will learn a strong foundation of posture, placement, musicality, coordination and movement fundamentals. Students are introduce to the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus and terminology
Girls uniform: Pink short sleeved, scoop neck leotard with matching elastic waist band. No skirts. Pink tights – Pink ballet slippers with elastics.
Boys uniform: White t-shirt or bodysuit – Navy or Black tights or shorts. Dance belt for more senior dancers – white ankle socks – white leather or canvas ballet shoes.
Grades 1 & 2
Ages 7-10
Expands on the previous foundations found covered in pre-primary and primary classes. Students expand their knowledge of the RAD syllabus technique and terminology.
Girls uniform: Pink short sleeved, scoop neck leotard with matching elastic waist band. No skirts. Pink tights – Pink ballet slippers with elastics. Exam students will require character shoes and skirts with coordinating ribbons.
Boys uniform: White t-shirt or bodysuit – Navy or Black tights or shorts. Dance belt for more senior dancers – white ankle socks – white leather or canvas ballet shoes.
Grades 3 - 5
Ages 11
Expands on previous foundations found in lower grades. More advanced syllabus and terminology is introduced. Students begin demi pointe and pointe work at the discretion of the artistic staff. RAD Examinations are offered for students taking two or more classes per week.
Girls uniform: Red bodysuit with matching elastic waist band – Pink tights – Pink leather or canvas ballet slippers – Exam candidates will require character shoes and skirts with coordinating ribbons - Pointe shoes as required
Boys uniform: White t-shirt or bodysuit – Navy or Black tights or shorts. Dance belt for more senior dancers – white ankle socks – white leather or canvas ballet shoes.
Grades 6 - 8
Advanced syllabus, students encouraged to take three or more classes per week. Pointe work and repertoire classes are available .Examinations for students taking two or more classes.
Girls uniform: Any classic style of leotard in your choice of colour - Exam Candidates will require matching chiffon skirts, scarves, character shoes and skirts with coordinating ribbons (check RAD website for colour options). Pink leather or canvas ballet slippers - Pointe shoes as required.
Boys uniform: White t-shirt or bodysuit – Navy or Black tights or shorts. Dance belt for more senior dancers – white ankle socks – white leather or canvas ballet shoes.
Jazz
Ages 7+
Exploring the foundations of classical, Broadway, and contemporary jazz. Jazz dance is a linear and rhythmic style.
Girls uniform: Black body suit or t-shirt – black leggings or footless tights. No street wear or baggy clothing allowed – Jazz shoes.
Boys uniform: Black body suit or t-shirt – black leggings or footless tights. No street wear or baggy clothing allowed – Jazz shoes.
Contemporary
Ages 8+
Students will explore this style of expressive dance which combines elements of several dance genres including modern, jazz, lyrical and classical ballet. Students will focus on connecting the mind and the body through fluid dance movements.
Girls uniform: Black body suit or t-shirt – black leggings or footless tights. No street wear or baggy clothing allowed – Jazz shoes.
Boys uniform: Black body suit or t-shirt – black leggings or footless tights. No street wear or baggy clothing allowed – Jazz shoes.
Hip-Hop
Ages 8+
Hip-hop is an urban street dance style primarily preformed to hip hop music. It includes a wide range of styles including breaking, locking and popping which became popular in the 1970s. Due to the music content and mature nature of the movement our hip hop classes are designed for ages 8 and up.
Girls uniform: Baggy clothing (no jeans), indoor sneakers.
Boys uniform: Baggy clothing (no jeans), indoor sneakers.
Adult Ballet
Ages 18+
Classes are recreational and are designed to accommodate all bodies and dancers of all ages. Each class is divided into two components: a full set of ballet exercises at the barre, followed by some playful choreography and exercises in the centre of the studio.
Adult Ballet I is for participants with very little or no ballet experience (past or present). Adult Ballet II is for participants with ballet experience (past or present) who know the basic ballet terminology and positions.
Participants should wear comfortable, close-fitting clothing, such as leggings and exercise tops, and ballet slippers.