Class Descriptions

Dance Play

All children love to dance and our Dance Play class is specifically designed for 3 and 4 year olds with the emphasis on dancing and playing. The class helps to develop motor skills and co-ordination as well as promoting a love of dance. Interesting and stimulating music is used together with props and children can develop friendships in a fun and playful atmosphere.

Primary Ballet

This is a classical ballet class for 5 and 6 year olds. Based on the Cecchetti syllabus, it promotes co-ordination by providing a structured ballet class, which develops the first vital steps in ballet. In this class we also encourage creative movement, interpretation, imagination and improvisation, whilst developing musical awareness and the first elements of stage production.

Grades 1-6 Syllabus Classes

Structured classical ballet classes in the Cecchetti Method. The syllabus class ensures correct placement, alignment of body and technique and is the basis of a young dancer’s training. It is also an opportunity to explore other forms of dance including character, mime, neo-classical and contemporary, whilst developing their own creative approach to dance. Examinations may be taken in these levels at the discretion of the Principal.

Cecchetti Majors (Intermediate & Advanced I & II)

Cecchetti classical ballet syllabus classes. Previous dance experience necessary. Examinations offered at these levels.

Senior Open Class

Open classes provide students with a classical ballet class that is structured, yet different every week. Although a good technique is a pre-requisite for Open Class, the focus is on interpreting and learning new steps quickly and performing new sequences and enchainments. Repertoire and other dances are also taught to the students.

Beginners Pointe Clas

This is an introductory pointe class incorporating muscle strengthening exercises and preliminary pointe steps. This class is only offered to students undertaking Grade 5 or higher syllabus classes. Before students can purchase and wear pointe shoes they mush meet a number of criteria set by the Diamond Valley Dance Academy including:

• The completion of a minimum of 12 months in the Beginners Pointe Class.
• Having reached the age of 12 years (or at the discretion of the Principal at an earlier or later age).
• Attending a dance specialist podiatrist for assessment and evaluation of feet structure and suitability on pointe.

The Principal will provide the student with details of such specialist once the other criteria have been met, and the Principal feels the student is ready to proceed with pointe work.

Senior Pointe Production & Repertoire

The Senior Pointe Class incorporates the Intermediate and Advanced Pointe Syllabus, together with open class work, variations and repertoire. Previous dance training required.

Tap

Shirley Temple, Gene Kelly, Fred Astair, Ginger Rogers…..the list of tapping greats goes on. Tap has always been a fundamental part of dance, particularly in movies, now add to it Tap Dogs, Bootmen and the latest grunge style and tapping is making a big comeback. Based on rhythms and beats, tap offers students a fun and energetic dance form. Beginners to Advanced.

Jazz

Jazz, including hip hop and funk styles, provides students with an energetic workout to their favourite dance music. Jazz classes incorporate technique, improvisation, flexibility, rhythm, musicality and co-ordination. Our jazz classes include components of contemporary, musical theatre and lyrical dance, while the basis of the class is on the latest hip hop moves and routines. Beginners to Advanced.