Classical Ballet Classes

OPEN CLASSICAL BALLET CLASSES
No parent participation – 45 minutes

Thursday
Classical Ballet A: 4.15-5.00pm  (Approximately Ages 4-6)
Classical Ballet B: 5.00-5.45pm (Approximately Ages 6-10)

Class placement is at Miss Kady’s discretion. Class placements are based on a myriad of factors. Students within each individual class may vary in age and ability, however classes are structured such that each individual student is trained and corrected to their level of ability and dedication. It is our philosophy for children entering exams with external studios that the class be used as an opportunity to hone and perfect technique, turnout, artistry and posture throughout the year. The more classes exam students attend throughout the week, the more they will improve due to their increased strength, flexibility and refining of technique – every class with Miss Kady is ‘an opportunity to improve’ regardless of who else is participating in the class. We would like parents to note that dance class is not a social opportunity to be with friends, rather a structured extra-curricular activity to learn a discipline. For students attending only our classes once a week, for enjoyment and for the pure love of dance, we provide an opportunity for these students to learn dance technique in a safe, fun, supportive and nurturing environment.  Regardless of each child’s age or ability they should be working within the class to their own individual level and improving and enhancing their ‘personal best’ each and every week, through Miss Kady’s guidance and individual corrections given to each student.  Younger students in the class will work up through the progressions of steps, and older students in the class will be working on perfecting them (there is ALWAYS room to improve!!) Our junior dance technique programs are designed to teach and refine classical, lyrical and jazz technique throughout the entire year. Due to the children participating in one technique lesson a week, it must be noted – our classes are not ‘traditional ballet classes’ and we are not a ‘traditional dance school’. While completely qualified in RAD Ballet, and boasting a wealth of first-class dance training and experience, Miss Kady does not conduct didactic teaching of syllabus work, choreographic work, eisteddfod routines or concert performances for students attending classes one day per week (this would not be appropriate or safe dance practice within the limited time restraints). Rather our specially designed dance technique classes include the following:

- Stretch and warm up: to improve feet, flexibility and strength.
- Barre work: to establish foundations for classical ballet technique (which even a Prima Ballerina needs as part of their training)
- Corner work: including Porte bra and artistic development, refining of connecting steps integral to classical ballet, turning and pirouette training and execution, as well as allegro training including a variety of jumps and leaps. These fundamental exercises are repeated each week (yes ballet is repetitive to achieve improvement and students ideally should be retaining corrections week to week so as to continually improve) and are ‘broken down’ and progressed at various levels based on individual students abilities. This approach allows students to refine and perfect these integral components of classical ballet, to the standard they are each capable of. It should also be noted that children in these classes are being taught steps far beyond the usual vocabulary relevant to their equivalent RAD examination grade – it is for this reason older children in the classes are continually extended and have the opportunity to work towards the goal of perfecting technically difficult work.
- Cool Down & Reverence: Students participate in a short stretch and cool down Porte bra, before respectfully thanking all teachers and assistant teachers.
All existing students love each and every class with Miss Kady. We ask that parents and students please be aware that each child has their own reasons for attending dance class, and each has their own individual journey to make, which Miss Kady will help them to achieve. Also, it should be considered that one is never ‘too good’ or ‘too talented’ to improve their technique and each correction should be treated as a ‘gift’ – professional Prima Ballerinas in ballet companies around the world still take dance class, participate in repetitive technique coaching and have dance coaches they respect, value and listen to. Learning and knowledge is one of the most wonderful gifts we can receive.