Dance into Excellence with the London School of Art's Ballet Program
Ballet is important because it’s the perfect blend of fitness and art. It teaches hard work, discipline and dedication. It is “a form of classic academic dancing based on the accepted five positions of the feet and using a vocabulary of movement developed since the 17th century; originally descended from court dances” (Greskovic). Ballet is the foundation of many other genres. Most of the movement developed in ballet are used in; jazz, modern, lyrical, and contemporary.
Baby Ballet At London School of Arts, we start teaching ballet at a very young age to encourage our young ones to enjoy ballet dancing as an art form from a young age. Our Baby Ballet classes are designed where every child can build their confidence and social skills, learning manners, discipline and respect while developing their basic ballet technique, coordination, musicality, balance and rhythm.
Pre-Primary in Dance and Primary in Dance develop students’ physical skills, stamina, creativity, expression, posture and musicality using a range of sounds and musical styles. This foundation prepares students for the transition to ballet and other dance genres at higher levels.
Pre-Primary in Dance and Primary in Dance are the introductory levels of the RAD’s graded examination syllabus. They follow on from the ‘Dance to Your Own Tune’ Curriculum and provide a pathway into Grade 1 and above.
The knowledge and skills gained through successful completion of these levels provide a basis for progression to subsequent examinations in dance (Grades 1-8).
Grade 1-5 classes consist of classical ballet exercises to develop good posture, transfer of weight, stretched legs and feet and controlled landings with the use of turnout being introduced from Grade 1. Free movement steps are used and children have the opportunity to create their own sequences suitable for their level. Character is introduced from Grade 1 giving the children the opportunity to explore steps from around the globe to various patterns and rhythms.
Classes are 45 minutes to 1 hour long and children are potentially entered for the Graded exams after 3-5 terms of study. Children taking the exam will be encouraged to come twice a week if the timetable permits.
Students move into Grade 6 after passing Grade 5 and are by this time are encouraged to take 2 classes a week. Basic Pointe work is introduced at this level but it is not a requirement for the RAD Grades 6-8 examinations. The higher grades are suitable for students who participate in ballet classes as a recreation, as a continuation of dance training to move on to a dance career, as opportunity to gain extra points for university applications and CVs. The classes consist of Classical, Free Movement, Character and Pointe work.
Feel free to check our Ballet Teacher Susie’s biography through our website.