Age 2-3 years
We introduce Baby ballet, progressing to Nursery ballet to school starting age. A great introduction into the world of dance.
Age 4-6 years
From Pre-Primary to Primary building on their skills. They can now start additional subjects like Tap and Modern Theatre classes and acrobatics from 6yrs
Ages 7-10
Ages 7-10 Grade work is introduced for a more structured learning, they will gain a vocabulary of steps and techniques in Ballet, tap, modern theatre and Acrobatic classes. incorporating all the latest styles, classes are energetic, expressive, and fun.
Age 11+
We now offer Contemporary and Progressing ballet technique classes and pointe work training alongside their ballet classes as an additional class to enhance their training further. They will learn technical moves, gain strength and flexibility to perform. Grades 6 – vocational grades all counting towards UCAS points
Adult
Discover the joy of our adult dance classes, where you can engage your brain and have a blast! Whether you’re diving into a new genre or dusting off your dancing shoes after a break, it’s time to focus on yourself, get in shape, and connect with like-minded individuals. Dancing isn’t just for kids anymore! Experience the grace and elegance of Silver Swans ballet designed specifically for those aged 55+. Join us and embrace the magic of dance at any stage of life.
We start our ballet classes from 2 years in baby ballet, progressing to Nursery ballet to school starting age. These classes are designed to allow the children to be independent, creative and learn basic dance steps through fun play. We sing songs, use props to aid their motor skills, use imaginative mimes and follow a set class to enable the children to grow in confidence.
From school age they can follow the Royal Academy syllabus, designed for children to learn ballet, take exams with medals awarded should they wish, they move from Pre-Primary to Primary building on their ballet skills. They can now start additional subjects like Tap and Modern Theatre classes.
7-9 Grade work is introduced, this is a more structured approach to the ballet work, from standing at the barre, learning French terminology and gaining a more structured classical training and developing their artistry. They now they progress to learning character work-(traditional folk dancing with skirts, props and heeled shoes) Along with our other genres, they can also start acrobatic Arts classes now too.
Grades follow from grade 1-8 with grades 6-8 and vocational grades all counting towards UCAS points.
From 11+ we offer Progressing ballet technique classes alongside their ballet classes as an additional class alongside pointe work training.
Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) is an innovative body-conditioning and strengthening program that has been designed to enhance students’ technique by focussing on training the muscle memory required in each exercise in all forms of dance. It is a unique training system using ballet-technique specific exercises to train skill acquisition in a graded and progressive manner from junior through to advanced levels. PBT helps teachers around the world prepare their students to receive the strength they need to achieve their personal best.
The program helps with injury prevention and rehabilitation and enhances the ability of athletes to perform at their best. It can be difficult for students to feel which muscles initiate the correct alignment in training. However, with the use of an exercise ball, the students gain a great sense of posture and weight-placement whilst feeling each correct muscle group working throughout each exercise, which then stays with them when whilst performing in dance or their chosen field of sport.
PBT focuses on core strength, weight placement and alignment of the body with a gradual approach of carefully designed exercises and repetitions of these exercises that trigger their muscle memory.
PBT is not only a program to improve technique in ballet dancers, it is now being appreciated and incorporated in training by all forms of dancers, athletes, physiotherapists and even footballers!
4+ Tap – they will gain a vocabulary of steps and techniques, develop the fundamental skills to take them through the grades. Tap dance is a theatrical art form often seen on stage in musicals”
Classes from beginners through to vocational classes. Students can work towards exams if they wish or continue for fun. Grades follow from grade 1-8 with grades 6-8 and vocational grades all counting towards UCAS points.
”Tap has evolved as an American dance form, popularised throughout the world, with debate about its origins coming from African dance, Irish dance and/or clog dancing. The dancer uses their feet to strike the floor, beating out different rhythms, with dancers wearing tap shoes which have small metal plates on the toe and heel to give the distinctive sound.
Incorporates all the latest styles, is energetic, expressive, and fun. They will learn technical moves, gain strength and flexibility to perform. Grades follow from grade 1-8 with grades 6-8 and vocational grades all counting towards UCAS points.
”Modern Theatre dance is a rhythmic dance style It is often seen on the stages of musical productions and is known for its theatrical qualities. The style uses travelling steps, high kicks, leaps and turns which all need strength and flexibility. This is a highly energetic dance style.”
Age Suitability
• Beginners Tap: 4 years
• Junior Modern 4-7 years
• Grade 1 modern: 7+ years
• Adults – All abilities welcome
We start our classes at 6 years old, training and certification courses for dance teachers in the art of AcroDance. The program is based on a safe and effective progression with proven results in five divisions of AcroDance: Flexibility, Strength, Balancing, Limbering and Tumbling. Developed with input from professionals and experts in ballet, modern dance, jazz contortion, artistic gymnastics, sport acrobatics, yoga, Acro yoga, Pilates, physiotherapy, hand balancing and more, you will not find a more comprehensive program. Simple thoughtful progressions take the beginner preschool level dancer from log rolls and somersaults to advanced tumbling’s effortlessly across the stage!
Contemporary Dance stems from the core, or torso, of the body and uses elements of contract, release, spiral, floor work, fall and recovery, and improvisation. This evolving style has fast become one of the most dominant genres for dancers throughout the world.
We start these classes from 10 years old to ensure they have a good grounding of posture and ballet skills.
Contemporary dance syllabus was Created by Dr Ross McKim, the well-known dancer, choreographer, philosopher, and Artistic Director of the Rambert School (from 1985–2015), our Contemporary dance syllabus is informed by Eastern concepts of subtle energy and draws influence from choreographers Graham, Hawkins and Cohan. This syllabus aims to introduce students to the fundamentals of Contemporary dance technique and performance by approaching different movement themes at each level, specially created solos and the inclusion of structured improvisation to enable students to explore, develop and create their own movement vocabulary. There are three levels of the syllabus: Intermediate Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced 1.
Silver Swans
Silver Swans(TM)classes have been specifically designed for the over -55’s, but whatever your age, if you are looking for a new way to keep fit and active our ballet classes will put a spring in your step.
Whether you’re an experienced dancer, have briefly dabbled, or are a complete novice, we welcome all older learners of any ability to try out our Silver Swans classes.
Dance Fit
Our adult Dance fit is a full body dance workout based on a range of different dance styles, with music from all genres to get you having a good old boogie. With easy to follow steps, All you need is lots of enthusiasm and we provide the rest!
Adult Tap
Our adult Tap is for those with experience. Learn different rhythm steps to a varied music list from pop to classics. It is medium impact and brain engaging, exercise whilst having fun! We currently have 3 levels, improvers on a Monday evening, Thursday morning tap and intermediate on a Friday evening.
Adult Ballet
Our adult ballet classes are popular, with classes in the day for the experienced and a mixed ability class on a Friday evening. We were the first to trial the new Discovery repertoire syllabi.