Recreational:
Children
choosing this program will take one technique class per
week. The children will not be put forward for examinations.
Performance &
Examination:
Students wishing to participate in examinations must attend
at least two classes per week. They will study a particular
syllabi and their progress and achievement will be measured
by an examination. Senior students may need three or four
classes per week. At each stage of training, the level of
technical expertise is within the grasp of students who,
through a balanced and progressive program of study, are
sympathetically and expertly helped towards an increasingly
sound understanding of the principles of movement and
fundamentals of classical ballet. Students will be assessed
by their instructor and will be entered into an examination
when they show the ability to execute their work accurately
and with confidence. The speed of development of individual
students may vary and extra time spent, particularly when
growth spurts occur, can only be beneficial in the long
term. Students and parents must realize that dancers
participating in this program must be willing to make a
commitment to their training and extra attention to detail
and practice at home is essential. They must also realize
that all students progress at different rates and that
students must never be made to feel as if they are a failure
not good enough if they are asked to study a little longer
for a particular examination. (It is not a race) Attendance
is of vital importance and missed classes must be made up.
Other commitments such as immaculate grooming are expected.
Students who do not adhere to this agreement will not be
considered for examinations. Students will be expected to
attend extra rehearsals closer to examination dates and
additional fees will be charged. Also some competitions and
examinations may fall during school hours.
Major
Examinations:
The major
syllabus is the continuation of classical ballet with
the introduction of Pointe work for females. These syllabi
have been designed to give the necessary training to
students wishing to study seriously with a possible view to
following a career in dance or dance related subjects.
Students wishing to
participate in major examinations must have the type of body
which can respond to
demanding study. For example, a relatively proportionate,
flexible physique with a degree of rotation in the hip
socket is necessary for the increased range of movement.
Students must also be able to concentrate for long periods
of time and be able to accept and welcome criticism and
correction. Students studying for major examinations should
expect to take a minimum of three syllabus classes at the
lowest level, increasing as students progress towards the
higher levels. The speed of development of individual
students may vary and extra time spent, particularly when
growth spurts occur, can only be beneficial in the long
term.
Pointe
Students who are dancing at the Grade Five level and up
should consider this class. This is a technique class and
will not require a costume.
Pointe
Performance:
Students must be participating in the Pointe technique class
to be considered for this program. Only dancers strong
enough to dance on Pointe will perform with others
participating as understudies until they develop the
necessary strength. Performers will require a costume.
