RAD Ballet Course Descriptions

Course Descriptions

Pre-Primary

Age: 5—6 years old

Progressing from First Steps, children now learn to work in lines and on the diagonal. Basic movement themes such as; jumping, balletic runs walks, spinning and skipping are explored as an introduction to classical ballet.

Students continue to work with partners to facilitate a sense of teamwork.

Primary

Age: 5—7 years old

Traveling movements learned previously are given more complexity with the addition of skips forward, backward and simple jump combinations. Expression and musical awareness are taught through free movement, mime and storytelling.

Coordination and control of the body, arms, hands and head are improved.

Primary level students have now developed the ability to retain basic movement combinations and can now perform short dances in solo form.

Grade 1

Age: 6—9 years old

Level 1 introduces students to the foundations of barre work to develop proper alignment and classical technique.

Students continue to work on traveling steps with an introduction to grand allegro.

An emphasis is placed on turning, jumping, and linking steps. Introductory character work and free movement study provide students with an avenue for self expression and performance style.

Students are expected to show awareness of basic technique appropriate timing and musicality.

Grade 2—4

Age: 7—10 years old

Students continue to build their vocabulary with a new set of specific exercises at the barre and is the centre.

At this level an emphasis is placed on detail and artistry, therefore, increasing stamina, concentration and discipline are required. Dancers will learn to communicate expression and feeling in their movement.

Character steps in the Russian style are expanded as students are now expected to show a clear understanding of stylistic and rhythmical nuances.

Pre-pointe shoes will be considered at this level up at the discretion of the teacher.

Grade 5, Intermediate Foundation, Intermediate

Age: 7—12+ years old

Students continue to build their vocabulary with a new set of specific exercises at the barre and is the centre.

At this level an emphasis is placed on detail and artistry, therefore, increasing stamina, concentration and discipline are required. Dancers will learn to communicate expression and feeling in their movement.

Character steps in the Russian style are expanded as students are now expected to show a clear understanding of stylistic and rhythmical nuances.

Pre-pointe shoes will be considered at this level up at the discretion of the teacher.

Advanced Foundation, Advanced 1 & 2

Age: 13—15+ years old

Outcomes and criteria include:

• Apply and demonstrate through performance a sound and established knowledge and understanding of the fundamental and relevant technique and vocabulary of ballet
• Perform a range of complex movement sequences showing sound and secure technical skills and musicality in ballet
• Demonstrate the ability to engage with an audience in a mature, appropriate, assured and professional way
• Demonstrate high level technical skills showing appropriate physical awareness, strength and stamina
• Demonstrate a highly developed understanding of a more complex range of rhythmical sounds, accents and timings

Pointe Skills

We offer both pointe and pre-pointe classes for students who are physically and technically ready for the demands of dancing on pointe. Please enquire for more information.