Dance Classes for Kids in St Helens

We follow the new Royal Academy of Dance Syllabus. This includes Classical Ballet Technique, Free Movement and Character Dance. Ballet classes are available for boys and girls from age 3 years. Ballet is the base of all dance subjects and is essential for any dancer.

Tots + Beginners : 

A free Ballet class designed especially for boys and girls age 3-5 years. Pupils learn the very basic ballet postions through fun and imagination, with use of music, props and mines e.g Dancing Toyshop, Night Time in the Zoo, Circus, Butterflies, Soldiers, Pirates, Fairies, Witches and more!! The class is combined with tap dancing, learning basic tap steps and rhythms such as gallops, bounces, shuffles and toe and heel beats (making lots of noise)!!!

Pre-Primary : Age 5+.

Children now start to follow the set R.A.D Ballet Syllabus. Classes are still very much fun and imaginative but we are now trying to gain more strength in their legs, feet and torso whilst continuing to learn basic Ballet steps and positions. Pupils are then entered for the R.A.D Pre-Primary Class Award. All pupils are presented with a certificate, medal and a progress report from the examiner.

Primary - Grade 8:

Pupils then continue to study the R.A.D Grades and when ready are entered for examinations. Pupils receive a certificate and an examination report from the examiner. As the grades progress the pupils learn how to show an awareness of correct posture, weight placement, turnout and use of feet. Also how to show an ability to shape the arms, accurate alignment, elevation, use of space and co-ordination of the whole body. All pupils are encouraged to perform with a natural use of musicality, expression and communication.

Pointe: 

Pupils must be at least Grade 4 R.A.D Ballet level and have the required strength in the ankles, legs, feet and torso before starting pointe work. To start with pupils learn how to care for their pointe shoes and feet, toe protectors are recommended. Excercises begin at the barre to develop the correct weight placement and to build strength and confidence. When secure at the barre, centre work involves releves, pirouettes, poses, fouettes and more complex steps.

A very lively jazz class , always starting with a full body warm up then free exercises for turns, kicks, springs, isolations, split runs, leaps and jazz routines.

Splits and other stretches are included to add flexibility to the legs, hips and backs. Class finishes with a cool down.

A very popular class which includes fresh and varied commercial choreography using current music genres.

Contemporary is an expressive dance style that combines elements of lyrical, jazz, modern and classical ballet. 

Dancers are encouraged to focus on emotion and breath, as well as being able to tell a story and express themselves through freedom of movement.