Ballet  (age 4+, male and female)

 

 

Classes for younger students use imagination and creativity to teach children, confidence, independence and the skills they need to personally progress at SDSD. Imaginary adventures and incorporating the use of musical instruments, scarves and bean bags etc help to encourage their love of dance, and from this enjoyment they will move up to the next level, which is a more structured and specialised tuition. 

 

Ballet, by its very nature is a disciplined art form so the teachers at SDSD highlight the need for technical precision whilst encouraging a sense of enjoyment and performance. Existing skills are developed and the students are challenged to achieve higher levels of expertise, as well as learning new techniques and steps, through both unset and syllabus based classes.

 

To assist with our students’ progress in Classical Ballet Studies, pupils are prepared for ISTD Cecchetti Ballet Faculty Examinations The Cechetti Ballet Faculty has a rich heritage and history and has produced many outstanding artistic and technically acomplished dancers. Enrico Cechetti (1850-1928) was an italian dancer, prestigious teacher and one of the most influential leaders of modern classical ballet training. The principles of his training method are constantly evolving to make it as relevant to today's student as it was when it was first created. 

 

The Cechetti Ballet Faculty (ISTD) offer two examination syllabi which run parallel to each other but which have different assesment criteria. At SDSD we have the ability to select which syllabi is most suited to an individual's requirements. Whilst levels should ideally be taken in sequence, there is the facility to alternate between Grades and Standards as appropriate.

 

Graded examinations are designed to cater to, stretch and prepare those who want to persue dance as a career, either as a teacher or dancer, or for those who require an all-round challenge.

 

Standard or Class examinations offer an alternative for those who wish to persue dance as a leisure activity. The content of the syllabus is just as challenging, but focusses more on musicality, perofrmance and creativity. Keen late starters or those returning to dance after a break may be offered a place in one of these classes.

 

Students will also be offered the chance to expand their dancing knowledge by attending Tap and Modern classes, improve technique with stretching and limbering lessons, or enhance their all round skills with Musical Theatre classes where they experience the arts of drama and singing.