ISTD QCF GRADED SYLLABUS CLASSES 4-6 PLUS VOCATIONAL GRADED EXAMINATIONS

Imperial Ballet

Ballet is an excellent way of developing strength, flexibility, control and improving posture. The ISTD Imperial Classical Ballet syllabi have been carefully developed in order to provide a fully comprehensive training both for children and young adults. Each grade consists of set exercises and a dance, which is assessed by an external examiner. Children in this class will have an opportunity of working towards the ISTD graded examinations.

Modern/Jazz Dance

This ISTD modern syllabus has proved extremely popular due to its ability to adapt, develop and evolve with the changing fashion in dance. The syllabus combines modern dance, jazz and other dance styles. Children will learn set exercises and dances choreographed to popular music. They will also have the opportunity of working towards the ISTD graded examinations.

The ISTD Jazz Awards provide a basic grounding in modern Jazz, and are ideal for the late beginner or as a recreational course of movement. Boys’ work has been developed to meet increasing demand for a modern dance training for boys.

Tap Dance

Tap dance is one of the most enjoyable and rhythmic forms of recreational dance. It is excellent for developing musicality, co-ordination and also great fun. Each grade consists of set exercises and a dance, which is assessed by an external examiner. Children in this class will have an opportunity of working towards the ISTD graded examinations.

PERFORMANCE BASED CLASSED

Contemporary and Lyrical Dance (12 years+ )

Having trained as professional dancer, my aim here was to devise a training programme for students that will allow them to improve their technique in performance assessments and prepare them for auditions or vocational training. I began teaching this programme at a secondary school as part of their BTEC Performing Arts Dance Course. I found that this raised the technical standard and self-esteem and confidence of the students in both shows and class assessments.

In my opinion, I have fused together a mix of the essential skills an aspiring dancer needs. Students will learn a series of technical exercises and short combinations, which will be changed on a termly basis. Students will develop their physical and interpretative skills through swing and stretch exercises, floor work and short travelling sequences, based on contemporary dance technique.

Students will learn how to perform the perfect pirouette, as well as perform kicks, leaps, isolations and dance movements accurately and confidently. In addition they will learn how to improvise in an audition scenario showing musical interpretation and artistry.

Prior dance experience suggested. Please feel free to contact me for further details. Also suitable for students enrolled on GCSE, BTEC, A LEVEL (or equivalent) Dance courses.

Freestyle/Street Dance (12years +)

Street dance is diverse and can be performed to many forms of popular music – from pop to hip hop. Popularised by the mass media, this form of dance is highly energetic and full of attitude. Within the class you will learn basic principles such as body isolations, waves, and spins. Most combinations are performed at a fast tempo with intricate hand and foot patterns, which will challenge your co-ordination skills. My style of teaching is a fusion of commercial jazz, hip hop and break dance. Each class starts with a warm up followed by a dance routine, which will be added to each week.

Performing Arts (12years +)

Learn to sing, dance and Act. Build confidence in reading and speaking out loud, challenge your performance skills and work as a team. This lesson leads to a short performance piece based on a West End musical or play at the end of term. Each lesson consists of a warm up, followed by learning a section of the routine, song or script.

Acrobatic Dance (12 years +)

Acrobatic Dance, is the beautiful fusion of classic dance technique and the precision and athleticism of acrobatic elements. As seen on ‘So You Think You Can Dance’, ‘America’s Best Dance Crew’ and ‘Dance Moms’, Acro is an especially challenging style for dancers to master as training in both dance and acrobatic elements is required.

It includes balancing, limbering, tumbling and partnering, based in flexibility, contortion and strength.

The initial training, covers the safety aspects, technique and training exercises, which you need to practice and perfect first.

We will then move onto the Acrobatic Arts professional curriculum for acrobatic dance. This programme is designed to promote excellence in tumbling, flexibility, strength, balance, contortion and partner/group stunting for dancers. As part of the training children will develop flexibility, and technique required to perform tumbling and partner/group tricks on stage as part of a complete dance routine.