DANCE STYLES OFFERED
Ballet
The RAD method, is a ballet technique and training system, specially devised by the founders of the RAD, who merged their respective dance methods (Italian, French, Danish and Russian) to create a new style of ballet that is unique to the organisation. The RAD method produces a style of ballet that has become recognised internationally as the English style of ballet.
The Graded Examination Syllabus consists of Pre-Primary, Primary, and numbered Grades 1-8. Each grade incorporates classical ballet, free movement and character dance.[11]The syllabus is devised to progress in difficulty from one grade to the next and a student studying the grades in sequence would be expected to develop a greater degree of dance technique at each level.
The Vocational Graded Syllabus (comprising Intermediate Foundation, Intermediate, Advanced Foundation, Advanced 1, Advanced 2 and Solo Seal) is designed primarily for older children or young adults who are considering a career in professional dance, as a performer, teacher or in another capacity. The vocational syllabus is technically demanding and comprises only Classical Ballet and Pointe Work.
Link: http://www.rad.org.za/
Modern
Modern Dance is a specific style of dance that is free form and stems from the core, or torso, of the body and uses elements like contact-release, floor work, fall and recovery, and improvisation.
The AIDT modern syllabus has been developed specifically with children and teens/young adults in mind and offers a solid foundation and understanding of basic technique, across many styles, to create strong and capable dancers. The junior grades comprise Primary, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, Final Grade and Pre -Elementary. The Major levels are made up of Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced with pupils also able to complete pre performance levels like the Performance Award and Solo Performance diploma. The syllabus introduces pupils to a wide range of modern/contemporary dance styles such as Graham technique, Horton technique, Lyrical dance, Musical Theatre and Jazz.
Tap
A form of dance characterized by using the sounds of tap shoes striking the floor as a form of percussion. Tap dancing has evolved considerably to become the art form we know today. Before there were tap shoes, dancers wore soft shoes, or clogs. Tap dancing originated as Juba, a kind of dance practiced by African slaves. It melded with Irish dancing and continued to alter as it encountered the influence of jazz dance.
The AIDT tap syllabus once again creates grades/levels where tap technique can be learnt in an age-appropriate manner. Junior grades comprise Primary, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, Final Grade and Pre -Elementary. The Major levels are made up of Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced with pupils also able to complete pre performance levels like the Performance Award and Solo Performance diploma.
Hip Hop
There are many iconic dance styles that suit each decade, but hip hop has continued to evolve and stay relevant since its beginning. It is culturally significant, versatile, and enjoyable in nature. At the most basic level, hip hop dance is a style of street dance comprised of bounces and rocks performed to the beats of hip hop music. Hip Hop is actually a mix of many different dance styles and includes elements from salsa, Brazilian samba, jazz, ballet and even some martial arts influences like Kung-Fu. Through our AIDT syllabus pupils will be exposed to the fundamentals of hip hop dance in the areas of Break dancing, Party dances, Freestyling, Popping, Locking and Krumping.
Association of International Dance Teachers (AIDT) Associate Teacher Training
Louise-Rose Baard is a registered Facilitator with the AIDT and assists experienced dancers in attaining their teacher qualifications in modern and tap dance. The training programme is divided into modules and each module can be completed within a 6 month to 12 month time frame. For more info please visit https://www.aidt-dance.com/
"ANYBODY CAN AND SHOULD DANCE...IT'S GOOD FOR THE BODY AND THE SPIRIT." -Isadora Duncan
Stretch, Strenghten & Body Conditioning
As dance requires the body to be both strong and supple, body conditioning classes help to build stamina, tone muscles and improve technique through various forms of exercises and drills. The classes incorporate aspects of Pilates, Yoga, general strength training, stretches using various tools like therabands and balls and also includes “Progressing Ballet Technique” – a method of ballet technique training using Swiss Exercise Balls for core stability and balance and the improvement of turn out.