Our classes
With dedicated staff we hope to motivate all pupils in a safe and friendly environment to achieve their potential.
Ballet following the Royal Academy of Dance examinations syllabus
Preschool Ballet
From the age of 2 1/2 the children are taught using themes and stories to learn basic dance movements through imaginative play. This builds up confidence, improves coordination and helps with social skills. Musical instruments and props are also used. As the class becomes more structured, the pupils develop their creative skills through ballet, mime and improvisation.
Pre-Primary and Primary in dance
When the children are 5 years old they move into the Pre-Primary class and begin to follow the RAD syllabus. These classes are a mixture of ballet, free movement and mime.
At 6-7 years, the Primary class builds up from the Pre-Primary class with more challenging dance material suitable for this age group. The children can take a class award or examination at this level.
Ballet Grades 1-8
The classical work is the foundation stone and the most important part of the graded syllabi. The class now follows the structure of a ballet class and the children learn more vocabulary and technical steps.
National Dance
Character is the theatrical presentation of national dance using original ethnic dance and music which has been freely adapted for the theatre
There are three styles – Hungarian, Russian and Polish. They were selected because of their historical importance in the development of the traditional full-length classical ballet
Tap and Modern dance
Tap Dance
These classes start at Pre-Primary aged 4 years old upwards and children may work towards an exam grade. It is an American style tap – rhythm based with a Fred Astaire flair. Children love the sound of their tap shoes and the rhythms that they make. Routines are learnt using pop tunes as well as jazz and blues music.
Modern Theatre Dance
Develops co-ordination and rhythm through floorwork, travelling sequences and routines. Pupils work towards their graded examinations, increasing their knowledge of jazz vocabulary.
Contemporary Dance
and Musical Theatre
Contemporary Dance
This class offers an introduction to contemporary dance movement. Contemporary is a self-expressive and creative class drawing on elements from contemporary technique.
Musical Theatre
Our Musical Theatre class is a combination of acting, singing and dance, taught in an engaging environment for students of all abilities! We teach these elements together in a layered approach so to create vibrant and believable characters and enhance our students' storytelling and performance skills.
Vocational ballet classes
and Adult dance classes
Vocational Ballet
These classes are provided for students who want to focus on their ballet training in the aim of entering a dance school or college. This examination includes pointe work for the first time.
Once a student has passed their Grade 6 level or Intermediate, they become Student members of the RAD.
Adult Ballet and Tap
All adult classes are taught in a welcoming and fun environment. These classes are a great way to stay in-tune with your body. Our adult dancers learn poise, balance, activating and discovering core muscles. Keeping you fit and supple, whilst enjoying learning new movement material to well known pieces of music. All levels welcome.
Autumn Term Timetable
Monday - Studio 1
@ Knole Academy
5.15 - 6.15pm - Private Class
6.15 - 7.00pm - PBT Class
7.00-8.15pm - Ballet Intermediate & Pointe work
Tuesday - Studio 1
@ Knole Academy
5.00 - 6.00pm - Ballet G3/4
6.00 - 7.00pm - Ballet G5
7.oo - 8.00pm - Ballet Intermediate Foundation & Pointe Work
Wednesday - Studio 1
@ Knole Academy
5.00 - 6.00pm - Musical Theatre
6.00 - 7.00pm - Street Jazz
7.00-8.00pm - Adult Dance Class