Grade 1 Ballet run by Colours of Dance - Miss Claire at Cambridge Dance Studios Studio 3 on Wed at 5:15 PM
Ballet classes at Colours of Dance are varied and cater for almost everyone from age 2 to Adult, according to demand. Our core method is the method and syllabus of the Royal Academy of Dance, of which our Principal is both a Registered Teacher and Trustee. All our graded ballet classes offer the RAD syllabi, and whilst examinations are not mandatory for development and progression, we do think they offer a valuable target and benchmark. From G6, they also come with UCAS points attached! All future dance teachers require a minimum standard of RAD Intermediate to be able to progress into teacher training.
We also offer Non-Syllabus classes, and the theme and methodology of each these will depend on the teacher. We are proud to work with several non-RAD teachers who have been trained in the wonderful Vaganova method (originally from Russia and prevalent throughout Europe and the USA), which offers an alternative focus and different settings, thus enriching the experience of our dancers here - whatever their age and aspirations. All our non syllabus classes are designed to offer really good quality teaching and dancing experience that stands on its own, but is also really useful as a support and addition to syllabus classes, so that a wider vocabulary may be explored and techniques may be applied differently.
RAD Graded classes start with Pre-Primary, which is examined through a Class Award, then then these progress from Primary and then into Grades 1 to 8. From Grade 1, the graded ballet classes include Character Dance, which is based on folk dance from various countries around the world, and relates directly into the classical ballets of the 18th and 19th centuries - think party and ballroom scenes from Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty etc. Children will be required to learn character technique and dances, and to have special character shoes, (and for the girls, skirts) in addition to their ballet shoes.
At around Grade 4, some students who have the commitment, are invited to join the RAD Vocational Graded track in addition to continuing with their Grades. The Vocational Graded exams are designed for potential Vocational dancers, or those who would like to study Pointework and have a purely classical setting. The marking system is somewhat different and there is no character dance content. The Vocational work offers a wonderful challenge as much to those who are committed to a career in dance, as to those who are committed to ballet as their primary hobby.
Appropriate entry into graded classes is partly based on age and partly on experience, so if you are in doubt, please ask. For entry to G1, the minimum age is age 6, as the minimum exam entry is age 7.
A Note on the RAD Pre-Grades
RAD Pre-Grades classes follow the RAD syllabus of Pre-Primary and Primary. Children prepare particularly for entry into classical ballet but also other dance genres by starting with these two preparatory levels, which are focused on developing strong posture, good musicality & basic dance movements.
Ballet classes are based around a series of exercises & dances, specifically designed to increase strength, posture, technique, musicality and performance. All classes are taught using imagination and a variety of musical styles, to encourage, energise and motivate every student irrespective of ability. The opportunity to participate in Examinations & Class Awards are offered to all students when they are considered ready, but are not mandatory for successful progression.
Entry ages for each class are approximately as follows, but will vary according to experience and aptitude and are decided by the Principal:
Pre-Primary in Dance - 4 and a half to 5 years old Primary in Dance - 5 and a half to 6 years old
We are proud to say that Colours of Dance students have an extremely high pass rate in Medal Tests and Exams.
Children's Ballet:
Classes follow the RAD syllabus.
Ballet classes are based around a series of exercises & dances, specifically designed to increase strength, posture, technique, musicality and performance. All classes are taught using imagination and a variety of musical styles, to encourage, energise and motivate every student irrespective of ability. The opportunity to participate in Examinations & Class Awards are offered to all students when they are considered ready, but are not mandatory for successful progression.
Entry ages for each class are approximately as follows, but will vary according to experience and aptitude and are decided by the Principal:
Pre-Primary in Dance - 4 and a half to 5 years old Primary in Dance - 5 and a half to 6 years old Grade 1 - 6 and a half to 7 years old Grade 2 to Grade 4 - from 7 years old Grade 5 to Grade 8 - from 10 years old Intermediate Foundation to Advanced - from 11 years old
Pre-Ballet for children age 3-5, the First Steps (age 3-4) and Next Steps (age 4-5) classes form an ideal foundation for ballet and other styles of dance. Children attend these classes independently and learn basic steps and how to handle themselves in a dance-class environment. First Steps and Next Steps are not examined, although the teacher monitors progress against a set of criteria set by the Principal to ensure their development.
Boys Ballet: A Ballet class exclusively for boys aged 7-11 taught by the Principal. This is a non-syllabus class introducing ballet posture, style and steps specific to boys to develop their strength, coordination and confidence. Students may attend this class as an addition to their regular dance class or as their weekly dance class. The choice of music, environment, atmosphere in the studio and language is all designed to enthuse and inspire male dancers.
We are proud to say that Colours of Dance students have an extremely high pass rate in Medal Tests and Exams.
Classes follow the RAD training methodology, building towards the presentation of a set age-appropriate syllabus at examination as a student progresses through the grades. Syllabus classes may be attended by children or adults, as there is no upper age limit to participation in class or examination.
Ballet classes are based around a series of exercises & dances, specifically designed to increase strength, posture, technique, musicality and performance. All classes are taught using imagination and a variety of musical styles, to encourage, energise and motivate every student irrespective of ability. The opportunity to participate in Examinations & Class Awards are offered to all students when they are considered ready, but are not mandatory for successful progression.
Entry ages for each class are approximately as follows, but will vary according to experience and aptitude and are decided by the Principal:
Children's Graded Examinations: Pre-Primary in Dance - 4 and a half to 5 years old Primary in Dance - 5 and a half to 6 years old Grade 1 - 6 and a half to 7 years old Grade 2 to Grade 4 - from 7 years old Grade 5 to Grade 8 - from 10 years old
Vocational Graded Examinations: (all from 11 yrs old) Intermediate Foundation Intermediate Advanced Foundation (not yet offered) Advanced 1 (not yet offered) Advanced 2 (not yet offered)
Other Graded Examinations: Discovering Repertoire - Level 2 Discovering Repertoire - Level 3 Discovering Repertoire - Level 4 (not yet offered)
We are proud to say that Colours of Dance students have an extremely high pass rate in Ballet Exams. We hold regular exam sessions held at our own studios in the Autumn Term and the Summer Term. Entry for examination is determined by the teacher in consultation with the Principal, several months in advance, so as to be able to plan exam preparation lessons and adhere to the entry deadlines set by the RAD for each session. If you have any questions about exams, please do ask them at any time.
We also offer many non-syllabus ballet classes suitable for anyone wishing to develop ballet skills.
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