At 4 yrs children move into Reception Ballet Dance Class at reception year, which builds upon skills learned in the Pre-School class. The children have at this point gained a basic technique, which we reinforce in a more structured environment, but still very much retaining the fun element through use of props!<\/p>\n Examinations start from the age of 6yrs with Primary and go through to Grade 6 and to the professional exams. Due to the great syllabus provided by the I.S.T.D and the fun atmosphere, the children achieve the fulfilment of reaching the standard required to take their very first exam!<\/p>\n As the students progress through the Grades, strength and knowledge of this challenging discipline is developed, in a relaxed and nurturing atmosphere. French terminology is used in class, which is applied to all the steps they learn.<\/p>\n Children will also learn about the music used in lessons, and will learn a repertoire of steps that will be used in free work in the exams. We spend a third of each class learning these individual steps and how they may be put together; this requires the children to develop a quickness of mind, and speedily put together sequences of steps to be performed immediately. Ballet is a special discipline, giving any child great poise and grace.<\/p>\n All exams are taken with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing<\/p>\n Exams are not compulsory: the choice lies with parent and child. However, they are encouraged as they develop a sense of achievement.<\/p>\n We hold a \u2018Watching Week\u2019 at the end of the Autumn and Summer terms when the parents are invited into the classroom to watch the final ballet class. Cameras are permitted and the children enjoy showing parents their achievements of the term. A great way to finish off the term.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/thedanceacademy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/DSC04874-Enhanced-NR.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nPre-Primary ballet lessons<\/h3>\n
<\/a>Primary – Grade 6 ballet dance classes<\/h3>\n
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<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nStarting pointe work in ballet class<\/h3>\n
<\/a>Ballet dance exams<\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nWatching week<\/h3>\n
![<\/a>](\"http:\/\/thedanceacademy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/minidb_cm_20160627_18115100.jpg\"){kind=link}