The Dance Academy’s goal is to inspire a love of learning and a life-long joy in the art of ballet. We provide quality training for students of all ages, in a caring and committed environment. We believe in the importance of a good foundation of technique and artistry and encourage our students to work to the best of their abilities and to appreciate the process of learning this art form.
Sophia Radovic
Director, The Dance Academy
Placement in our Junior, Intermediate and Pre Professional Programs is based on ability not necessarily age. Our classes (Dance Classes in Al Quoz) are kept at smaller sizes to allow for individual attention and personal support. The Dance Academy levels are not always dictated by age and do not coincide with academic grade levels or other dance school programs. We try to keep our program consistent with worldwide expectations and age-appropriate development.
To complement our students’ ballet education, we also offer classes in Contemporary, Jazz, Pilates, Gyrotonic as well as Private Coaching and Student Mentoring.
PRE BALLET JUNIOR INTERMEDIATE PRE PROFESSIONAL OTHER CLASSES
3-5yrs
The foundation of this class is to encourage creativity through music and movement and to introduce students to the structure, etiquette and discipline of dance in a fun and positive environment. Students will gain awareness of musicality and rhythm and explore age-appropriate movements that develops gross motor skills, strength and flexibility.
5 years
Pre Ballet introduces children to the fundamental elements of dance movements. There is a focus on musicality, rhythm, coordination and body awareness. Age-appropriate activities develop gross motor skills, strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance while introducing students to the structure, etiquette, and discipline of ballet class in a fun and encouraging environment. Students will be introduced to basic classical ballet terminology and practice exercises specifically designed to prepare them for future ballet training.
6 years
Level 1 introduces foundational ballet techniques and terminology. Students will learn ballet positions of the arms and legs with age-appropriate exercises. Musicality, artistry and storytelling are emphasised. Level 1 students attend 1 class per week and may also attend Junior Jazz.
7 years
Level 2 builds on the foundations taught in Level 1. Students will learn ballet positions of the arms and legs with age-appropriate importance given to posture and proper placement. The ballet barre will be introduced and etiquette of ballet class is emphasised. Level 2 also develops allegro, spinning, travelling steps. Level 2 students must attend 2 classes per week (2 Ballet classes or 1 Ballet & 1 Junior Jazz).
9+ years (and by assessment)
Students continue to develop the technique introduced in the previous levels, and work on the development of musicality and grace in the performance of ballet movements. Strengthening of the feet, posture and turnout is emphasized, as well as developing new ballet vocabulary and technique at the barre, centre practice, adage and allegro. Level 3 students must attend 2 Ballet classes per week and may also attend Junior Contemporary.
10 + (and by assessment)
Level 4 students continue to develop their placement, posture and body control as required to correctly execute more demanding ballet technique. Technique and vocabulary increases at the barre and in the centre, as well as pirouettes, adage and allegro. Level 4 students will begin pointe work. Students must attend 2 Ballet classes per week and may also attend Junior Contemporary.
11+ (and by assessment)
Level 5 students continue to develop thier technique and vocabulary at the barre and in the centre and are introduced to more advanced steps and classical repertoire. Students must attend a minimum of 3 Ballet classes weekly (including one dedicated Pointe class), with optional additional classes in Contemporary and Pilates/Conditioning.
11+ (and by assessment)
Level 6 increases the technical understanding and execution of ballet technique including pointe work and repertoire. This level is designed to give the necessary training to students wishing to study on a more advanced level, encouraging technical requirements along with artistry and musicality. Students must attend a minimum of 3 ballet classes weekly with optional additional classes in Contemporary and Pilates/Conditioning.
Attendance to this class is by invitation only and is for students working towards excellence in classical ballet and/or considering working towards acceptance in full-time dance programs. Our curriculum includes advanced ballet technique, pointe and repertoire, contemporary and Pilates/conditioning, Pre Professional students will attend a minimum of 3 Ballet classes per week and Pilates.
10+ years
For students who wish to learn to move and dance but may not have any previous ballet experience. The classes provide an introduction to formal technique, posture, placement and the language of ballet.
13+ years
For students with limited ballet experience. Classes provide an introduction to formal technique, posture, placement and the language of ballet. Progression is developmentally dependent.
Introduces the foundations of Modern Jazz technique and basic coordination of jazz choreography. Patterns and directions are introduced as well as basic combinations and choreography. Students start to develop the technique required to turn, leap, jump and perform floor work.
Contemporary dance draws on both classical ballet and modern dance. It uses both the strong and controlled legwork of ballet and modern dance’s emphasis on the torso with fall and recovery, improvisation, unpredictable changes in rhythm, speed and direction. All work is technically based therefore a good understanding of classical technique is required.