We have classes from age 2 and a half, and offer a trial class before committing to a full term. For more information, please hover over the sections below to see a detailed description of the aims and methods involved.
This class is designed to inspire the budding ballerina. Skills of listening, taking in turns, making friends and having fun through imaginative dance and wonderful music are learnt. A good preparation for nursery school.
This class builds on the previous class using more structure and discipline. We begin with 10-15 minutes of tap which is fun and loud! Through the tap the pupil is made aware of rhythm and co-ordination which continues into their ballet, where the basic steps are learnt. Working on placement and muscle control, linking movement to music.
Each class from the age of six moves onto syllabus work. The classes are structured around the exam syllabus but there is still flexibility and opportunity for pupils to use their own creativity. Tap continues until secondary school. There are also opportunities to take ballet exams in the Cecchetti method and perform in our biannual show.
Once at secondary school age, classes are fully structured around the exam syllabus, although musicality and free dance is still very important. Class begins at the barre for 15-20 minutes, to provide us with a strong foundation for the remaining 30 minutes in the centre, working on pirouettes, leaps and jumps.
Our top classes work towards higher grades of examination in the Cecchetti method. We also learn the correct ballet theory as we work, including our arm positioning & the positions of the room & body. Older pupils are expected to arrive 10 minutes early to warm up and stretch before class.
My aim is to provide a fun, friendly, non-threatening environment for you all. We will all be finding our feet, literally, together! We will all respect each other and not worry if our legs do not go as high as the person’s in front, or if our body is not like Darcey Bussell’s! Above all, ballet is a wonderful, full-body work out, and we'd love to have you join our classes.
The ABC Ballet School classes are all taught using the Cecchetti method.
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"When I was at ballet school we had the opportunity to study several methods in ballet. What I liked about the Cecchetti method was the use of the 'Port De Bras' (arms), head, and the upper body. They all had a place to be when executing the different steps. I found this extremely useful when auditioning for ballet companies.
You had to pick up the steps really quickly or you were 'out'. I only had to concentrate on the steps as the rest of my body followed due to the Cecchetti training. The 'open lines' also helped when performing and I found moving into Contemporary Dance easy because of it."
- Miss Alison
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Classes look slightly different at the moment due to the Coronavirus pandemic: for a more detailed summary of how we are continuing with ballet, please click the link below:
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Alternatively for more detailed information, please visit our "Parents' Corner" page.
