C & C Dance School
Clubs & Classes
Choosing Ballet for your child Ballet classes are a good introduction to dance and provide a sound basis for any other forms of dance your child might become interested in. For many parents this might be the obvious activity for girls – but since Billy Elliott and the recent successes of the BalletBoyz, boys are starting to realize the benefits and fun of ballet and dance. Massively popular, ballet is a great exercise that also brings other advantages: coordination, balance, strength, endurance and discipline. Ballet builds core strength and, through careful stretches, allows the extension of limbs required in other dance forms. As a creative activity your children’s imagination will be stimulated and they may also enjoy expressing themselves to music. It’s also a great social activity!
When to begin? Some mother and toddler classes start at 18 months, with mums staying at the class and often joining in. Ballet classes at 2 years can provide a fun and informal way
JML Academy
to kindle a child’s love for dance, focusing on creative movement, imagination and basic ballet steps. Posture, co-ordination and balance begin their development naturally through these early classes. Some teachers will offer a more formal style class at 2.5yrs, others begin at 3yrs old. Your child should feel comfortable leaving you – and preferably should not be in nappies!
Ballet exams The earliest ballet exams are for five-year olds. Ballet technique is tested in an ageappropriate way – whether your child is dancing for pleasure or seems set on a dance career. You can discuss this with your child’s ballet teacher. The main ballet exam boards are the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD). These exam boards also provide teaching qualifications. Parents can ask the Council of Dance Education and training (CDET - cdet.org.uk) about the different qualifications.
Ballet homework? This is not usually required, though various new skilled movements can best be acquired through practice. Home practice is expected in the leadup to an exam.
Principal: Jo Swidzinska Tel: 07873 63 42 92 The JLM Academy is an RAD school based in Bletchingley, Charlwood and Netherne offering ballet and tap. We focus on building a love of dance through fun and creative classes for children aged from 2 1/2+yrs. All children who attend make new friends as well as learning new skills and building confidence.
Boys welcome? All ballet teachers welcome boys and their numbers are increasing. Don’t be put off if the number of boys is still low – your son will be learning a valuable set of skills.
What about other styles of dance?
All ballet teachers will have learned other styles of dance during their training, such as jazz, contemporary, tap and musical theatre but won’t necessarily
Creating the Dancers of the Future
Call today to book a F REE Trial!
07873 634292
joanna.swidzinska@googlemail.com ALL enquiries and abilities welcome! Offering Royal Academy of Dance Ballet classes Principal`: Joanna Swidzinska BA (Hons) RAD RTS
Classes in Bletchingley and Charlwood
Principal: Charlotte Walford Tel: 01737 763391 www.candcdanceschool.co.uk We encourage all our students to enjoy their dancing in a happy, friendly and safe environment, setting high standards but also having fun. We follow ISTD syllabus and offer non-syllabus classes. ISTD exams can be entered as appropriate. Our small classes are for all ages and abilities, and we see each student as an individual. Mother & Toddler Classes, Mini Movers; Beginner Ballet (from 3 years) is the most popular, especially the mime at the end of the class.
be qualified to teach them all. Some ballet teachers will teach only ballet or may employ teachers qualified in other types of dance. It’s worth checking with your ballet teacher about other styles of dance in case your child may like to try those too. Street Dance has been gaining in popularity because of TV exposure and because children love to learn the dance tricks involved! TV exposure has also given ballroom dancing a boost.
Reigate School of Ballet
Principal: Joanne Evans Tel: 01737 247795 www.reigateschoolofballet.com The RSB has celebrated 50 years of teaching and is the largest local ballet school. Jo Evans (anex-professional) is the only qualified ISTD Examiner in the area. They are specialists proving ballet can be fun, but have the expertise to train professional dancers. Classes every day from 2 years to adults. Excellent reputation!
Taking ballet to a higher level
The fun and benefits of ballet are for everyone; a career in ballet is a different story. If you or your child feel that they are keen to take their Inspire Dance Academy ballet a stage further, talk to your ballet Principal: Jo Crombleholme teacher to see what openings or higher Tel: 07783 13 83 48 training might be available. Your www.inspireacademyofdance.co.uk teacher may be able to offer private lessons, or provide classes for gifted My name is Miss Jo and along with my dance teachers children and will be able to provide I run dance classes for all ages, abilities and dance styles a clear assessment of your child’s across Surrey and Sussex. talent. Inspire Academy of Dance continues to grow since its Most ballet exam boards run launch in 2011. We have additional exams for promising high standards for our students – the 'Majors' grades, students but the most which your ballet teacher can important thing to us is discuss with you if your child is that the children are ready for more challenging work. having fun. All our You can find details of local dance teachers are qualified classes in our directory online, with the ISTD organized by towns and villages. awarding body; Go to www.familiessurreyeast.co.uk/ CRB checked dancedirectory for a list of your local and have dance classes. insurance.
16 Families Surrey East July-August 2013