The Schools provide classes in Theatre Dance for all ages and standards - from
Three year olds to Professional Students and Teachers.
Dancing Examinations are Assessed by the Royal Academy of Dancing (R.A.D.) and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (I.S.T.D.) in the disciplines of Classical Ballet, Modern Jazz, Tap, National Character and Folk.
Classes are also held in G.C.S.E. and A-Level Dance - the School is an official centre for
G.C.S.E. and G.C.E. examinations.
Classes in Drama and Musical Theatre can lead to the
assessments of the Trinity Guildhall
School of Music and Drama.
We specialize in training Boys and they have their own classes.
The College is approved by the R.A.D. to provide the Student Teachers Certificate Course leading to the Teachers Certificate/Diploma and as a centre for these examinations and also the Associate (Teachers) Certificate/Diploma of the I.S.T.D.
ALL ASSESSMENTS ARE PART OF THE NATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK
Teaching Staff are all Graduates and highly experienced with the above
associations.
The Gosforth Branch, based in St. Nicholas’ Church Halls, provides
classes in R.A.D. Ballet, character and free movement for 3yr. olds to final
grades.
FACILITIES
The spacious studios have good dance floors, with barres and mirrors, and the main studio converts into a 50 seat properly equipped theatre.
There is an extensive library of books and videos on dance and related subjects.
We have a Common Room for lectures and meetings and a Tuck shop offering coffees, soft drinks and snacks.
Students’ classes are also held on the stage of the Playhouse Theatre, Whitley Bay.
PERFORMING OPPORTUNITIES
Studio productions e.g. Salad Days, Christmas Frolics, Summer Madness etc.
Full theatre productions e.g. Hans Andersen, Christmas Carol, Nutcracker and many more.
Dance tours with Dance Kaleidoscope around the world e.g. Florida 2000, performing and giving workshops to children.
Senior students take part in Opera Ballet with Opera Live and light musical programmes with the Ravenswood Singers. Professional work in films and many other venues.
The school has been established for over 45 years and ex - students are performing and teaching all over the world and thousands of children have experienced the joy of dance with safe and careful training.
For details of classes and fees contact the School on 0191 252 3071.
Or e-mail – eq32@dial.pipex.com
Timetable
September 2006
Monday: 4.30 Primary modern and tap
5.15 Grade 1 modern and tap 5.00 Senior Drama
6.00 Grade 2 modern and tap
6.45 Grade 3 modern and tap
7.30
Tuesday 4.30 Grade 4 modern and tap
5.15 Grade 5 modern and tap
6.00 Grade 6/Intermediate modern
6.45 Grade 6/Intermediate tap
7.30 Advanced 1and 2 modern
8.30 Advanced 1 and 2 tap
9.15
Gosforth Branch
Wednesday 4.30 Junior Scholars 3.15 Nursery
5.30 Senior Scholars 4.00 Pre primary RAD ballet
6.30 Advanced 1 RAD ballet 4.45 Primary RAD ballet
7.30 5.30 Grade 1 RAD ballet
6.15 Grade 3 RAD ballet
7.00
Thursday 4.30 Boys
6.30 Intermediate RAD ballet
7.30 Grade 7 and 8 RAD ballet
8.30
Friday 4.30 Foundation Intermediate ISTD
5.30 Grade 5 and 6 RAD ballet
6.30 Intermediate ISTD ballet
7.30 Advanced 1 ISTD ballet
8.30
Saturday 9.00 Nursery
9.45 Grade 3 and 4 RAD ballet
10.45 Primary RAD ballet
11.30 Pre primary RAD ballet 11.30 Junior Drama
12.15 Grade 1 RAD ballet
1.15 Transition
2.00
2.30 Grade 2 RAD ballet
3.30
Fees From September 2006
1 class per week £55.00
2 classes per week £105.00
3 classes per week £155.00
4 or more classes per week £205.00
for a 12 week term
When more than one child is attending lessons the multiple class fee applies but the fee will continue to increase until each child reaches 4 classes.
Private lesson fees are £12.00 for half an hour, teachers’ rates by private arrangement.
Coaching fees are £3.00 per half hour class and sessions are between 6 and 10 weeks in the term prior to the examination.
Uniform
Ballet: Nursery to Primary inclusive:
White Short sleeved RAD uniform leotard
White voile skirt with self-spot fabric, RAD uniform
Pink or white plain ankle socks
Pink satin or soft leather ballet shoes with elastic across the instep
Grade 1 to Grade 2 inclusive:
White RAD uniform leotard with belt
Pink or white plain ankle socks
Pink satin or soft leather ballet shoes with elastic across the instep
Black character skirt with pink ribbons
Black low-heeled character shoes
Grade 3 to Grade 5 inclusive:
Mulberry RAD uniform leotard with belt
Pink or white ballet tights
Pink satin or soft leather ballet shoes with ribbons
Black character skirt with pink ribbons
Black character shoes
Grade 6 to Grade 8 inclusive:
Mulberry RAD uniform leotard with belt
Pink or white ballet tights
Pink satin or soft leather ballet shoes with ribbons
Black character skirt with pink ribbons
Black character shoes
Mulberry georgette skirt, mid calf length
RAD Majors:
Navy camisole or wide strap RAD regulation leotard with belt
Pink or white ballet tights
Pink satin ballet shoes with ribbons, soft blocks for Advanced 1 & 2
ISTD Majors:
Navy camisole or wide strap leotard
Navy wrap over skirt
Pink or white ballet tights
Pink satin ballet shoes with ribbons, soft blocks for Advanced 1 & 2
Modern: Primary to Grade 2 inclusive:
Purple high neck key-hole back leotard
Black lycra leggings
Bare feet or black jazz shoes, ballet shoes acceptable for class only
Tap:
White tap shoes
Green circular lycra skirt
Grade 3 to Grade 6 inclusive:
Purple high neck key hole leotard
Black lycra leggings
Bare feet or black jazz shoes, ballet shoes acceptable for class only
Tap:
Black tap shoes
Green circular lycra skirt or black jazz pants not covering the shoe
Intermediate to Advanced 2 inclusive:
Deep red velour leotard, any style
Black lycra leggings
Black split sole jazz shoes
Tap:
Black tap shoes
Black jazz pants not covering the shoe
Boys
Primary to Grade 2 inclusive:
White t-shirt
Black cycling shorts
Black or white canvas or leather ballet shoes, black oxford tap shoes, black jazz shoes
Grade 3 upwards
White boys leotard
Black or navy tights
Black or white canvas or leather ballet shoes, black oxford tap shoes, black jazz shoes
School Information
The school operates 3 terms autumn, spring and summer but enrolment can be at any time during the year.
Children can start from 3 years upwards and progress through the levels of difficulty. General dance classes include Nursery and Transition giving young children the opportunity to develop coordination, musicality, to learn basic steps used in all forms of dance, in a fun, structured setting.
The Graded Examinations of the Royal Academy of Dance are offered from Pre Primary - Primary followed by Grades 1 – 8. These are classical ballet, which also include expressive movement and National dance.
The Examination syllabus of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing in Modern Theatre/jazz and tap are offered from Primary.
Older beginners are put into a class as near their age group as possible.
It is recommended that children start with ballet, which is the basis of all Theatre dance before branching into Modern Jazz or Tap.
For those wishing to go on into the dance profession the Professional Examinations of both the Royal Academy and the Imperial Society are offered in the main disciplines of ballet, modern and tap.
The table below shows how the examinations of these two internationally recognised systems equate to the National Qualifications Framework.
In addition to the various styles of theatre dance the school also offers junior and senior Speech, Drama and singing.
All the children from the youngest upwards have frequent opportunities to perform – in small studio shows and also every second year in the Playhouse Theatre. The older students also provide the dancing for Opera Live, The Ravenswood Singers and many local events and cabarets.
We have a professional training company called Dance Kaleidoscope, which not only performs locally, but every 2 years undertakes an overseas tour during the summer holidays. Since its inception in 1964 we have visited every country in Europe, parts of the Middle East and also the U.S.A. Entry into D.K. can be from 9 years upwards depending upon ability and standard.
Dance is a performance art so performance is a very important part of the whole dance experience whether or not the child wishes to continue to a professional level. Performing is not only fun but develops confidence and the ability to express feelings.
2.2 RECOGNITION OF QUALIFICATIONS of the Royal Academy of Dance
The framework places dance examinations within the context of other qualifications. It recognises equivalence in the levels of knowledge, skills and understanding required for their attainment, however dance examinations are not interchangeable with the corresponding national school examinations.
|
|
Level of qualification |
General Qualifications |
Graded Examinations in Dance |
Vocational Graded Examinations in Dance |
Occupational Qualifications |
|
5 |
|
Higher Degree |
|
|
Level 5 NVQ |
|
4 |
|
Degree |
|
|
Level 4 NVQ |
|
3 |
Advanced |
GCE A/AS level |
Grade 8 Award Grade 7 Grade 6 |
Advanced 2 Advanced 1 Advanced Foundation |
Level 3 NVQ |
|
2 |
Intermediate |
GCSE Grades A* - C |
Grade 5 Grade 4 |
Intermediate Intermediate Foundation |
Level 2 NVQ |
|
1 |
Foundation |
GCSE Grades D - G |
Grade 3 Grade 2 Grade 1 |
|
Level 1 NVQ |
|
Entry level |
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For dance a high level of general fitness is required. At Grade level this can be achieved by being
physically active eg: running, walking,
swimming, playing games etc. If working
towards the vocational, professional level syllabi it is necessary to
participate in some form of body conditioning incorporating core strengthening
and flexibility. This can be done at
home using a fitness video – great fun with family and friends joining in! – or
at a gym or pilates class. If you are
not sure what to do ASK.