Students of Danceworks Sydney are taught a strong base technique and encouraged to progress individually, developing their skill, musicality and self-confidence within a caring and healthy environment.
All levels of the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus are offered. Coaching for eisteddfods, exams and to accelerate progress is available individually or in groups for all ages.
Children of all backgrounds are welcome. Boys are encouraged to join. Scholarships may be available at the discretion of the Director.
All students perform in the End of Year Concert in Term 4. It is a great opportunity for students to show off what they have worked on all year, as well as experiencing performing for an audience.
Ballet Contemporary Lyrical Jazz Character
Ballet
Parents and Bubs: For parents/carers and children aged 18months - 3yrs
This is a relaxed dance class introducing very young kids to the wonderful world of dance. The class involes using props and involves stories and imagination. Parents/carers are in the studio for this 30 minute class.
Tiny Tots: For children aged 3-4yrs old
This is a fun class introducing children to the magical world of dance. Children can dress up in whatever they like as long as they can move without tripping. Parents are encouraged to leave their child at the door however if the child is unwilling parents can come into the studio and sit at the side.
Pre-School: For children aged 4-5yrs
More challenging steps, syncopated rhythms and developing artistry through the telling of story ballets are taught at this level.
Pre-Primary: 5-6yrs
The first level of RAD syllabus. Students participate in a Class Award in approx. September/October - date confirmed closer to the time.
Primary: 6-7yrs
Second level of RAD syllabus.
Grades 1 - 5: 7yrs-11yrs
Students attend 2 lessons per week and take an exam in September/October.
Vocational Intermediate Foundation - Solo Seal: 11/12yrs+
Coaching/Private Lessons:
All ages individually or in groups focussed on individual improvement, examination preparation, competition coaching.
Contemporary Dance
Contemporary dance is one of the dominant genres throughout the world also performed by many classical ballet companies. It often combines the strong and controlled legwork of ballet with extra focus on the torso, and also employs contract-release, floor work, fall and recovery, and improvisation characteristic of modern dance. Combined with unpredictable changes in rhythm, speed, and direction.
Lyrical Dance
Lyrical dance is a style of dance created from the fusion of ballet with jazz and contemporary dance techniques. Lyrical dancing is performed to music with lyrics to inspire movements to express strong emotions the choreographer feels from the lyrics in the chosen song.
Jazz Dance
Jazz is an upbeat, fun and funky style of dance set to popular mainstream music. It is used in many musical theatre productions.
Character Dance
Based on the Igor Moseyev Russian style, character dance teaches traditional folk and national dances, as well as the character dances performed in traditional classical ballets such as Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake.
Why should my child dance?
TO:
Make life-long friends and build teamwork skills
Develops self discipline
Train good posture
Develop different areas of the brain, in turn improving memory and brain function
Help achieve and maintain a healthy weight by burning calories
Help develop stronger bones as dance is a weight bearing exercise
Increase poise, grace, body confidence and awareness, anatomical understanding of ones own body
Learn how to work towards a goal
Establish and build up self confidence
Feel good as dance elevates mood by raising endorphins levels, reducing stress and depression
Foster an appreciation of music and improve rhythm and musicality
Bangarra dancer Luke Currie Richardson said he wished he had started formal dance training when he was younger as it could help young people develop self esteem. “I definitely think it improves the confidence of a child.”