We are proud to offer classes in Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, and Progressing Ballet Technique.
Class placement is at the discretion of our teachers. A brief informal ‘audition’ may be necessary for experienced dancers in order to see what class would be the best fit. Beginners may need to start at a lower level to enable them to ‘catch up’ to dancers of their age.
Canterbury Academy of Dance is happy to accept enrolment enquiries at any time during the year; however, placement is not guaranteed and will depend on whether space is available in class.
Classes in addition to those listed below; junior performance team, senior performance team, private lessons, and adult classes.
Pre-school Dance
Ages: 2-4
Exams: Not available
Performances: Two per annum.
Training expectation: Average student dances 45 minutes per week.
We have spent the past 10 years developing our own preschool dance syllabus designed around the important role movement plays in the growth, development, and education of all children.
Our pre-school classes are designed to teach young dancers the basics of dance to enable them to transition easily into ballet or jazz classes when they turn 5. These basics are taught in a fun way to allow the dancers to use their imagination and develop their creativity. Fine and gross motor skills are improved through specifically devised exercises.
Our classes are structured as a typical ballet class incorporating French terminology to give dancers a thorough introduction to dance.
Classical Ballet
Junior Ballet
Ages: 5-8
Exams: Pre-Primary, Primary, Grade One, Grade Two RAD
Performances: Two per annum
Training Expectation: Average student dances 1-2 hours per week
The focus at these levels is building a strong technical base for all dancers. Dancers continue to strengthen ballet basics while having fun developing performance skills and creativity skills. Self-expression through dance is important at these levels to allow dancers to grow in confidence and to be able to communicate ideas freely.
Ballet theory is also taught to ensure a well-rounded dance education.
Elementary Ballet
Ages: 9-12
Exams: Grades Three, Four, and Five RAD.
Performances: Two per annum
Training Expectation: At least 2 hours per week.
Our intermediate ballet levels focus on increasing dancers’ technical ability as they advanced through the levels.
Maintaining secure and safe technique is the focus to ensure students can move to a senior level and potentially lead to pointe work. Knowledge of ballet theory continues to be valued as dancers at this level have the opportunity to attend masterclass and workshops with other teachers.
Progressing Ballet Technique is also encouraged at this level to help the dancers to gain a greater understanding of how their bodies work.
Intermediate Ballet
Ages: 12+
Exams: Grades six, seven, and eight or Intermediate RAD.
Performances: Two per annum.
Training Expectation: 3+ hours per week including progressing ballet technique.
We hold a high standard for our senior ballet dancers; at this level dancers are required to take at least 3 hours of ballet per week and classes in progressing ballet technique to maintain a strong, technically secure body.
Each dancer who enters this level will be individually assessed for pointe work and will only be invited to begin training en pointe when they are physically ready.
Advanced Ballet
Ages: 15+
Exams: Advanced levels RAD
Performances: Two per annum
Training Expectation: 5+ hours per week
Advanced ballet is only available to the serious dancer who is willing commit to the required training and undertake the advanced exams.
More training is required for pointe work, progressing ballet technique, and contemporary becomes a requirement for ballet dancers at this level.
Jazz and Modern
Junior Jazz
Ages: 5-9
Exams: Test One, Two, Three ATOD
Performances: Two per annum.
Training Expectation: 1 hour per week
Similar to junior ballet, our junior jazz classes work to establish dancers with a firm technical foundation while having fun! Dancers are exposed to different styles of jazz; traditional jazz, musical theatre, and more modern, commercial jazz.
Self-expression is important at this level to help dancers develop their own creativity and performance skills while enabling them to grow in confidence.
Elementary Jazz
Ages: 9-12
Exams: Bronze levels ATOD
Performances: Two per annum
Training Expectation: 1-2 hours per week.
Our intermediate jazz levels focus on increasing dancers’ technical ability as they grow as dancers. Varying styles are built on and new styles are introduced at these levels including; musical theatre, commercial jazz, jazz funk, and lyrical.
Most dancers are able to sit exams with only 1 hour per week, however, we do encourage dancers to take another class if they are wanting to advance faster.
Intermediate Jazz
Ages: 12+
Exams: Silver and Gold levels ATOD
Performances: Two per annum.
Training Expectation: 2 hours per week
At this level, dancers are expected to be competent in many different styles of jazz as versatility is important in these higher levels. Impromptu skills are built on and students are encouraged to choreograph their own dances.
Dancers are also encouraged to take at least 1 ballet class per week to ensure proficiency in lyrical and contemporary styles.
Advanced Jazz
Ages: 15+
Exams: Elementary, Intermediate, and Advanced ATOD
Performances: Two per annum
Training Expectation: 2+ hours per week and at least 1 ballet class.
Advanced jazz is only available to the serious dancer who is willing commit to the required training and undertake the advanced exams.
More training is required for heel work, impromptu, own choreography, and varying styles that become essential at this level.
Uniform
Modest alternatives to these uniforms can be arranged.
Pre-School
Girls – Pink leotard with attached skirt, tights, ballet shoes (We can order tights and shoes to match skin tone. Please let us know if you would like to explore this option)
Boys – White t-shirt, navy shorts, white socks, white ballet shoes.
Junior Ballet
Girls – White leotard, tights, ballet shoes (We can order tights and shoes to match skin tone. Please let us know if you would like to explore this option).
Boys – White t-shirt, navy shorts, white socks, white ballet shoes.
Intermediate and Advanced Ballet
Any leotard, tights, ballet shoes*. (A set exam leotard may be required)
Junior and Intermediate Jazz
Girls – Black leotard, black shorts, tan slip on jazz shoes
Boys – Black t-shirt, black shorts, tan slip on jazz shoes
Senior and Advanced Jazz
Any top with leggings or shorts, tan slip on jazz shoes (As with senior ballet, a set exam uniform may also be required)
Contemporary
Any appropriate dance wear, bare feet or socks. (A set assessment uniform may be required)
*Students will be individually assessed for pointe work. Pointe shoes should only be purchased with permission from our teachers.
Our uniform is available from both Stage Door Dance and Streetwear (New Regent Street) and PW Dance and Sportswear (387 Colombo Street) Just ask the ladies for the Canterbury Academy of Dance uniform and they will sort you out with everything you need. If you prefer to order tights or shoes to match your dancers skin tone, we can order these separately from one of our international suppliers.
If you are unsure what uniform you may need, please contact us to check. To allow your dancers teachers to be able to effectively teach, and for your dancer to be able to move correctly, uniforms should not be bought with “room to grow” – especially shoes!
