Risley Classes

The following classes are offered at our Risley branch, which is located at:

Risley Village Memorial Hall
Derby Road,
Risley
DE72 3SU

Butterfly & Dragonfly Ballet

Suitable for children aged 3-5 years of age.

Our Butterfly and Dragonfly Ballet Classes (for boys and girls) are aimed at children aged 3 to 5 years of age. Each week children begin to learn the basics of Classical Ballet as well as continuing to develop posture and coordination of motor skills. The academy follows the International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA) syllabus where children have the opportunity to work towards Ofqual examinations and medals (it is however not compulsory, and children are more than welcome to participate and move up to the next level without assessments taking place). Alongside learning the IDTA syllabus children will also participate in other ballet class exercises and activities designed by the Teachers to help build imagination, creativity and social skills as well as participate in our annual showcase!

Pre-Primary & Primary Plus Ballet

For children aged 7 and above.

Our Pre-Primary Ballet Classes (for boys and girls) are aimed at slightly older children. Each week children continue to build on the foundations of Classical Ballet technique whilst working towards the IDTA examinations (if they want to). These classes allow pupils to explore the following IDTA syllabus including Primary, Juvenile and Team Dance Award. At this level pupils continue to explore the wonderful world of Ballet through lots of fun unique games and activities developing strength, flexibility, knowledge and team working skills. There are also lots of opportunities for pupils to take part in community performance events as well as our own annual Recital and summer showcase.

Grade One & Grade Two Ballet

Suitable for children who have achieved a Primary and Grade 1 Ballet standard.

These classes follow the IDTA Grade One and Two syllabus (in separate classes). Again, pupils have the opportunity to work towards taking their next Ballet examination or Preliminary medal award. Pupils in this class also have the opportunity to perform in various Dance Festivals, community events and performances developing their performance skills. The class is structured to include flexibility, body conditioning (including PBT) and pre-pointe work exercises to enhance and develop each child’s Ballet training as they continue to progress.

Grade Four Ballet & Beginners Pointe Work

Suitable for children who have achieved a Grade 3 Ballet standard.

This class follows the IDTA Grade Three syllabus. Again, pupils have the opportunity to work towards taking their next Ballet examination or Bronze medal award. Pupils in this class also have the opportunity to perform in various Dance Festivals, community events and performances developing their performance skills. The class is structured to include flexibility, body conditioning and pre-pointe work exercises to enhance and develop each child’s Ballet training as they continue to progress.

Grade Two Contemporary Modern Jazz & Tap

Suitable for children aged 12+ years and over without prior experience.

The class is a 90 minute lesson involving 45 minutes of Contemporary Modern Jazz and 45 minutes of Tap dancing. Children will study the International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA) syllabus and will have the opportunity to work towards examinations and medals (it is however not compulsory, and children are more than welcome to just participate and move up to the next level without assessments taking place). Alongside learning the IDTA syllabus children will also participate in other contemporary/modern exercises and activates designed by the teachers to help build imagination, creativity, confidence and social skills.

Grade Four Tap

Suitable for children who have achieved Grade 3 Tap standard.

This class follows the IDTA Grade Four syllabus. An advance class where the syllabus is taught to pupils who have the opportunity to take the examination in our annual IDTA exam session. There are also lots of opportunities for pupils to take part in community performance events as well as our own annual Recital and summer showcase.

Strictly Dance Fun!

Our resident Ballroom and Latin teacher Miss Lauren has devised a fun packed class teaching steps including the Charleston, Cha Cha and Viennese Waltz for children aged 8 years and over with little or no Dance experience. This class includes a combination of partner and solo dancing in a fun and supportive learning environment. Come and try our class for free at Risley for more details please email [email protected]

Musical Theatre

Suitable for children aged 8 years and over.

Musical theatre is a form of theatrical performance that combines songs, spoken dialogue, acting and dance. This popular class aims to introduce pupils to a range of different Musicals including Wicked to the world of Bob Fosse. Pupils have the opportunity of performing at community events and Dance Festivals as well as developing their skills in Acting, Singing and Dancing combined.

Lyrical Contemporary & Body Conditioning

Suitable for children aged 12 years and over.

Lyrical Contemporary is a dance style that blends elements of Modern Ballet and Jazz Dance in one. It requires a lot of endurance, strength, coordination and stamina.

The class works on developing Contemporary Dance technique and specific skills that require certain moves to be executed. Throughout the school year pupils have the opportunity of performing at various community events and Dance Festivals showcasing different pieces of choreography. In addition to the hour-long Contemporary class pupils have the opportunity of developing their flexibility and core strength through our conditioning programme. This really helps build a strong and supple dancer who is serious about their training and wanting to further their training at vocational level (post 16 or 18 years of age).

Acrobatic Arts

Suitable for children aged 6 years and over.

Our Acrobatic Arts class for children follows the comprehensive training programme by Acrobatic Arts. This class includes inspiration from gymnastic floor work to rhythmic gymnastics! This class helps build strength, stamina and flexibility in a safe learning environment. This class is taught by Miss Lauren who is a fully qualified Acrobatic Arts instructor and assisted by Miss Danielle one of our other qualified teachers. Pupils work towards achieving the Acrobatic Arts competences progressing and developing at their own speed in a nurturing learning environment. For this class pupils will need to bring their own mat to class.