Children can start Pre School Dance from the age of 3. This is a combined class the emphasis is on the Ballet with a little taster of Tap! Basic dance steps and music interpretation are taught in a varied way in a fun “play” atmosphere. Early dance helps to develop
co-ordination, confidence, spatial awareness, basic technique and social skills. When the children reach full-time school age there is a natural progression to the next level of classes, where all subjects are taken separately and they can start working towards exams if they wish.
At our Thame branch we also run a Parent & Toddler class for children 18 months to 3 years.
Our Parent & Toddler class is suitable for Boys & Girls aged 18 months to 3 years. This fun class begins exploring dance in a fun and imaginative way and gives parents / carers the chance to share the experience with their children. Classes run every Saturday morning in our east Oxford branch.
Ballet is the basis of all dance and we encourage all our pupils to include a ballet class in their weekly timetable. Our classes follow the Imperial Ballet syllabus which develops a strong basic technique combined with an understanding of co-ordination and musical interpretation, all of which are essential parts of classical training.
Our rising 5’s will start off in Pre Primary which is a very creative syllabus which leads to a “class style” exam which allows the teacher to accompany the children into their first exam. Pupils then progress through the grades at a pace dictated by the individual. All pupils reaching Grade 5 will then be assessed as to their suitability for pointe work classes.
Our classes follow the newly introduced ISTD Tap grades. The new ISTD tap grades encourage a greater understanding of cultural music and rhythms and develop an up to date relaxed and easy Tap style.
Tap Dance is one of the most exciting and rhythmic forms of dance. As pupils progress through the grades they will gain an extensive knowledge of Tap vocabulary and strong sense of timing & musicality – above all else it is great fun!
Again our Modern & Jazz classes follow the Imperial syllabus. The syllabus incorporates many different styles including Lyrical, Jazz, Contemporary and other dance styles which give pupils the ability to adapt to the ever changing fashions in dance.
The children's Modern grades are based on natural movements: walking, running, jumping and skipping. Modern classes help develop flexibility, stamina and strength.
From Grade 3 upwards pupils also have the chance to study the Jazz Awards, which again follow a set syllabus but are faster moving and all danced to the latest chart music!
Musical Theatre classes will work on singing technique, confidence, performance & audition skills.
The Musical Theatre students will learn the art of blending Song & Dance and will have the opportunity to perform at many Dance Connection productions & events. We would hope to give all our Musical Theatre students at least one stage performance per term.
Classes will cover:
Songs from the Musicals
Songs from the screen
Pop
Ballads
Plus many more….
Why not try our incredibly popular new Street Funk for a fun, energetic class packed full of the latest moves! Our Junior class is in Woodcote and caters for 6-8 years.