Dance Genres
Modern Theatre Dance
From age 3, children can begin to learn Modern Theatre Dance. Modern creates a sense of discipline in a less formal environment than Ballet and students are encouraged to use their expression and musicality. Modern classes are an ideal opportunity for children to exercise regularly in a safe way.
The genre combines modern dance, natural movement and jazz styles and the ISTD syllabus is adapted to follow evolving fashions in dance. Young people become disciplined and versatile dancers with a professional attitude towards dance through this dance genre.
Tap Dance
Tap dance is one of the most enjoyable and rhythmic forms of recreational dance, making it very popular with children and adults alike, and allows the student to express themselves through a combination of movement and sound.
The ISTD have developed an excellent tried and tested examination process which trains students to become excellent tappers with a full understanding of rhythm, timing and musicality.
Classical Ballet
Ballet forms the basis for all other dance styles as it helps develop strength, posture, grace, co-ordination, muscle tone, technique and musical awareness.
Too much discipline can cause young children to lose interest and stop Ballet training. It is also important to not put too much strain on young bodies.
With this in mind, our Ballet classes for students up to the age of 6, have an emphasis on having fun, and developing imagination and musicality while improving posture with basic leg and arms lines.
From the age of 7, we then focus on building the classical technique while still engaging our fun-side.
At Frogmore Dance School we follow the IDTA classical ballet syllabus.
We also offer an optional class in the Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) for students who take Grade 3 Ballet upwards. This class helps build muscle memory and strength and is a fantastic addition to our timetable. https://pbt.dance/home/about
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For our core technique subjects of Modern, Tap and Ballet we advise these genres are not studied with us if already taking these genres at alternative dance schools. This is to prevent a cross-over of technique understanding which may be confusing for the student. For example, one school may want a chasseé performed in one way, while another school may wish the technique to be executed in a different way.
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Freestyle
This form of dance became most popular during the disco music craze in the late 70's with the launch of films such as Saturday Night Fever. Disco/Freestyle dance can be performed to various music styles and can incorporate dynamic moves such as runs, kicks, leaps and spins. Disco/Freestyle dance helps to encourage dancers to develop their own performance style and to be more creative with dance.
In recent years, Freestyle has taken a more earthy feel, following modern trends and incorporating influences from street dance.
Hardworking pupils can also undertake Medal Test examinations with The International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA).
Musical Theatre
In this class we explore all skills needed for the theatre, including Singing, Drama and Movement.
This class helps our dancers to understand performance and how to project the emotions they feel when they dance to music, while learning to sing and act.
Students who have learned and reached a good standard and technique, may have the opportunity to sit examinations in all of the above genres that they study.
Examination entry will be by the discretion of the principal. Outstanding attendance it essential for any child wishing to work towards an Exam in any genre.
Contemporary
In this class we explore techniques such as Graham, Cunningham, Horton and Release. Contemporary encourages full use of the body and breath while exploring the dance space.
We encourage this to be an additional class to support other genres rather than this be taken as a stand alone class. This is due to the technique base and physical understanding needed.
This class is for students aged 11 yrs +
Jazz
Jazz is a free work class, meaning there is no set syllabus.
The umbrella term Jazz takes inspiration from Musical Theatre and Traditional Technical Jazz to Commercial Jazz and even through
to Contemporary and Lyrical.
These are fast passed classes including technical elements such as traveling across the floor, leaps, kicks, turns and pirouettes.
Street Dance
These classes are filled with energy, encouraging the students to discover the world of dance through funky routines and current music. Elements of Street, Jazz-Funk, Hip Hop and Breaking are explored in these classes.
Hardworking pupils can also undertake Medal Test examinations with The International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA).
Acro
This is a free work class mixing dance skills with acro movements.
The use of props is also encouraged in this class, for example, the use of ribbons and hoops. The main aim of this class is for our students to have fun and to encourage their own creativity while mastering skills and tricks which can be incorporated into their other genres.
Hardworking pupils can also undertake Medal Test examinations with The International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA).
Progressing Ballet Technique
Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) is an additional class recommended for all Ballet students studying Grade 3 or higher. The technique looks at building muscle memory through targeted exercises for both Ballet and Contemporary.
Leaps & Turns
Leaps & Turns is an additinal technique class that focuses on strengthening Leaps & Turns and learning additional type of turns and trick leaps which are not included in our freework classes.
We encourage this to be an additional class to support other genres rather than this be taken as a stand alone class. This is due to the technique base and physical understanding needed.
Little Movers
Little Movers is a general dance class encouraging movement and gross motor skills while using modern, jazz and theatre craft techniques.
Private Lessons for Singing or Acting
Private singing lessons are available with Katie on a one to one basis, helping students to develop technique and confidence. Private students can work towards exams with LAMDA if they wish.
Please speak with Katie personally if you would like singing lessons.