 What is Ballet Kids?
At Jitterbugs Swingapore, the Ballet Kids progamme is performance-based, but the classes follow either the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) syllabus or the Commonwealth Society of Teachers of Dancing (CSTD) syllabus.
RAD
The RAD is one of the world's most influential dance education and training organisations. Their examinations are designed to motivate and encourage students of all ages and levels of ability through a systematic measurement of progress and attainment.
• The Pre-School Dance Curriculum develops basic movement skills, musical awareness, expression and creativity. Themed classes encourage class participation, focus and confidence that prepare students for entry to Pre-Primary levels. This curriculum is appropriate for students between the ages of two and a half and five years.
• The Graded Examinations in the dance syllabus provides a broad practical dance education and develops technical, musical and performance skills. It incorporates ballet, free movement and character and with the new Pre-Primary in Dance and Primary in Dance it is appropriate for students from the age of five years.
RAD Ballet Tots
- Beginners (age 4 & above)
An introduction to the basics of ballet using an imaginative approach, incorporating flexibility, coordination and musicality into simple movement combinations.
RAD Ballet Kids Pre Pri 1 (age 4 & above)
Based on the Royal Academy of Dancing Pre Primary syllabus. Strong Emphasis on basic posture and discipline in creative exercises to develop strength, flexibility, musicality and coordination.
RAD Ballet Kids Pre Pri 2 (age 5 & above)
A progression from Pre Primary 1, the class is more structured. Simple exercises continue to develop strength, flexibility, musicality and coordination. A strong emphasis on posture, turnout and holding positions, as well as remembering simple combinations of steps/movement.
RAD Ballet Kids Pri (age 6 & above)
Based on the RAD Primary syllabus as a guideline, a structured class to develop key foundational children's classical ballet concepts such as use of turnout, posture, flexibility, musicality and coordination. Developing the child's ability to perform simple combinations of ballet steps/movement while maintaining clean lines and posture.
RAD Ballet Kids Grade 1 (age 7 & above)
Strengthening the foundation of key ballet concepts and introducing a wider vocabulary of movement based on the RAD Grade 1 syllabus.
 CSTD
The CSTD is one of the great International Dance Societies proudly serving Dance for over 78 years providing examinations in all major dance disciplines from Tinies to Teacher qualifications throughout Australia & the Asian Pacific region.
PRE-GRADES: Pre & Pri Ballet
(age 4 & above)
These courses are for beginning students of ballet and form an introduction to basic technique and to different rhythms in music, which will later develop into musicality and enjoyment in their dancing. They learn coordination of the various body parts and how to mime, which promotes self-expression and confidence.
LOWER GRADES: Grade 1 – Grade 3 (age 6 & above)
Here the teaching of true ballet technique commences, along with increased emphasis on correct posture, placement and line. Flexibility and strength building are also necessary components. A variety of steps are introduced and students learn both the vocabulary and how to join these together in different ways, and importantly to show enjoyment in what they are doing. Elevation, presentation and dance quality are developed throughout.
HIGHER GRADES: Grade 4 – Grade 6 (age 8 & above)
Movements become increasingly complex and varied and students learn to develop quick responses through the use of unset work. Turning steps, beaten steps and demi-pointe exercises are practiced and developed, so greater strength and control is required. An increased sense of performance, awareness of space and dynamics and development of choreography are emphasised. National dance is introduced from Grade 5 and the choiceof style is flexible. Grade 6 lays the foundation for Major work which follows.
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