Ballet has to be the most physically demanding of all the dance styles, yet the poise and grace of the dancers make it look so easy. This is down to a good basic technique, which is achieved by the student receiving a well constructed build up of that technique during their training, usually by following a grade system such as ISTD. Ballet is compulsory for any student studying Modern and Jazz.
At ACS students usually start with one ballet class per week up to Grade 2 and then at Grade 3 or above take two or more ballet classes per week. At Anthony Clifford Studios we follow the Syllabus of the ISTD, seven grades in the children's syllabus (Primary to Grade 6) and for those interested in professional training there are the Vocational Graded Examinations at Intermediate, Advanced 1 and Advanced 2.
You can start a class in ballet at 3 years old in our Baby Ballet class, these classes help to develop the sense of dance, poise and musicality using simple natural movements and mime, always fundamental to ballet. Children join in with singing nursery rhymes with actions. In fact so much fun is had in these classes that the students don't realize that they are actually learning a strong foundation in ballet technique.
Whilst our grade ballet classes can cater for all ages, we also have adult ballet classes for those who decide to take up ballet at a later stage. As with all our classes feel free to check out our timetable, you can always contact us by phone or email to discuss which classes to attend. There maybe a waiting list in operation for certain classes, so it is a good idea to call first.
BOYS
YES! boys do ballet! It's not just for girls.
The boys syllabus in ballet works to build strength in the upper body used in partner work and strong legs used in the allegro (jumps and leaps) section.
We have a separate training class along side their syllabus work to help build upper body strength,flexibility and gymnastic skills.
Separate girls and boys classes may be introduced later.
