LITTLE RASCALS            

A great introduction to dance this class follows the I.D.T.A. Pre-Juvenile Award teaching the children to skip, hop, jump and gallop. The children explore movements through creative dance as they become fairies, elves and butterflies whilst taking in their first ballet positions and steps. Soft mats are then put out for stretching, tricks and tumbles. Forward rolls, head to toes and bunny hops develop their strength and flexibility. Tap shoes are then put on for a range of free exercises introducing them to their first tap moves teaching them basic rhythm and musicality.

PREPARATORY BALLET & TAP

Once children begin school they then move onto the Preparatory grade. Again, following the I.D.T.A. syllabus this level has a more challenging content and is their real first taste of ballet and tap. Children learn their first positions, how to point their toes, plies and more. They are encouraged to develop good posture and technique and learn a sequence of set exercises and routines. The same structure applies to the tap where the set exercises allow them to practise shuffles, stepballchanges and a variety of tap steps.

The grades then progess through to Primary, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, Intermediate, Advanced 1 and Advanced 2.

As they continue to work through the grades, time spent on them then increases as the content progresses and becomes more challenging. In ballet they will master the French vocabulary for a huge variety of ballet steps, take set exercises from the ballet barre and eventually work in Pointe Shoes as they reach the higher grades. In tap they learn more advanced steps and more complicated rhythms.

What grade your child works on will be dependent on their age and ability. Classmates may not take their exams at the same time as every child is so different and some may need more time then others especially as they work on the higher grades. It is important to note that children do not have to be entered for examinations. They can choose to do as much or as little as they like within reason.

BABY STAGE

A fun class taken to all the current hits! Here they learn less rigid styles of dance but will still need to master new steps. Classes will vary from disco, street, modern and theatre so that they can do a street routine one week then maybe something from High School Musical the next! Routines will be learnt that can be rehearsed and performed at Jaykays open days, shows, festivals and other events. I must stress that those who continue to take their ballet and tap alongside this will excel as it really is important to maintain the core subjects in order to pick up the steps and movements included in this class.

JUNIOR STAGE

INTER STREET DANCE

SENIOR STREET DANCE

GYM CLUB

Limbering and stretch are done to improve flexibility and suppleness. Forward rolls, cartwheels, back bends and head stands are a few of the many tricks and tumbles children can learn to do confidently and securely. Soft mats and crash mats are used for safety and to allow children to really have a go. The mini trampoline and other equipment are used to increase strength and agility. Gymnastic movements learnt here such as cartwheels can be used in disco and modern routines as an impressive demonstration of all your child's abilities.