Graded Classes

At the Primary level, students will work on the basics of classical ballet positions and the foundation of classical ballet. Students will also work on exercises that focuses on building their kinesthetic awareness in relation to space, sense of rhythm and musicality. Students should also be able to perform a short ballet sequence on their own or as a group.

For the first 6 months, classes are held once a week and each class lasts an hour long. In the later half of the year, students are encouraged to attend classes twice a week; the additional class is to prepare them for their first RAD examination. Students who opt not to take the examination are also strongly encouraged to attend the additional class to ensure that they progress along with their classmates. Parents are invited to observe the class during Parents’ Week (held at the end of the calendar year). A written evaluation will be given to each student at the end of the year.

At this level, students will continue working on developing and strengthening their basic techniques though more repetitive work. Simple barre work (i.e. facing the barre with two hands) will be introduced to get students used to body placement. Coordination and kinesthetic movements are further enhanced and aerodynamic use of the body and space are developed. Character dance will also be introduced.

From this level, students are required to attend class twice a week, one hour per session. Parents will be invited to an open observation class during Parents’ Week at the end of the calendar year and a written evaluation will be given to each student once every year.

At Grade 2, students will begin to place more focus working at the barre with both hands and one hand. Longer combinations of exercises at the centre and more sustained balance on one leg are introduced. Hence it is essential to strengthen the core and back through simple training exercises. They will experience a wider range of music and movement dynamics in their classical training, coupled with stronger use of presentation in dance. Character dance continues to be introduced.

In this level, students are required to attend class twice a week, one hour per session. Parents will be invited to an open observation class during Parents’ Week at the end of the calendar year and a written evaluation will be given to each student once every year.

At this level, training is intensified both at the barre and at the centre. Greater emphasis will be placed on body placement, on two and one leg, a wholeness coordination of the body with use of space. Stronger and greater aerodynamic movements as well as softer and more graceful ballet steps are taught. A slightly more matured approach on the character dance is introduced.

Students are required to attend classes twice a week and each class lasts an hour. Parents are invited to observe the class during Parents’ Week (held at the end of the calendar year). A written evaluation will be given to each student at the end of the year.

At Grade 4, classical ballet training further intensifies with longer combinations of exercises at the centre, introduction of turns on one leg and bigger allegro movements. Training will place greater emphasis on core, ankles and feet and back strengthening. Detailed footwork, arm positions and use of the upper body will also be focused on. A matured presentation and approach of character dance is continued.

Students are required to attend classes twice a week and each class lasts an hour. Parents are invited to observe the class during Parents’ Week (held at the end of the calendar year). A written evaluation will be given to each student at the end of the year.

In this level, the focus of training will be geared towards a steady and sturdy classical ballet technique as well as pleasing sense of performance presentation. Proper pirouettes and more intense and extensive allegros are introduced at this level. Intricate detailed work are also emphasized.

Students are required to attend classes twice a week and each class lasts an hour. Parents are invited to observe the class during Parents’ Week (held at the end of the calendar year). A written evaluation will be given to each student at the end of the year.

In this level, training becomes more rigorous and intensed and focus is placed on legs and ankles for pointe work. Introductory pointe work will be introduced at this level and it is up to the discretion of the teachers when they will be ready for pointe training. Emphasis on sturdy and well managed classical ballet technique, core work, sharp thinking and awareness of details are concentrated upon. Besides RAD syllabus work, students at this level are required to be competent in free enchainement work as well.

Students are expected to attend class thrice a week, 1.5 hours per session for 2 classes and one 2 hour session in the same week. Parents will be invited to an open observation class during Parents’ week at the end of the calendar year, and written evaluation will be given to each student once a year.

At the Intermediate level training intensifies, students are expected to attend classes three times a week, 1.75 hours per session for 2 classes and one two-hour session in the same week. Training is focused on extensive classical ballet vocabulary, longer and more sophisticated sequencing of movements compared to Intermediate Foundation as well as longer exercises on pointe. This is also the compulsory level under the RAD syllabus grading to pursue the Advanced levels.

Parents will be invited to an open observation class during Parents’ Week at the end of the calendar year and written evaluation will be given to each student once every year.

The Advanced levels begin at Advanced Foundation, followed by Advanced 1 and Advanced 2. At the Advanced levels, students continue to focus on rigorous and intensive training at the barre, centre and on pointe. Strong classical training and performance qualities are expected at this level and students should already be competent in free enchainement sequences.

Students are expected to attend classes three times a week, each class lasting 2 hours. An additional class will be implemented in preparation for the RAD examination 6 months prior.