Our Classes
We offer a range of dance styles for students above 2 years old and up to young adults.
RAD Classical Ballet (Ages 5+)
Ballet technique provides the fundamentals of all other styles of dance and is highly encouraged to all students at Studio 23. Learning the foundations of ballet including balance, alignment, posture, strength, flexibility, musicality and performance proves to be highly beneficial for all other styles of dance. Ballet class etiquette which has endured centuries of history develops respect and deportment in the students values which stick with them for life.
For classical ballet technique training, we offer the internationally recognised Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) syllabus to all students above 5 years old. Graded by their age and skill level into appropriate classes, our RAD accredited teachers use the set exercises as a means to develop their technical ability. Exams are offered to students who attend two ballet classes a week (subject to the teachers’ discretion) which requires a committed work ethic and develops confidence.
Glenn Wood Tap (GWT)
Tap classes allow students to gain a deep sense of rhythm and musicality which is applicable to all other styles of dance. Mastering complex footwork and the pristine sound of their metal taps on the floor is extremely rewarding for students as they begin to develop their proficiency in this style. Offering exams to students aged 5 and above, the GWT syllabus provides students with an opportunity to perform their classwork to an examiner and their peers, developing confidence. The syllabus includes barre work, centre combinations, corner work and 1-2 minute routines.
GWT offers exams from Level 1 to Level 13. Students are graded according to their age and skill level.
Jazz
For younger students, jazz classes gives them an opportunity to simply move and groove their bodies as they please. Teachers use familiar pop music to engage their students, allowing them to develop their gross motor skills in a fun way. They form new friendships with other students and enjoy the opportunity to perform at the annual concert on a professional stage.
JFH (Jazz, Funk, Hip-Hop)
In our JFH classes a fusion of commercial jazz and hip-hop is taught to students. In a JFH lesson, students have an opportunity to enhance their technique through corner work and centre combinations as well as having fun learning choreography.
Contemporary/
Lyrical
Constructed as a resistance to the rigidity and conventions of classical ballet, our contemporary classes allow students to develop their dance technique and perform movement with greater artistic expression and freedom. Classes incorporate classical and modern dance techniques to ensure students are equipped with the tools to perform movement safely. Improvisation and compositional tasks give them the opportunity to add their own artistry when dancing, making contemporary classes the perfect opportunity for students to express themselves through movement.
Show Group
After an audition process, students who demonstrate excellent technique, commitment and work ethic are given extra opportunities to perform through our several Show Groups. These troupes of similarly aged students perform at local community events and compete at dance eisteddfods, developing their performance quality and confidence on stage in a supportive and nurturing environment. In order to be eligible for Show Group, students must be enrolled in 4 classes a week, one of which includes ballet, and must be able to commit to a 2-3 hour rehearsal, one afternoon a week.
Babies Classes
Wiggle and Giggle (Ages 2–3)
In Wiggle and Giggle our youngest students enjoy learning about dance at a very basic level, through a hybrid of the ballet and jazz styles. Whilst some of our Wiggles struggle with the separation from their parents, the aid of our caring and understanding teachers help students to make new friends, have fun and develop their essential gross motor skills including walking, running and jumping. The use of acting and props to engage students helps to nurture a positive and fun experience during each week’s 30 minute lesson.
Funky 4s (Ages 4-5)
In Funky 4s classes, these young students begin to learn the basic principles of dance including pointing the foot and ballet runs, with continued assistance from their teachers. Both ballet and tap are included in each week’s 45 minute lesson as students develop friendly relationships with their peers whilst having fun.
Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT)
This training technique was purpose-built for dancers to reap the greatest benefits from their ballet classes by safely developing the strength and muscle memory required for classical ballet. The use of equipment such as exercise balls and resistance bands allows students to gain proprioceptive awareness and control whilst in a non-weight bearing position. This class is geared towards ballet students in Grade 4 and above, however available to all dancers who are seeking to improve their technique.
