RAD Ballet

Ballet is the foundation for all styles of dance and at KCDS we strongly promote the study of Ballet alongside other classes. Ballet classes help to improve posture, balance and co-ordination as well as building physical strength and classical technique. It also helps with self discipline, poise and grace, as well as building self confidence. Our teachers are passionate and our students love coming to class, not only for the chance to learn a new skill, but also to make new friends in an inclusive and welcoming environment.

At KCDS our teaching staff are highly qualified and bring years of experience to each class. We offer the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) syllabus, an internationally recognised portfolio of examinations and assessments designed to encourage, motivate and reward students of all ages and abilities, outlining a progressive structure for learning and achievement in dance.

Vocational ballet

The RAD Vocational  syllabus provides an in-depth study of ballet, developing students technique, musicality and performance skills. The vocational route is only offered to students who possess both the physical facility and ability to cope with the demands placed on the body during this intensive classical training, which includes pointe work. Vocational classes are held twice a week and are taught alongside their regular grade ballet class.

Dancers must show a natural ability and have a lot of potential with this subject as well as dedication and commitment. This highly-focused and practical training prepares students for a dance, or dance-related, career.

The syllabi are appropriate for students from the age of 10 years.

The vocational classes are invite only.

PBT & Pre-Pointe program

Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) is an innovative body-conditioning and strengthening program that has been designed to enhance students’ classical technique by focussing on training the muscle memory required in each exercise. PBT helps teachers around the world prepare their students to receive the strength they need to achieve their personal best.

Pre-Pointe training will also be included in the PBT Class for ballet students to further develop and strengthen muscles necessary to go en pointe.

Our new teacher Rose, will stress correct alignment and classical technique and will incorporate thera-bands in specific exercises. Each dancer will be assessed for Pointe readiness - Core Strength, Rotation and Turn Out, Alignment and Balance. 

Dancers will also be required to practice their exercises at home.

ISTD Tap

Tap dance is a unique blend of skill, technique and music! These classes are a great choice for developing great balance and coordination, a sense of rhythm and for strengthening the feet and legs.

Students study the ISTD syllabus students alongside free combinations to encourage quick thinking and the opportunity to learn new steps. This level is not for beginners, although we are very experienced at fast-tracking older students who might like to work on a new skill.

Dancers wishing to increase their tap knowledge can do through taking examinations or these classes can just be taken for fun!

MID JAZZ

If you really like to move, then this class is for you! An energetic class that involves the whole body, working on limbering and strengthening followed by jazz progressions and combinations travelling across the studio floor. This class offers the opportunity to study modern dance without the structure of a syllabus.

Students work on their flexibility as well as gaining strength to improve on progression techniques, perfecting kicks, leaps and turns. Be ready to challenge yourself with fun, new and exciting tricks and turn combos!

MID Lyrical

Contemporary Dance is all about expressing emotion through organic movements and unrestricted lines. Incorporating elements of lyrical Jazz, Ballet and Modern dance, Contemporary is an exciting fusion which allows students to work through powerful and emotional routines. Contemporary Dance is an expressive style of dance that lends itself to theatrical performance.

The style encourages dancers to make connections between mind and body working to build awareness of the space around the body and, in particular, the sensations within. Dancers are encouraged to explore how to use the body in different ways using improvisation, preparing them for the for working outside the specific practices to create new and exciting movement language.

MID COMMERCIAL

Commercial Dance at KCDS is taught by a professional dancer. The choreography is fresh and fierce and is off the scale fun!

Commercial Dance has evolved from Urban styles such as Hip Hop and Fused with a more theatrical jazz style to give dancers the freedom to unleash their sass.

Commercial is the kind of dancing you see when artists perform live, in music videos, on TV, Film and Commercials.

Commercial is held on a Wednesday night for students. We look forward to seeing you there!

Acrobatic arts

Our Acrobatic Arts classes include balancing, limbering, tumbling and partnering, with a focus on flexibility, contortion and strength. If you like to tumble, cartwheel and balance then this class is for you. We are trained in the prestigious Acrobatic Arts Syllabus. Commitment to attendance and home practice outside of the studio is essential in order to progress. It is compulsory to attend classes in other dance styles at KCDS alongside the Acrobatic Arts classes.  Students will be graded by ability depending on skills and technique.

Classes are held on a Tuesday evening.

MID Drama & Singing

This class produces a variety of musical theatre numbers from a wide selection of shows, with a wide variety of options for performances including competitions and special events. Our students receive training from industry professionals, learning complex harmonies and how to harmonise as a group, west end style choreography and techniques, and how to perform as an ensemble. Students will also have the chance to grab the limelight with a solo or two!

Classes are held on a Tuesday evening.

Stretch, strength & KLT

This brilliant, new program will focus on the foundation of Jazz Technique while building your strength and flexibility. It’s an essential class for students who want to see results and make constant progress in their dance training.

This class does not focus on choreography and does not rehearse a performance piece for the show.