Excellence in Performing Arts Education
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
BALLET
Ballet technique is undoubtedly the foundation for all dance forms. At Stage Door Academy we strongly encourage all students to engage in ballet class alongside their other dance disciplines. This approach enhances the comprehension of body mechanics/anatomy, correct placement, posture and alignment across various styles.
Our instructors possess extensive qualifications and training in Cechetti and the Royal Academy of Dance syllabi.. Your child is guaranteed an excellent ballet education. Our ptimary focus will be on teaching the RAD syllabus in ballet classes.
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Additional details can be found on our examinations page.
RAD BALLET
RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) ballet classes focus on developing a strong foundation in classical ballet techniques for students of all ages. These classes cover essential elements such as posture, flexibility, strength, and coordination, while also emphasizing musicality and expression through movement. The RAD is an excellent pathway for a career in ballet and teaching. Students may undertake an exam in their given level. This however is not compulsory.
BROADWAY BABIES
Broadway Babies is an engaging dance class focusing on the fundamentals of Broadway-style dance. ballet and tap. Participants will explore basic the basic vocabulary and techniques of these styles while fostering essential social skills through group activities. Each session begins with a warm-up, uses of props, and culminates in the development of a small routine.
Our dedicated instructors prioritize inclusivity and enjoyment, making each class a delightful experience for young dancers. This is a class where little people begin their love of dance!
JAZZ
Stage Door Academy jazz classes offers participants a technical, energetic, and fun experience. Students engage in a combination of rhythmic movements, improvisation, and technical skills, all set to lively music.
The class emphasizes correct positioning of the body, coordination, flexibility, and creativity. Dancers will learn key foundational jazz techniques and vocabulary and build upon these as they grow.
TAP
Tap dance is a crucial skill for aspiring Musical Theatre performers, combining both enjoyment and technical precision. In our tap dance classes, you will learn basic footwork patterns and rhythms, fundamental steps, develop coordination, rhythm, musicality, and the ability to count beats. It is also fun to create percussive sounds with your tap shoes on the floor. As you progress, you'll learn more complex combinations and variations, incorporating syncopation and accents to create intricate routines.
CONTEMPORARY
Contemporary dance is dynamic form of interpretive dance that prioritizes innovation and a unique movement vocabulary. It is a style which often represent abstract or literal concepts through artistic expression. Contemporary dance classes foster the development of creative and expressive movement while improving spatial and bodily awareness. Students acquire a diverse set of skills, including floor work, turns, jumps, and travelling steps.
LYRICAL
Lyrical dance embodies various aspects of ballet, jazz, acrobatics, and modern dance. It is an expressive form of dance that is named as such because of the way the choreographer is inspired by the lyrics of the song. Dancers express their emotions through this style and a strong classical technique is important to execute lyrical dance. Stage Door Academy classical ballet classes complement lyrical dance exceptionally well.
COMMERCIAL
Commercial dance refers to a performance style intended for live audiences, often seen at concerts, live performances. music videos or on television Dancers in this field are required to execute their routines with both vigor and precision, all while maintaining an appearance of ease. These classes often focus on choreography that's trending and current and it’s usually performed to chart music. As students advance, they will explore more intricate combinations and variations, incorporating syncopation and accents to craft complex routines
HIP-HOP
Hip hop is a fast-paced and energetic dance style using the latest street/urban dance moves set to hip hop music. This class encompasses a wide range of street styles including breaking, locking and popping. This class is offered at several levels and specifically focuses on developing rhythm, and coordination while encouraging individual style.
ACRO
Acro classes are an opportunity for students to develop acrobatic skills and movements. This style is characterized by its athleticism, strength, flexibility and refinement of ‘tricks’ such as tumbling, walkovers, handstands cartwheels, aerials and back handsprings. Stage Door Academy prioritises child safety and each student will be assessed individually for their suitability for each class. Our teacher Charlotte Lewis-Williams is Accredited by the International Cheer Union to coach students with their acrobatic skills. Acro skills are becoming increasingly important in the development of a well rounded performer.
STAGE DOOR TDP
A technique class focusing on turns, jumps, leaps, strength and flexibility designed to enhance a dancer's fundamental skills in these key areas of performance. Students will learn correct techniques for executing various turns, along with a range of jumps and leaps. Emphasis is placed on developing strength, balance, and coordination, which are essential for mastering these movements. Additionally, flexibility and strength exercises are incorporated to improve the dancer's range of motion and stability. Correct execution of ‘tricks’ and safe dance is at the core of this class.
MUSICAL THEATRE
Stage Door Academy offers Musical Theatre Classes that provide an excellent opportunity to enhance singing, dancing, and acting abilities within a single hour. Every four weeks, the curriculum centres around a specific Musical Theatre production, allowing students to collaborate with a vocal instructor followed by a director/choreographer to create a brief performance for parents. These classes are the perfect addition to your dance and singing classes or can be taken on their own.
STAGE DOOR DRAMA
These dynamic one hour classes will focus on the specific skills and knowledge required for all young performers. Drama classes develop confidence, empathy, risk-taking and interpersonal skills. Regardless of your level of experience you will gain a strong theoretical base for your training and hone your practical skills through exercises and performance.
Areas of focus across the year will be:
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Introduction to actor’s role, directors role, creative team roles
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Professionalism in Theatre and theatre etiquette
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Basic Stage Movement and blocking
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Self-taping techniques
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How To ‘slate’ and recording of a ‘slate
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Theatrical styles
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Create Your Own Character
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Subtext
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Cold Reads
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Improvisation techniques
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Small Ensemble Performance
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Performance Anxiety - grounding techniques and mindset shifting
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Audition Techniques
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Monologue Performance
GLEE CLUB
Have you watched 'Pitch Perfect' or perhaps an episode of 'Glee'? At Stage Door Academy, we offer our own Glee Club, where students can enhance their group singing skills while enjoying a memorable experience. Choir singing fosters the development of musicianship, teamwork, blending, peripheral listening, intonation, and harmonization. Research indicates that participating in choral singing can elevate mood and reduce stress, depression, and anxiety. What could be a more rewarding way to spend an hour?
