all classes > Ballet > Junior School
Once entering the Junior school students start progressing through the RAD syllabus by sitting annual examinations.
"The Graded syllabus provides a broad practical dance education focusing on ballet and develops technical, musical and performance skills." - Royal Academy of Dance
We have two parts to our Junior School;
Pre-grades (Pre-Primary and Primary)
The RAD has a new and exciting Pre-Primary - Primary syllabus that inspires fun and creativity.
Grades (Grades 1-5)
After this, students move into Grades 1-5 where students learn not only classical ballet, but also Character, and neo-classical. In learning these different styles of ballet the students become well-rounded, versatile dancers.
5.5-7.5 years
Pre-Primary & Primary
all classes > Ballet > junior school > Pre-Primary & Primary
"These structured classes develop students’ physical skills, stamina, creativity, expression and musicality using a range of movements and musical styles. The syllabi prepare students for a successful transition to ballet and other dance genres at higher levels."- The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD)
To learn more about the RAD please see here.
Pre-Primary
Pre-Primary is the first level in the RAD syllabus, designed to lay the foundations of ballet in an inspiring way. Student's dance individually, as well as interacting with class mates and props in fun and inspiring pieces with orchestrated music.
Students participate in a class-presentation for an examiner, where their teacher leads a class for them. Students are also invited to participate in the end of year show.
Requirements:
Students entering an exam class below must start in either Term 1 or 3.
Students enrolling in Term 1 need to be 6 years old by 1 July.
Students enrolling in Term 3 need to be 6 years old by 31st December.
Students will need to wear a regulation lilac uniform; see here for details.
These are available from That's A Wrap.
Class Cost: Please contact us for more information about fees.
When: Please see our timetable.
Where: Limelight Dance Academy, 144 Rototuna Road
Primary
Primary is the first RAD level where students are able to sit an exam. This encourages achievement and pride in what they are learning, and builds confidence in young dancers.
Students are able to sit an examination during the year. Students are also invited to participate in the end of year show.
Classes increase to 45 minutes a week to enable the learning of all work necessary.
Requirements:
Students need to be 7 years old by 1 July.
Students entering an exam class below must start in either Term 1 or 3.
Students will need to wear a regulation light blue uniform with skirt; see here for details.
These are available from That's A Wrap.
Class Cost: Please contact us for more information about fees.
When: Please see our our timetable.
Where: Limelight Dance Academy, 144 Rototuna Road
7.5-10.5 years
Grades 1-3
all classes > Ballet > junior school > Grades 1-3
"The RAD Graded Examinations in Dance Syllabus consists of two dance disciplines:
Ballet - the foundation and the most important part of the syllabus. Also incorporated in this Ballet training is Free-Movement - influenced by and incorporating movements in common with other dance styles such as Natural Movement, Contemporary and Classical Greek Dance.
Character - the theatrical presentation of national dance using original ethnic dance and music which has been freely adapted for the theatre. The three styles — Hungarian, Russian and Polish — were selected because of their historic importance in the development of the nineteenth century full-length classical ballets"
- The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD)
To learn more about the RAD please see here.
Grade 1
Grade 1 increases the student's dancing ability with the introduction of Character dance (see above), higher expectations in class, more ambitious steps and difficult rhythms. Time is taken in class with training exercises to ensure all students are confident in what they are achieving.
Classes increase to 1 hour class per week. It is also recommended for keen students to attend a second class a week at a discounted rate (to be discussed with the school).
Students are able to sit an examination during the year. Students are also invited to participate in the end of year show.
Requirements:
Students need to be 8 years old by 1 July.
Students entering an exam class below must start in either Term 1 or 3.
Students will need to wear a regulation light blue uniform, and have a full set of appropriate character gear; see here for details.
These are available from That's A Wrap.
Class Cost: Please contact us for more information about fees.
When: Please see our our timetable.
Where: Limelight Dance Academy, 144 Rototuna Road
Grades 2 & 3
Students are able to sit an examination during the year. Students are also invited to participate in the end of year show.
From Grade 2 onwards, students are required to attend 2x 1 hour classes per week.
Students at this level may also want to attend Progressing Ballet Technique, to begin training strong muscle memory technique.
Requirements:
Grade 2 students need to be 9 years old by 1 July
Grade 3 students need to be 10 years by 1 July.
Students entering an exam class below must start in either Term 1 or 3.
Students will need to wear a regulation navy blue uniform, and have a full set of appropriate character gear; see here for details.
These are available from That's A Wrap.
Class Cost: Please contact us for more information about fees.
When: Please see our timetable.
Where: Limelight Dance Academy, 144 Rototuna Road
11.5-13.5 years
Grades 4 & 5
all classes > Ballet > junior school > Grade 4 & 5
Grades 4 and 5 are structured to begin setting dancers up to move into the Vocational levels. Harder steps are learnt and accomplished, such as pirouettes, grand allegro and adage. Students are also expected to be able to perform confidently while they are dancing.
Grade 4 & 5 students are able to sit an examination during the year. Students are also invited to participate in the end of year show.
Students are required to attend 2x 1 hour classes per week.
Students at this level may also want to attend Progressing Ballet Technique, to build strong muscle memory technique as they prepare for Vocational levels.
Requirements:
Grade 4 students need to be 11 years old by 1 July.
Grade 5 students need to be 12 years old by 1 July.
Students must have had previous dance training.
Students will need to wear a regulation purple uniform, and have a full set of appropriate character gear; see here for details.
These are available from That's A Wrap.
Class Cost: Please contact us for more information about fees.
When: Please see our our timetable.
Where: Limelight Dance Academy, 144 Rototuna Road