Senior School

Our  Senior Jazz school students progress through the Major levels of the NZAMD syllabus. See here to find out more about the NZAMD.

Our senior dancers work in exam classes to prepare for their NZAMD examinations, usually in May. As students progress through the senior school, they increase their abilities to dance with more challenging steps and routines, that require increased flexibility, strength and stamina. They also learn routines in a number of styles relevant to jazz.

Open Jazz is recommended for all Senior Jazz students, especially those who want to increase their skills.

At the end of the year, senior dancers are invited to participate in both a class item in the end of year show, as well as a senior jazz piece, known as the big jazz. This is a themed piece and is usually around 3-4 numbers. Previous items have been 'Rock On' (Rock), West Side Story, Moulin Rouge and At The Hop (Swing). It's a highlight of the school year, and privilege students look forward to from a young age. 

Our Senior Jazz school works students through the vocational levels of the NZAMD syllabus. Although our classes usually range by age, it also depends on experience; anyone entering Pre-Elementary must have previous dance experience. If you are not sure what class you might go into, please contact us to discuss.

Pre-Elementary, Elementary, Intermediate, Advanced 1, Advanced 2, Solo Seal.

Each year students sit an exam in May. Students are invited to participate in a class item in the end of year show.

From Elementary upwards, students are eligible to be nominated to compete in a national competition against other top dancers in New Zealand. If an honours mark is achieved in Advanced 2, students are able to sit a Solo Seal exam, a qualification that indicates the student is capable to audition for the professional stage.

Requirements: 

• Students will need to wear a regulation senior jazz uniform; see here for details.

• To progress through the Major grades from Elementary level upwards, you must have passed the previous level.

Students may also want to partake in Open Jazz; see below

Class Cost: Please contact us for more information about fees.

When: Please see our timetable

Where: Limelight Dance Academy, 144 Rototuna Road

Open Jazz caters for students wishing to extend their dancing abilities. 

In this class, students focus on building both strength and flexibility, as well as improving technique. Classes run at a fast pace to increase stamina.

As the class is an open class, there are no set steps or routines to learn, and there are no exams. Students focus on progressions of steps, as well as learning advanced routines in a number of styles relevant to jazz.

Requirements: 

• Students must be Elementary jazz or Intermediate ballet or Grade 7 Ballet upwards for Senior Open Jazz. Senior Jazz students must participate in either Open jazz or Lyrical as their extension (non-syllabus) class. All other students must currently participate in two styles of dance.

• Students must be Ballet Grade 4 - Grade 6 or Intermediate Foundation Ballet or Jazz Grade 4 - Pre-ElementaryElementary level for Junior Open Jazz.

• Students must be dancing to a high level of technique, strength, flexibility and stamina.

• Students are able to wear any firm fitted fitness gear, though black is preferred.

Class Cost: Please contact us for more information about fees.

When: Please see our timetable

Where: Limelight Dance Academy, 144 Rototuna Road

Questions?