Classes
The Portslade School of Dancing follows syllabi devised by the British Ballet Organization (BBO).
Ballet Classes
The Portslade School of Dancing ballet classes follow an inspirational syllabus devised by Ann Heaton and John Field, with music composed by Peter Jones. Starting with Pre-Primary and Primary grades, we progress through Grades 1 to 5, and from this level to Grade 6/Intermediate Foundation, Grade 7/Intermediate, Grade 8, and Advanced 1 and 2.
Our current Advanced 1 ballet class is for adult dancers who wish to continue dancing for fitness and pleasure; students should have achieved a Grade 5 standard to participate. All of our other ballet classes are open to different ages and levels of experience.
Our qualified and DBS checked teachers provide expert guidance and support, ensuring that each student reaches their full potential.
Baby Ballet
Baby Ballet and Pre-Syllabus Classes
From the age of 3 in our Baby Ballet class, children learn basic ballet positions and enjoy lots of fun activities and movement to music. These introductory lessons provide the basis of future ballet classes.
The BBO provides a Pre-Syllabus Assessment, where the children can perform what they have learned in front of an examiner, accompanied by their teacher. This is not compulsory, but it is an excellent introduction to the sort of exam situation they will encounter as they progress upwards through the grades. They will receive a report, certificate, and badge to show what they have accomplished.
Jazz Classes
Jazz has become one of the most popular dance styles in recent years, due to its presence on television shows and in movies, music videos, and adverts. It is an exciting form of dance that is both influenced by and influences many other styles, such as ballet, contemporary, modern, and lyrical.
Our BBO jazz classes consist of a warm-up at the barre followed by a floor work section, which develops strength and flexibility. The dance movement section links sequences of steps, including jumps, turns, and jazz runs, to develop musicality and performance skills.
Jazz is both great fun and excellent for developing core strength, flexibility, and musicality.
Tap Classes
The BBO tap syllabus has been devised by Deborah Clark, who has created a brilliant and comprehensive pathway leading from basic beginnings to complete training in the diverse rhythms and forms of this style of dance. Our classes start with Pre-Primary and Primary through Grades 1 to 6 and on to vocational grades.
We also have an Adult Syllabus, which is an enjoyable way for adults of all ages and levels of experience to keep fit while dancing to music.
Musical Theatre Dance Classes
The musical theatre syllabus is fun, accessible, and engaging, and prepares students to progress to vocational training in musical theatre.
Inspired by a range of musical productions from stage and screen, our musical theatre dance classes are based on strong movement techniques and include characterisation, narrative, and expressive performance skills.
