Our classes
At NHAD we offer weekly classes in several different dance styles. Please find a description of each style below to help you choose the class that’s right for you.
Ballet
Ballet is a graceful and elegant art form, which develops musical understanding. Ballet practice improves flexibility, muscle strength and tone and has the advantage of working the entire body. In particular, it strengthens abdominals and improves posture and alignment. Ballet is excellent for developing general fitness and well being.
For students working for a high level of dance, ballet is the core and grounding of their training. Ballet has a positive effect on the training of all other dance genres. Ballet is essential for any student wishing to compete or go on to professional performing arts courses.
NHAD holds weekly Royal Academy of Dance ballet classes for girls and boys from age 2.5 upwards at the following levels:
Pre School ballet class
Pre Primary – Grade 4 ballet classes for primary school children
Grade 5 – Advanced 2 ballet classes for advanced students of senior school/college age
NHAD offers RAD ballet exams twice a year in order to give all students a chance to progress through the grades. Exams are a great goal to work towards and aid improvement, however these are also not compulsory and ballet can be taken purely for fun and development.
We do not currently offer classes for adults, however our Vice Principal Katy Richards teaches a Silver Swans ballet class specifically tailored for over 55s (but all ages are welcome). Please visit lifelongdance.co.uk for more information.
Modern
Modern dance has specific technique but moves away from the constraints of turn out in classical ballet. Modern dance improves many of the elements of ballet such as stamina, strength and posture however it is free, abstract and theatrical incorporating many styles such as jazz, musical theatre, lyrical and contemporary. The vast styles develop musicality and confident performance skills.
NHAD holds weekly Imperial Society of Teachers of dancing classes for girls and boys from age 4 upwards at the following levels:
Primary – Grade 4 modern classes for primary school children
Grade 5 – Advanced 2 modern classes for advanced students of senior school/college
NHAD offers ISTD Modern exams twice a year in order to give all students a chance to progress through the grades. Exams are a great goal to work towards and aid improvement, however these are also not compulsory and modern can be taken purely for fun and development.
Tap
Tap dance is a form of dance characterised by using the sounds of tap shoes striking the floor as a form of percussion. Different forms of tap exist such as rhythmic tap and musical theatre tap however NHAD practices a combination of many styles. Tap develops rhythm, musicality coordination, stamina as well as strength, balance and good posture.
NHAD holds weekly Imperial Society of Teachers of dancing tap classes for girls and boys from age 4 upwards at the following levels:
Primary – Grade 4 tap classes for primary school children
Grade 5 – Advanced 2 tap classes for advanced students of senior school/college age
There is a level for all students and tap can be started or continued at any age.
NHAD offers ISTD tap exams twice a year in order to give all students a chance to progress through the grades. Exams are a great goal to work towards and aid improvement, however these are also not compulsory and tap can be taken purely for fun and development.
Acro
Acrobatic Dance, or acro as it is commonly referred to by dancers and dance professionals, is the beautiful fusion of classical dance technique and the precision and athleticism of acrobatic elements. Often defined by unique choreography, acro dancers seamlessly blend musicality, emotional expression, line and extension with acrobatic movements in a dance context. Acro technique includes balancing, limbering, tumbling and partnering, based in flexibility, contortion and strength.
NHAD holds weekly Acrobatic Arts acro classes for girls and boys from ages 4-12 at the following levels:
Junior acro classes – ages 4-7
Intermediate acro classes – ages 8-12
Jazz
NHAD offer weekly jazz classes. These classes do not work on a syllabus and although good technique is encouraged this is not a technique class. (ballet/modern should be taken to develop strong technique) Our jazz classes are used to work on high impact jumps kicks, tricks and travelling work as well as developing the ability to pick up free choreography. Many styles are covered such as street, commercial, musical theatre jazz etc.
NHAD offers the following weekly jazz classes:
Junior jazz classes – ages 8 – 10
Intermediate jazz classes – ages 11 – 12 (with some dance experience)
Senior jazz classes– ages 13 – 18 (advanced dancers)
Jazz classes can be started or continued at any age.
Musical Theatre
NHAD offers weekly musical theatre classes incorporating singing dance and drama. These classes work on general singing technique as well as confidence and performance skills. The class takes the form of a group rehearsal where popular musical theatre pieces are practiced however students are given the opportunity to sing independently if they wish to although this is not compulsory.
NHAD offer the following weekly musical theatre classes:
Junior musical theatre classes– ages 7 – 11
Musical Theatre classes can be started at any age.
Stretch and Conditioning
This class is a non syllabus class that gives students the time to focus on the flexibility and strength of all parts of the body that is needed for dance training. This class is particularly good for students who compete or may wish to progress onto vocational training.
Pointe Work
Senior ballet students are invited to get their pointe shoes and take part in the beginners pointe work class when the time is right for them. This is when they have reached the correct level of technical understanding and strength in order for them to take part safely without injury.
This will be different age for everyone depending on their level of experience and development.
Students can also progress into our advanced pointe work class when they are strong enough.
Contemporary
Contemporary is increasingly popular and an important part of a dancer’s training.
Contemporary dance is a style of expressive dance that combines elements of several dance genres including modern, jazz, lyrical and classical ballet. Contemporary dancers strive to connect the mind and the body through fluid dance movements.
NHAD does not currently hold weekly contemporary classes however please keep your eye on our workshops page for future contemporary workshops.
Private Singing Lessons
Many of our students take private singing lessons and exams with Emily Barham School of Singing. Singing lessons cover anything from pop to musical theatre depending on your preference, and not only improve singing and technique but are also fun and focus on building confidence. Students also have the option of taking LCM Singing Exam.
Emily’s singing lessons can be booked by contacting Emily directly on 07525 065353 or by email at ebschoolofsinging@hotmail.com