TRAINING CATEGORY
AGE 3 TO PROFESSIONALS AND ADULTS WHO WISH TO CONTINUE
IN THE TRAINING CATEGORY
NURSERY & JUVENILES
NURSERY (AGE 3 – 4)
Initial level, where little ones enjoy a general class of the basics of ballet, modern and tap. They are encouraged to explore creativity and mime, with music suitable to their age group.
5-YEAR-OLDS
A general class, where pupils progress further with the basics, and tests can be taken with pupils discovering a sense of achievement on being presented with certificates and medals.
JUVENILES (AGE 6 YEARS)
At this age, as Training develops, pupils can choose one or more from the range of classes in the different disciplines:
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Ballet as a single subject
And/or choose from our integrated classes:
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Tap & Modern Combined
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Highland & National Combined
THEATRE SUBJECTS
CLASSICAL BALLET
Ballet is “an art, a self-discipline, a love of movement to music, the greatest foundation of all forms of dance.”
According to reports, ballet when properly taught is one of the healthiest forms of exercise, with multiple benefits.
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Children love learning ballet, mime and character, to perform afterwards in dramatic costumes, especially tutus for girls!
Pupils are trained from Grade 1 through the Major exams to Professional level. As pupils reach the stage of taking exams, a ten-week additional course is given prior to their examination, to assist them to reach full potential.
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Teens at higher grade levels: girls are introduced to Pointe work, boys to stronger male work and both to Pas de Deux (partnering).
TAP
An exciting and rhythmical form of dance to well-known music, both traditional and modern. Fun and easy-going for beginners, there is also a focus on learning the correct technique from the start. Tap expands your horizons, making you a popular choice for operatic performances, university shows, and a range of concerts.
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When you have reached a high level of expertise, you may join our professional team “Esk Dancers”. In the meantime, just dance and enjoy yourself.
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Adults – there is also a tap class in the Recreation section.
MODERN/JAZZ
A form of exercise which appeals to all those who enjoy the energy of chart music, with old and new favourites. Fun for displays and Gala Days! Essential for those wishing to make a career in Musicals (amateur and/or professional).
BALLROOM & LATIN-AMERICAN
Be the envy of your Strictly-loving friends, whether whirling round the room in a stylish waltz, demonstrating your fancy footwork in the quickstep, or mastering the haughty poise and intensity of the Tango and Paso Doble!
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A great asset at weddings, special events and holidays.
Smart casual wear is encouraged at these classes, with skirts or dresses for the ladies, to help create the right atmosphere!
EXAMINATIONS (All Subjects)
Exams are available in all dance subjects in Category 1 (Training), when pupils reach the appropriate age.
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Exams are not compulsory but are encouraged, to give a sense of achievement and performance, while helping pupils understand that working hard brings its own rewards.
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An additional ten-week course of lessons is given prior to exams to help pupils reach their full potential.
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Pupils who do not take exams go on to the next level along with the rest of their group.
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At the Esk Academy we offer exams from two organisations: ISTD and UKA
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ISTD EXAMS ARE OFFERED IN THEATRE SUBJECTS (BALLET, TAP AND MODERN)
From the age of 6, pupils may take exams through the following Levels up to Professional standard:
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Pre-Primary, Primary, Grades 1 to 6, Intermediate Foundation, Intermediate, Advanced 1 and 2.
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Note: these grades are not related to school year-groups.
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Professional Exams: Students who reach a high level of expertise can then train for their professional teaching exams.
UKA MEDAL TESTS ARE OFFERED IN ALL SUBJECTS
Ballet and Tap: we offer Medal tests for pupils in the early stages.
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Highland, National, Ballroom and Latin-American: we offer UKA medal tests at the following levels, from Beginners to Professional:
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Intro 1 – 6, Pre-Bronze (and Bar), Silver (and Bar), Gold, 1st to 6th Gold Bars, Premier Award, Professional Exams.
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Many of our students have successfully pursued ISTD and UKA teaching examinations in Theatre (Ballet and Tap), Highland and Ballroom, and now teach all over the world.
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