Dance Styles
Classical Ballet
Our priority at Glen Iris School of Dance is to provide a firm foundation for children to be able to adapt to any style of dance. Classical Ballet training with a teacher dedicated to their class is the best possible way that this can be achieved. It requires regular attendance and dedication. A strong technique is the platform to achieving versatility in all areas of dance.
With the introduction to ballet in the younger levels we provide age appropriate training in small classes that are structured to provide a nurturing yet ‘correct’ approach to ballet. When children reach Pre Primary or Primary level they are introduced to the Australian Conservatoire of Ballet Syllabus and encouraged to attend regularly in order to work towards a ballet exam.
Classes become more structured with the goal of the exam being a wonderful aspiration for children.
As children progress thought the school they generally split into two sections. They wish to continue with their ballet exams and the hours that this requires. Alternatively, they may wish to continue their training with a less structured approach and no exams. This becomes an option from Year 7 onwards where students can attend the ‘Open Classes Only’ program.
Contemporary &
Lyrical
Junior, Intermediate & Senior
Contemporary dance incorporates elements of both classical ballet and modern dance. It takes its technique and use of pointe work from classical ballet, although it permits a greater range of movement than the strict body lines taught in ballet technique. Many of its concepts come from the ideas and innovations of 20th century modern dance, including floorwork, balletic movements and and turn-in of the legs.
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Lyrical is a style with a base of contemporary dance, embodying a fusion of various aspects of modern dance and ballet technique. Lyrical often uses the music and lyrics to inspire movements and choreography, as well as focusing on the emotional approach the dancers can take when performing it. Lyrical dance is an evolving style that creates a great individual and expressional outlet for all dancers, instilling the simple sense of enjoyment by dancing freely to the music.
Both of the above are available to those students in Level 2 and above, including those students who are attending the ‘Open Classes Only'.
Boys Coaching & Personal Training
At Glen Iris School of Dance we are committed to providing our male students with everything they need to get the most out of dance. This involves giving them a designated boys coaching class with our senior teacher Adrian Dimitrievich, to concentrate on technique specific to male dancers. We also provide personal training sessions with Next Level PT, to enhance the strength and muscle development required of a male dancer.
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Limber / Strength & Conditioning
An integral part of all dance training in order to further condition muscles in flexibility and strength. Although gentle stretching is introduced in Pre-Primary, the limber, strength and conditioning classes become a compulsory part of the program in Level 2.
Jazz
Junior, Intermediate & Senior
We provide jazz classes from primary level to senior, which can either stand alone or be added to your child's classical program.
We believe jazz is a great way for children to further their education in dance with a different approach required. Ballet students are encouraged in the senior levels to maintain jazz in their program as it is the antithesis of traditional ballet training and demands different types of co-ordination, flexibility and rhythm. Articulation of the feet and legs, placement of the hips and alignment of the spine are all aspects of classical dance that have huge benefit to other other dance styles, particularly contemporary and jazz.
Tap
Junior, Intermediate & Senior
We also offer Tap from tiny tots to Seniors. With emphasis on Musicality and rhythm styles it encompasses. We encourage our students to embrace all styles!
Voice Training
Primary to Level 2 (5 - 9 year olds)
This class teaches the students the fundamental basics of beginner voice training and is a great way to enhance confidence with vocal projection.
