Junior Ballet

About Junior Ballet

At LCDC, we start training our students in the syllabus from the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) from Pre-Primary, which is equivalent to Kindergarten at LCDC. From there, students typically progress by calendar year through our junior levels to Grade 2.

The RAD syllabus includes lots of imaginative exercises to help the dancers learn the fundamentals of real classical techniques in a fun and creative way, as well as lots of storytelling through dance to encourage the development of artistry and musical appreciation. Props such as pom poms, scarves and musical instruments are used in many of the exercises and are favourites of our dancers.

While our junior ballet classes are lots of fun and very creative and playful, students will be introduced to more structured and disciplined ballet classes. Ballet classes encourage dancers to learn self-discipline, develop listening skills, follow instructions, learn to work in a team as an individual as well as all the physical benefits of ballet such as developing coordination, good posture and physical strength and activity.

Junior Ballet Teachers

Lisa Clark

Sarah Chifley

Ashleigh Maynard

Erin Cooper

Joshua Sirois

Charlotte Coghlan

Graded Levels

Pre-Primary Ballet (Kindergarten/Prep equivalent)

In this introductory-level dancers begin to learn basic ballet positions, are introduced to working in turnout, as well as movement steps such as jumping, skipping and galloping, all of which contribute greatly to a dancer’s repertoire. Dancers also learn about spatial awareness and choreography patterns (moving in lines and circles), rhythm and musicality while exploring creative dance through the use of story-telling.

Primary Ballet (Year 1 equivalent)*

Primary Ballet students are gradually introduced to more complex ballet steps and combinations as a more structured and disciplined ballet class is starting to emerge. Continuing the RAD syllabus students are offered the opportunity to participate in examinations and assessments designed to motivate and encourage students of all ages and levels of abilities.

Grade 1 & 2 Ballet (Year 2 & 3 equivalent)*

Following Primary, dancers move into Grade 1 Ballet and then Grade 2 Ballet where the syllabus promotes “feeling before form.” This is where dancers are able to try out new sensations of spinning, leaping and balancing before moving on to more structured development exercises in the higher grades. Also in Grade 1 and 2 dancers begin ‘Character’ work as part of the RAD syllabus. Character incorporates the use of a very soft shoe with a hard, small heel. Character work helps dancers develop accuracy in performing rhythmic content and musical phrasing and is an excellent addition to a dancers education.

*Please note that these are guidelines only. Teachers will assess students and recommend the appropriate grade class for them on an individual basis, taking into account their maturity, ability to develop the work etc.

Examinations & Assessments

As a RAD registered school, LCDC is proud to be able to offer examinations and assessments through the RAD.

Dancers in Pre-Primary are introduced to Class Awards, which is essentially an assessment taken in front of an RAD examiner. Class Awards are not graded, and all participants receive a certificate of completion – there is no pass or fail. Class Awards are an excellent introduction to examinations and testing, which is not only beneficial within dance but also in school work and other extracurricular activities. Dancers are given the introduction to working towards a goal, practicing and then assessed in a semi-formal capacity in a safe place they know and love. An LCDC teacher goes into the Class Award with the dancers and conducts a more formalised version of their class. All pre-primary students are invited to take their class award.

Dancers in Primary are eligible to take either their first RAD Ballet Exam, or a Class Award. From Primary through to Grade 1 and 2 Ballet Exams and Class Awards are available to eligible students. LCDC teachers take careful consideration into which students are ready to take their exam at this age. Those students wanting to take their exam will already be taking two Primary Ballet classes per week, and those who we feel may be ready come Term 3 will be invited to pick up a second class in Term 2 to help students be as best prepared as possible.

Students attending one class per week, or who are in their first year of Ballet will be invited to take their Class Award as an introduction to exams or an assessment in a less formal setting, whichever is more applicable to the dancer.

It’s important to note that not all students will be invited to take their exam. Teachers carefully monitor students’ progression and behaviour in class and this is all taken into account before entries are sent out. Teachers and the admin team at LCDC will take the time to communicate with you about where your dancer is at this time.

For all Class Awards and Exams, students are required to attend holiday classes which are typically held in the 2nd week of the July school holidays. On the assessment day, students come early to the studios to get their hair done beautifully and spend some time with their teachers to help them feel calm and confident. It’s a really wonderful experience.

Pricing

An annual enrolment fee of $35 applies to all students. A 10% discount applies to families with multiple students. Costumes, special events and exam classes are payable separately. If vacancies allow, students are welcome to enrol mid-term and pro-rated from week 3 onwards.