All our classes
Ballet Classes
Classical Ballet
These classes follow the ISTD Classical Ballet syllabi and classes consist of barre work, centre practice, adage, allegro and a classical variation. Pupils are encouraged to take two same Grade Ballet classes per week and is compulsory for two terms leading up to an exam. All children who reach the demanding levels of the ISTD classical work will be entered for Ballet examinations from Primary to Advanced 2.
Tots Ballet
This is a Ballet/lyrical class suitable for young children between the ages of 3 and 5 years. This is a fun class using expressive movement and mime to lyrical and classical music in order to build upon the foundation skill for a strong ballet technique and musicality. Following Tots Ballet, children will move into Primary Ballet where they will begin to work towards examinations.
Pre-Primary Ballet
Pre-Primary Ballet class is for children who are more advanced in age and ability than Tots and are working towards entering the ISTD Syllabi classes.
Pointe-work
Pointe classes are available for pupils in Grade 6, Intermediate and the Advanced 1 and 2 classes. Work in this class will build up strength and technique on both demi-pointe and full pointe to meet the levels required at these standards for examination and performance purposes.
Ballet Specialisation
To enrol into the Junior Ballet Spec class pupils must be a minimum Grade 2 Ballet. To enrol into the Senior Ballet Spec class, students must be a minimum Grade 6, although this will still be at the teacher’s discretion depending on age and ability. Ballet Spec is an invite only class for those students who show a stronger interest and have a potential to progress further in this genre.
Progressive Ballet Technique
Progressive ballet technique is a program developed for students to understand the depth of training muscle memory in achieving their personal best in classical ballet and the use of muscle memory to improve students understanding of core stability, weight placement and alignment. It is difficult for students to feel what muscles initiate to the correct alignment in ballet training, however, as the fit ball is always mobile under the student’s body it gives a sense of posture and weight placement whilst feeling the correct muscle group.
Tap Dance
These classes follow the ISTD Tap Dance Syllabi and consist of warm-up sequences, a build up of combination steps, work on tonal quality and rhythm, travelling and turning exercises, amalgamations (including some free work) and a Tap Dance Sequence. Between the ages of 3 and 5 years, children will join the Tap Tots class. At the age of 5 or 6 years, pupils will move into the Primary Class where they will be entered for ISTD Tap Examinations up to Advanced Level 2.
Adult Tap
Tuesday evening 6.15-7.15 pm – this is a more advanced class for those people who are more experienced and have had previous training.
Modern Dance
These classes follow the ISTD Modern Theatre Dance Branch syllabi and consist of limbering exercises, isolation work, arm sequences, travelling and dance movement sequences, jazz amalgamations and a dance. The style is bright, lively and exciting. Between the ages of 3 and 5 years, children will join the Pop Tots class. At the age of 5 or 6 years, pupils will move into the Primary Class where they will be entered for ISTD Modern Examinations up to Advanced Level 2.
Contemporary Classes
Jazz
A non-syllabus class incorporating up-to-the minute popular music and unseen sequences for extending abilities to stretch, isolate, travel, elevate, turn and strengthen a Jazz style. The class culminates in a progressive jazz routine that is built upon each week. No examinations are taken in this class.
Hip Hop / Street
We offer a junior and senior class in hip hop depending on age. Children may wear trainers for this class. It’s a street style dance class performed to modern day music or music that has evolved as part of hip-hop culture.
Commercial
This is a newer style of dance, it’s a fun, non-syllabus class combining Jazz technique and street dance. This is a fun class for everyone but especially geared towards our slightly older students preparing them for college auditions, TV work, and work within the pop/commercial industry.
Contemporary
We have two Contemporary classes, junior and senior, based on age and ability. This is a non-syllabus class combining elements of various dance genres including modern, classical ballet, jazz and lyrical. Students will start with a warm up progressing in to technical exercises leading in to a short routine.
Acro
The Acrobatic Arts syllabus is based on safe and effective progressions resulting in better flexibility, strength, balancing, limbering and tumbling. It is based on the core, where all dance moves come from. Acro movements are incorporated into the many modern dance styles and with the introduction of this syllabus, it means dancers can be safely equipped with the techniques they need to allow them to do these moves.
Performing Arts
Musical Theatre
Our musical theatre classes combine singing and acting through dance. The children will learn different songs from musicals dating back to Les Miserables through to current musicals such as Hamilton and The Waitress. These songs are staged and depending on the piece could be performed with minimal movement or high energy dancing.
Drama
At LBPA our Drama is broken down into 3 age groups. During the weekly classes, students in each group engage in work to develop their understanding and skills within the genre. This takes place in a fun and secure environment which gives students of all ages the opportunity to focus and grow.
Work within the sessions covers many forms of styles and techniques. Children work in groups and on solo projects, devising, improvising and developing script work and full plays.
There are various opportunities throughout the year for all of our learners to achieve and perform. All members of the Drama classes have the chance to perform in our annual showcase (normally in November) as well as our summer productions. Alongside this parents are encouraged to attend watching weeks where they are able to watch a sample of class work and speak to the teacher about their child’s creative journey. Students are also able to enter LAMDA Acting and speech examinations. These are internationally recognised vocational qualifications that also carry UCAS points. Private tuition is also available to help support LAMDA work and audition technique.
We feel very strongly that our Acting department and its work is of a high standard in its own right as well as supporting the work of the dance. MT and Singing departments, therefore enabling our students to access an all-round and enjoyable education in Performing Arts.
Singing
During your private singing or group singing class you will learn fascinating and fun facts about your vocal anatomy. You will instructed on how to breath correctly using your diaphragm and engaging your body as your instrument.
In your singing lessons, Mr Paul will go into details on vocal colour, tone, interpretation and sustainability to enhance your vocal performance and you will coached in acting through your songs.
You will be given a set of vocal exercises, specific to your requirements, which you can then practise daily. In your private singing lesson you will also be provided with FREE sheet music and backing tracks tailored to your individual songs.
Performance Teams
This class is by audition only. Auditions take place once per year in December ready for the Winter Term starting in January. Children will audition for their relative team depending on age and ability. A high level of dedication and commitment is required to be a member of the team. Rehearsals often take place at weekends and through holidays to prepare for upcoming competitions, festivals and events. Many competitions have heats and if a team is successful, travel across the country may be required to participate in any further heats or finals. There will be additional costs for competition entries and costumes.
Limbering
This class focuses on strength, stamina, flexibility & general dance technique and will aid towards improvement and development in all other dance classes or styles you undertake. An extremely rewarding class full of fun as well as being able to achieve personal goals and benefit your overall dance ability.
To book into any of our classes, please follow the link on the Homepage