Offering dance classes of all genres in the Brighton and Hove area
Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance Exams and what they mean to the future of your child.
At A2 Arts we study under the ISTD examination board for Ballet, Modern, Tap and Contemporary. The examination structure of the ISTD is designed to cater equally for those who wish to progress to making dance their profession, either as a performer or dance teacher, and for those pursuing dance purely as a leisure activity. The ISTD syllabus Grades aim to build up progressively, ensuring that steps and skills learned at lower levels prepare for more complex movements as the candidate progresses.
Grades 1 – 6 are accredited by the school’s examination governing body Ofqual. As a school that promotes and encourages the children to take the ISTD exams we feel that it is important for parents to understand that once the students attain Grade 6 and above the exams attract UCAS points. If your child is studying classical ballet, tap and modern their UCAS points can be put towards their university, college, or conservatoire placement. Our jazz classes are non – syllabus & cover a range of styles from musical theatre jazz to lyrical, while also teaching the fundamentals of jazz technique, leaps, turns, flexibility & strength.
ISTD BALLET
Imperial Classical Ballet is based on the teaching of the French School at the Paris Opéra. The syllabus, first written in 19 13, has evolved to promote the English classical ballet style and to address the changing needs of ballet dancers today. Focusing on encouraging a sound basic technique and an understanding of musical interpretation it provides the essentials of a pure classical training.
ISTD MODERN
Modern dance is often seen on the stages of musical productions and is known for its theatrical qualities. The style uses travelling steps, high kicks, leaps and turns which all need strength and flexibility. This is a highly energetic dance style.
ISTD TAP
Tap Dance is an exciting, percussive, rhythmical dance form. The dancer uses their feet to strike the floor, beating out a melody, with tap shoes which have small metal plates on the toe and heel to give the distinctive sound. Tap dance is a theatrical art form often seen on screen and stage in musicals.
JAZZ, LYRICAL & JAZZ TECHNIQUE
Mini Leaps & Turns
A first introduction to learning the fundamentals of jazz technique, leaps, turns, flexibility & strength.
Leaps & Turns
Further developing through the age groups, this class builds on the fundamentals of jazz technique, leaps, turns, flexibility & strength.
Jazz Combination Class
The students will learn various routines & combinations which touch on numerous jazz styles from musical theatre jazz to lyrical.
All junior+ students that attend our Leaps & Turns Class will also attend our Combination Class. Students that take this class must be training in Ballet & Modern technical syllabus classes.
MUSICAL THEATRE
Songs from the shows and various eras combined with drama. Teaching children the correct technical requirements essential to ensure they are properly prepared and nurtured to sing with ease and confidence. Improve performance and presentation skills, teamwork and above all…. Confidence! Students also have the opportunity for solo & duo lessons.
CONTEMPORARY
Competitive students are often offered the opportunity to compete with Contemporary dances at dance festivals across the South Coast. Contemporary Dance stems from the core, or torso of the body and uses elements of contract, release, spiral, floor work, fall and recovery, an d improvisation. This evolving style has fast become one of the most dominant genres for dancers throughout the world. Created by the well – known dancer, choreographer, philosopher, and Artistic Director of the Rambert School the Contemporary dance syllabus is informed by Eastern concepts of subtle energy and draws influence from choreographers Graham, Hawkins and Cohan.
NATIONAL & GREEK
Competitive students are often offered the opportunity to compete with National and Greek dances at dance festivals across the South Coast. National dance covers a wide range of European Folk Dances from countries across the continent and Inspired by Ancient Greece, Classical Greek Dance is based upon the natural movements of the body.