Modern Grade, Intermediate and Advanced Classes

From around age 9 years, children can join our Grade 2 modern plus classes.  Students without previous experience in modern or ballet can join Grade 2 modern and Level 1 commercial / street (girls) or Boys Street (II) (boys) from about 10 years.   Please note; we accept new students up to age 15 into this class, however, children age 10 plus who are beginners may be placed in a class with younger children who have dance experience.

In these classes, we encourage our students to develop artistic quality and musical awareness, alongside learning correct technique and improving strength, flexibility and stamina. Classes are based on correct technique, rather than freestyle dance. As they progress through the modern grades, students learn and experience a wide range of exciting dance styles including contemporary, lyrical, blues, jazz and isolations.

All of our students in Grade 2 modern and above also learn commercial / street dance, with girls progressing steadily through levels 1 to 5 and boys through levels I and II.  These classes introduce a range of up to date dance styles with a focus on street and commercial. Commercial / Street classes improve students’ flexibility, confidence in performing and their ability to learn new styles and routines.

Children with enough dance experience can start to work towards ISTD (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance) Graded examinations up to Grade 6 and students who show outstanding potential, may be asked by the Principal to commence work on Vocational examinations (up to Advanced 1 or 2 level), sometimes alongside continuing working through the ISTD Graded syllabi.

In addition to modern examinations, we are sometimes able to offer our modern students the opportunity to take a freestyle modern dance examination before they are ready to take their modern graded examination.

We strongly recommend that students who study modern in Grade 3 and higher and wish to take modern examinations, also study ballet.  Likewise, for students who study modern in Grade 5 and higher, we ask that they also study body conditioning.  Children in Primary and Grade 1 modern must also study tap to help develop their rhythm.

Prospective students with previous modern or ballet dancing experience will need an assessment to find an appropriate level class. The in class assessment fee is £15-£25 depending on the level and duration of the class. A private assessment is charged as per private lesson fees.  Please email relevant examination reports in advance so that these can be passed on to the teacher.