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.
Modern Grade and Vocational Level (& linked Commercial / Street) Class Times Please refer to our timetable for class days and times for our modern and commercial / street classes:► Class Times
Uniform for Modern Grade and Vocational Levels (& Commercial / Street classes) Please refer to our uniform list on the web page below for items required for modern and commercial / street classes. You will also find on this page, information about how to order a purple catsuit if your daughter is in Grade 4 modern plus: https://southlondondancestudios.co.uk/general-information/uniform-for-dance-classes/ After an initial period of half a term, your child must be wearing correct uniform. Most uniform items and all dance shoes must be purchased from a specialist dance shop. ‘Duo Dance’ in Herne Hill is the closest – 020 7274 4517. ‘Dancia’ in Covent Garden and ‘Julienne’ in Beckenham also stock some items of our uniform. We hold second hand uniform sales at the studios usually at the start of each term, please visit above web page for more information and refer to newsletters for forthcoming sale dates.► Uniform
Please note, the following additional fees:► Fees
30 minute class
£70
12 week term
45 minute class
£84
12 week term
60 minute class
£107
12 week term
75 minute class
£130
12 week term
Fees
Uniform