Lower School Classes
Our Lower School Classes are for children aged 4 - 9 years!
Ballet
At Claire Andrews Dance Academy we run Ballet classes for children aged 2.5 years and upwards. Students study the ISTD Imperial Classical Ballet syllabus from Pre-Primary to Grade 6 and then onto the vocational levels. We hold optional examinations and class examinations for all the grades, which improves the confidence and technique of students and develops the sense of dance, poise and musicality.
Acro Stars
Our Acrobatic Dance classes are great for children aged 2.5 and upwards. We have a special Preschool programme for children aged 2.5 – 4 years old. Children start learning acro positions, locomotive skills, balance skills, cooperation and social skills, whilst having lots of fun! We use lots of props to help build children’s confidence whilst learning, and our picture cards are a great way to keep learning enjoyable.
Our main Acrobatic Dance programme is suitable for children aged 4 and upwards and these classes focus on our level cards, learning progressions of Cartwheels, Handstands, Bridges, Flexibility, Strength etc and moving up each level when all skills can be demonstrated correctly. All classes are taught by qualified Acrobatic teachers alongside all the Acro/gym mats for safety.
Street Dance
Our Street dance class is a non-syllabus style of dance and has become very popular in the commercial industry since 2002. We encourage students to be brave and express themselves with this complex, tricky but very fun style of dance. Once mastered it can become an incredibly effective art form and brings great spirit into the classroom allowing students to demonstrate individual tricks and abilities. Students will learn different moves and steps, putting them together in a routine to their favourite dance music. This is a very popular class for both boys and girls.
Musical Theatre
Students will study three modules in this class – Dance, Drama and Singing, and will work towards a small production per term. In drama your child will develop confidence in speaking and learning lines from a script and performing as a character in front of an audience. In singing we cover ensemble and solo work, building confidence and stage presence. We cover different styles in dance, and learn different routines, which will improve your child’s ability to retain choreography and to perform in shows and festivals throughout the year.
Modern & Tap
Children from the age of 4 can start learning the ISTD Tap and Modern syllabus. Tap is the most enjoyable and rhythmic forms of dance, making it very popular with children. Modern is a less formal environment than Ballet and children are encouraged to use their expression and musicality. This is a lovely way to build confidence, technique and performance. Children will learn steps and fun routines in classes and will work towards optional examinations or dance performances.
Lyrical
Our lyrical dance classes are perfect for children who want to dance freely, with more movement and fluidity than our Ballet classes. We focus on technique and how our body moves from one movement to another using different levels, floor and contact work. Expression and performance come from within and we work really hard to express this through softer movements.
Boogie Kids
Boogie Kids is where the studio becomes a realm of creativity and fun! This class is like a disco party where we groove to exciting music and express our boundless energy through exciting choreography.
Our Boogie Kids class is led by our enthusiastic instructors who teach our students fundamental dance techniques while embracing their individuality and building confidence. It's more than just a dance class – it's a vibrant celebration of joy, creativity, and friendship.
