Modern And Tap Classes
Tap and Modern Classes are based on the ISTD Syllabus and are suitable for dancers of all ages interested in theatre.
Modern Theatre Dance
Zelia Raye was a dynamic pioneer of dance in the 1920s. Her article Limbering and Stretching, which appeared in the Dancing Times (1927) and her book Rational Limbering, offered a revoltionary approach to dancing. As a result of Raye's ideas the ISTD established the Stage Branch (later to become the Modern Theatre Faculty) in 1932 and invited Zelia Raye to create the first syllabus.
Modern Theatre Dance defies permanent definition due to its ability to adapt, develop and evolve with the changing fashion in dance. Modern dancers are expected to adapt their technique to cover a huge range of diverse and demanding styles, from the West End stage (e.g. Oklahoma, Chicago, Joseph) to Pop concerts (e.g. jazz, street, hip hop, lyrical or blues). Through a carefully planned and well-tried examination syllabus, which combines modern dance, jazz and other dance styles, young people are trained to become disciplined and versatile dancers who have a professional attitude towards dance.
The ISTD have created a series of examinations from children's grades through to professional teaching qualifications. The children's work is based on natural movements: walking, running, jumping and skipping. It is designed to encourage an imaginative and rapid response from beginners. Boys' work has been developed to meet increasing demand for modern dance training for boys. By maintaining close ties with the profession the Faculty ensures that the syllabi reflect the trends in the theatre.
Tap Dance
Apart from being an essential skill for the professional dancer, tap dance is one of the most enjoyable and rhythmic forms of recreational dance. Students may choose to study tap alone, or combine it with ballet and modern as it is extremely beneficial in teaching the student musicality and rhythm. Like Modern, the ISTD have developed a carefully structured examination syllabus allowed students to progress from Primary, through Grades 1 to 6 and on to study for professional and teaching qualifications.
West Berks Ballet School
