West Berks Ballet School
West Berks Ballet School
The ballet classes are based on the Cecchetti method and include
unset as well as syllabus work.
We encourage an appreciation of all
aspects of ballet, including mime, character, repertoire and music. We have
staged a number of highly acclaimed ballet performances. We arrange visits to
the Theatre, usually in Reading, Basingstoke or London and encourage those
interested in choreography.
| Petites | This is the class for our youngest children. Normally aged from 4 years as we find that below this age they are not ready to begin ballet training. This is a 30 minute class once a week. |
| Primary | Children in the Primary Class are studying for their first ballet exam. The primary exam is a class exam. That is to say the children are entered in groups and are examined with their teacher doing the excercises together. In order to cover the extra work this is a 45 minute class once a week. |
| Standards | Children in the standard classes are studying for the class exams. These exams are designed for children doing one lesson per week. Since groups of children progress together up the school we may not always have groups at every level. So, for instance, we might run a standard 1 and a standard 2 class in one year and a standard 2 and standard 4 class the next. |
| Grades | Children entering grade examinations do so in small groups without an accompanying teacher. As they progress up the grades the groups become progressively smaller. Therefore it is necessary for them to have a much better knowledge of the syllabus than for standards. As a result we insist on children entering grade examinations doing two classes a week. |
| Major Vocational Exams | Beyond Grades dance students are preparing for a career in dance. Intermediate Foundation, Intermediate, Advanced 1, Advanced 2 are examinations that explore in increasing depth a candidates understanding of dance technique. |
As our school is limited in size, places may not always be
immediately available. It is helpful for us to see a prospective student some
time prior to entry, so that we can assess his or her correct level.
We
attach great importance to regular attendance. For children from the age of
eight, who show promise and enthusiasm, we offer extra classes. We have a
number of adults (and teenagers) who attend our classes with no intention of
pursuing a career in dance but simply for the pleasure, grace and strength
which regular ballet classes provide.
If you would like to see some more photographs of our classes covering all age groups .please click here
