Junior Classes

Kate Simmons Junior Programme offers a wide variety of dance classes for all ages. If you require more information about the classes or registering, please contact us

Kate Simmons Dance does recommend that children consider ballet above other subjects as a classical foundation gives a strong base for all dance subjects.

Pre-School

Pre-School dance classes start at the age of 3. The class is a ballet structure with expressive musical movement encorporated with the steps. A lot of basic co-ordinational movement is learnt here and taught in nursery rhyme form.

After a year to eighteen months the children are usually ready to attend a more structured class and will be ready for Primary Ballet Class where they will be able to work for their first ballet exam. The primary class is quite structured and the children will learn the Cecchetti Primary Syllabus.

We open Modern and Tap classes to the children when thay have taken their first primary ballet exam.

Grades When the children reach grade level (after their primary exam), not only is classical ballet open to them, but it is possible for them to take classes in Modern/Jazz and Tap. Ballet The grade ballet classes follow the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance Cecchetti faculty which is one of the most renowned teaching methods in the world. Based on natural movement, it builds strength as well as working on grace, line and co-ordination. Modern and Tap The Modern and Tap classes work on the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance syllabi which again is very comprehensive with direct links to the major/senior work to the professional level, although we do stress that a lot of our Lower School children attend for pleasure and the classes are challenging but great fun. The grades progress through to Grade 4.

Seniors and Major Exams

From the beginning of training at Kate Simmons, it is essential that the children and students attend at least 2 classes per week of the same subject if they are working toward an exam, in order to achieve the required standard.

Ballet

When the students have passed grade 6, they are then are able to move on to the major syllabi and senior work, starting with Intermediate, Advanced I and Advanced II (all major syllabi grades follow the Cecchetti method).

Modern and Tap

Major exams follow from Grade 5 starting with Pre-Intermediate, Intermediate, Advanced I and Advanced II.

Graduates

Kate Simmons Dance is fortunate to have this unique facility for Junior programme students.

Students displaying certain qualities and natural talent as well as dedication are prime candidates to be invited to attend the Graduate Class. This involves an extra class per week predominantly ballet class consisting of unset steps (enchainments). These classes take the form of technique development, improvisation, spanish dance or contemporary dance.

The Junior Graduates age range between 9-12 years and Senior Graduates 13-16 years. These children are invited into the Graduate Class by invitation from the Principal and are usually already dancing 2 ballet, 1 modern and 1 tap class per week.

Productions

During the spring term and just before the Easter break, all Lower School students take part in the School Production which comprises of many different dance divertissements, and a full length childrens ballet. This gives the children an opportunity to experience preforming on stage, a vital development to all potential young dancers.