Ballet

At Killester School of Ballet and Modern Dance, children usually begin ballet classes at 3.5 to 5 years ( although older children are welcome ). At the youngest stage, classes are designed to be imaginative and appropriate to the developmental stage of this age group. “Young children love to move. Through movement children develop their bodies, their minds, their confidence and their ability to communicate and express. During these early years children are involved in developing fundamental movement skills that are necessary for future skill learning. Early exposure to developmentally appropriate movement activities in an instructional environment can help children to acquire skills and attitudes that are necessary for future participation in physical activity. Active children can develop into active and healthy adults, enjoying the physical and social benefits that participation in dance and sport can bring” ( RAD Dance to Your Own Tune).

In the ballet class, movement is the medium through which creativity, expression and musicality develop. The technique of classical ballet can be very demanding and it would be inappropriate to impose it on a very young body, rather the children develop their core stability, balance, eye – hand co – ordination, cross lateral co – ordination and begin to refine their motor control. Gradually as the children progress through the levels, classical ballet technique is introduced and at Primary in Dance level, the first examinations are offered. These examinations are not compulsory but for children with a good technical ability they can represent an achievable and rewarding goal for their hard work. The emphasis in the classes however should be on enjoyment and no child should feel pressurised to take examinations. It is very acceptable to work through the grades purely for enjoyment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contemporary:

 

Contemporary dance, as it suggests, can encompass many individual styles and interpretations but is rooted mainly in the techniques of certain famous choreographers, notably Rudolf Laban in the 1920s to Martha Graham in the 1950s and Merce Cunningham from the 1960's onwards. This genre of dance is very relevant to students who intend taking their dance studies to vocational level as it is offered in most dance courses in third level institutions, both in Ireland and abroad. Generally in Ireland, on entering these colleges, students have little or no prior training in contemporary dance.

 

Contemporary dance complements classical ballet training in contributing to the establishment of core stability as well as confidence with moving in and out of the floor, being off balance as well as on and an awareness and use of the space outside ones own kinesphere. While the study of contemporary dance is of great benefit to the serious student, it is also of great advantage to any student who enjoys exploring movement. Although the classes are based on certain techniques the main emphasis is on the dancers finding their own individual ways of moving and creativity.

 

While contemporary dance is suitable for all age groups, it is offered in the school to existing students from grade 4 upward. Non members of the school are welcome to Contemporary classes from fourteen years upwards and their suitability would be assessed over a trial period of two to three classes. 

 

Contemporary Dance classes have been available in Killester School of Ballet and Modern Dance since September 2010.