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Classes at SLA
DANCING TOTS
‘Dancing Tots’ are parent & toddler classes for 18 months plus. This class will enable your child to learn new skills through the use of movement to music, dance, singing, instruments, props, storytelling and drama. A fun packed class for you and your child to share filled with musical adventures that develop and encourage musicality, creativity, fitness and rhythm.
See your child develop balance, co-ordination and core strength on our activity circuit. Join your child on our adventure and travel to the circus, the jungle, nursery rhyme land, the toy kingdom and many more wonderful places!
Watch your child grow with confidence as you join your child on a great adventure!
Ballet
A classical dance form with roots in European court traditions is celebrated for its grace, precision, and elegance. Emphasizing posture, turnout, technique and fluid movements, ballet requires both physical strength and mental focus. Dancers execute a series of positions and steps, expressing emotions and storytelling through gestures and facial expressions. Our ballet class invites you to explore this timeless art, where you'll cultivate strength, refine technique, and tell stories through the beauty of movement in a supportive and inspiring environment.
Modern Jazz
Modern jazz dance is a dynamic and expressive style that emerged in the early 20th century as a fusion of various dance forms, including traditional jazz, ballet, and contemporary dance. Unlike the structured and formal nature of ballet, modern jazz is characterized by its fluidity, versatility, and emphasis on individual expression. Dancers often engage in isolations, contractions, and expansive movements that span a wide range of styles, from lyrical and smooth to sharp and percussive.
Tap
Tap dance is a rhythmic and percussive form of dance that gained popularity in the United States in the 19th century and evolved into a unique and energetic art form. Tap dancers use metal plates attached to the soles of their shoes to create intricate and syncopated rhythms by striking the floor. Styles can range from traditional Broadway tap to more contemporary and experimental forms. Tap classes focus on developing a strong sense of timing, coordination, and musicality while fostering individual creativity. The joyous and infectious nature of tap makes it a captivating dance form that continues to evolve and inspire children and adults.
Contemporary
Unlike specific techniques or styles, contemporary dance is more of an umbrella term that encompasses a wide range of movement styles and approaches. It encourages individual expression, creativity, and the exploration of new movement possibilities. Contemporary dance often incorporates elements of ballet, modern dance, jazz, and even street dance, creating a fusion that is both dynamic and unpredictable. The genre places a strong emphasis on emotional expression, storytelling, and the relationship between the dancers and the space around them. Contemporary dance classes typically focus on developing a strong foundation in technique while encouraging personal interpretation and improvisation. It's a constantly evolving and innovative form that allows for a broad spectrum of artistic expression.
Acro
Acro dance, short for acrobatic dance, is a style that seamlessly blends classical dance techniques with acrobatic elements. It incorporates gymnastics-inspired movements such as tumbling, balancing, and partnering into a dance context. Acro dancers develop strength, flexibility, and agility, enabling them to execute impressive feats like handstands, cartwheels, and aerials within the framework of a choreographed routine.
The Acrobatic Arts syllabus is a structured and progressive program designed to teach acro dance in a safe and systematic manner. It focuses on building a strong foundation of acrobatic skills while emphasizing proper technique and injury prevention. The syllabus categorises skills into different levels, ensuring that dancers progressively advance in difficulty as they master fundamental elements.
Musical Theatre
Musical Theatre is a captivating art form that combines acting, singing, and dance to convey a narrative on stage. It features scripted dialogue, musical numbers, and choreography to create a cohesive theatrical experience. Performers showcase their acting, singing, and dancing skills to bring characters to life, while sets, costumes, and lighting contribute to the visual appeal. From classic Broadway productions like "West Side Story" to contemporary hits like "Hamilton," musical theatre continues to evolve, offering a diverse and dynamic entertainment experience.
Commercial
Commercial dance is a genre that thrives in the entertainment industry, encompassing a wide range of dance forms seen in music videos, commercials, live performances, and television shows. Commercial dancers often fuse elements from hip-hop, jazz, street dance, and other contemporary styles, creating a dynamic and visually appealing aesthetic. Precision, charisma, and the ability to convey a specific mood or message through movement are essential in commercial dance. This genre is known for its connection to popular music and culture, and dancers in the commercial realm frequently collaborate with artists, choreographers, and directors to bring a fresh and engaging visual dimension to various media projects.
Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT)
Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) is a specialised training method designed by Marie Walton-Mahon to enhance classical ballet training. Using stability balls, resistance bands, and targeted exercises, PBT focuses on developing muscle engagement, core strength, flexibility, and muscle memory. By emphasising precise muscle activation during classical ballet movements, PBT helps dancers refine their technique and alignment. The program is adaptable for dancers of various levels and ages, serving as a valuable complement to traditional ballet training. PBT has gained popularity for its effectiveness in fostering a well-rounded and proficient dancer.
Zumba & Zumba Gold
Zumba is a high-energy and dynamic fitness program that combines dance and aerobic elements to lively music. It originated in the 1990s and has since gained global popularity for its fun and engaging approach to exercise. Zumba Gold is a modified version of Zumba specifically designed for older adults or individuals with lower fitness levels. While still incorporating lively music and dance, Zumba Gold features moves that are gentler on the joints and paced to accommodate various fitness levels. Both Zumba and Zumba Gold provide enjoyable ways to improve cardiovascular health, flexibility, and overall fitness through the joy of dance and movement.
Dance Fit
Dance Fit for adults offers a range of physical and mental health benefits. Physically, it promotes cardiovascular health by improving circulation and endurance. The rhythmic and low-impact nature of gentle dance helps enhance flexibility, joint mobility, and muscle strength without putting excessive strain on the body. Additionally, it can contribute to balance improvement, reducing the risk of falls. From a mental health perspective, gentle dance fitness serves as a stress reliever, promoting the release of endorphins, which can elevate mood and reduce anxiety. The cognitive benefits include improved coordination and spatial awareness. Moreover, the social aspect of group dance classes fosters a sense of community, enhancing overall well-being by providing a fun and supportive environment for participants.
Silver Swans
Silver Swans classes are aimed at over 55’s and draw on research into the health benefits of dance for older adults. Classes will improve mobility, posture, co-ordination and energy levels and, most importantly, are an opportunity to have fun and enjoy the sense of well-being that dance brings.
Silver Swans classes are delivered exclusively by Silver Swans Licensees who have trained to safely adapt ballet techniques for older adults.
