TWO SPACIOUS PERMANENT STUDIOS
Safe and professional environment

SYLLABUS

Yarra Heights Dance Academy is a registered dancing academy with the Australian Academy Of Theatrical and Ballet Dancing Inc. (AATBD Inc), which is a recognised society for Australian dance.

ANNUAL CONCERT

Two compulsory end of year concerts are held mid-end of November at the George Wood Performing Arts Centre in Ringwood.  Some students only perform in one concert.  Students are encouraged to perform in these annual concerts as they provide students with experience in performance and the opportunity to show off their acquired skills to family and friends.  A rehearsal is held in the weeks prior to the concert and this is also compulsory.

Occasionally throughout the year we will offer classes the opportunity to perform in optional ‘mini-concerts’ to show family and friends acquired skills and learnt routines.  This gives the students something to work towards throughout the year and keeps them interested and excited about their classes and routines.

COSTUMES

Costumes are worn for all performances and competitions.  These are generally hired.  Refer to the fees schedule for current costume hire pricing.  Costume hire fees are non-refundable where the costume has already been purchased, made or hired.  A deposit is required to be paid towards costumes in term three. Costumes are handed out to students upon receipt of the applicable hire fee.

Minimal adjustments and/or sewing of trims and sequins may be required at times.  Hire costumes are not required to be cleaned and are collected from you at the completion of the performance.

EXAMINATIONS

Students are offered the opportunity to enter examinations conducted by the AATBD Inc. These examinations are optional but recommended for all students. Examinations are important for learning and assessing critical dance technique. Participating students receive a medal and certificate along with a critique of their exam and are eligible for many awards such as trophies and scholarships.  Examinations also lead to a Diploma of Dance in the respective dance style taught and can allow students to eventually teach or dance professionally.  Yarra Heights Dance Academy has a 100% pass rate in examinations, with majority achieving Honours.  Examinations are held around June and October each year. 

Examinations are an enjoyable and stress-free experience for the children.  Students are examined in groups of up to four, so they do not complete the exams on their own.  The teacher is present in the room with the child.  Examination content is taught in most classes as part of the warm up and/or technical component of the class so your child will automatically learn the necessary content required for examinations.  You will be advised once your child is prepared for an examination. 

PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS, PERFORMANCES & COMPETITIONS

Some students in Intermediate and Senior levels are eligible to participate in public examinations. These exams consist of one or two solo performances on stage, in full costume, in front of an audience.  This exam/performance is conducted at the annual AATBD Inc event which is usually held around August each year.   This is a positive experience with eligibility to win trophies and scholarships.  Students are required to have a weekly 15 minute private lesson from the beginning of term two until the exam date.  Please refer to the fee schedule for the cost of private lessons.  If you wish to participate please advise the Principal to arrange a suitable private lesson time. 

APPROACH TO TEACHING & LEARNING

Music is chosen so that it compliments the dance style and is relevant to the students’ age.   Current top 40 music is mostly used for all modern dance styles.  Dance steps are current and up to date.

Each class commences with a warm-up routine to ensure the safety of the students.  Technique is taught for the dance style undertaken.  A portion of class time is spent learning and revising routines that are extended on each week, enhancing the students’ memory skills.  Some classes learn multiple mini-routines throughout the year so as to keep the students interested.

Class sizes are restricted to enable each student to be given individual attention throughout the class as required.  Private lessons and make up lessons are offered upon request.

Parents are permitted to watch SUB-JUNIOR Level 1 classes.  All other classes are closed, with viewing permitted on the last day of each term.  Parents are permitted to wait in our waiting area and can view students through the main studio door and on monitors.  Prospective students and parents are welcome to view classes upon obtaining prior permission from the school principal.