WELCOME TO OUR UPPER SCHOOL
11-18 Years old
GRADED, PRE-VOCATIONAL & VOCATIONAL CLASSES IN DANCE
From 11 years of age the majority of ASD students will be transitioning into Pre-Vocational Classes. Pointe work may be studied once the required physical strength has been achieved, This is assessed on an individual basis and therefore not a foregone conclusion that your child will undertake pointe work at the same time as others in their class.
There is a large variety of classes for this age group. Students are often invited to attend Guest Teacher workshops , together with auditions ( when and if ready) for professional associate schemes.
Students may undertake GCSE Dance from Academic School Year 9 together with undertaking a Qualified Teaching Assistant Qualification should they wish to do so.
Check out our student pathway
Ballet, Acrobatic Arts, Musical Theatre, Tap, LAMDA, Jazz, Private Tuition, Associates, GCSE Dance, Assistant Teacher Training.
All students are invited to attend the schools Bi-Annual school show.
OUR UPPER SCHOOL STUDENT PROMISE
As a school, it is important for us to ensure that our older students are actively involved in shaping the school environment they wish to be part of. At ASD, having ‘a voice’ is fundamental to everything we do, empowering each and every student to build confidence for the future.
” I promise to come to all classes with an open mind and ready to learn, to accept corrective criticism, and support my fellow dancers. I will uphold the school’s good standards, wear the correct uniform to all classes, and understand that by wearing it, I am promoting the school and what it stands for, so my behaviour should reflect this. I promise to be active in creating a safe space for all and acknowledge that Aspirations Dance does not accept bullying of any kind. I will uphold our dance family’s values of ‘MY WISH.’ “
ACRO CLASSES
Aspirations School of Dance follows the Acrobatic Arts syllabus. We believe that acro is not purely the performing of tricks. It is an art-form in itself that when performed correctly enables the dancer to seamlessly and effortlessly include ‘some’ acrobatic skills into their routine. The elements placed into choreography should have meaning and purpose and are not their purely for acrobatic prowess. At this more senior level acro classes require a great deal of physical exertion, strength and co-ordination, we would therefore prefer if students also undertook classical ballet classes.
TTC ( Technique, Tumble & Cardio) Tues 7.30pm , Gr4 & 5: Wed 6.30pm Gr5: Thu 6pm
TAP CLASSES
At ASD we believe that Tap Dance is an asset to any dancer’s curriculum. Taps quick movements strengthen the ankles while working the many muscle groups that support and strengthen the joint. The discipline, like many forms of dance, offers other benefits, too. It uses fine motor movement and requires a lot of control. At this more senior level style, rhythm and musicality comes into play as the student performs their amalgamations. Various styles of tap are taught to the seniors to give them a full grounding in readiness for vocational school should this be their chosen path.
Watch this space: We are expanding our tap provisions
MUSICAL THEATRE CLASSES
Musical Theatre or MT is one of the fastest growing areas of interest within the dramatic arts. At ASD there is an option to undertake the Trinity MT exams and Professional Teachers of Dance Syllabi.
The sessions at this age are 60 mins in duration combining vocal technique, singing, west end technique, dance , drama and stage performance. Many at this age often attend the class before to support the younger members of the school and gain further performance experience plus assistant teaching experience.
SENIOR MT: Sat 12.45pm
Ballet CLASSES
Within ASD Upper school our ballet classes follow the Society of Classical Ballet ( Vaganova Style) syllabi. Classes also introduce other styles such as RAD , ISTD & Cecchetti in order to provide a fully rounded curriculum.
Most students attend 2-3 classical ballet classes per week at this level in order to achieve the technique required to excel in examinations. However, we still welcome and encourage those that wish attend once a week to engage in ballet classes. For many the ASD family is hard to leave and provides an engaging and perfect social outlet throughout their teens. Many also attend ballet classes to alleviate academic stress at examination times.
G5 Wed 5.30pm G6 Mon 6.30pm, Tues 6pm, Wed 7.15pm SSR (stretch, strengthen, realign) Thu 7pm & 8pm Vocational: Mon 8pm, Tues 8.15pm, Wed 8.15pm Pointe: Mon 7.30pm, Tues 7.00pm
JAZZ
Introducing Jazz at this senior level is crucial because it allows the student to adapt their core classical training to enhance their versatility. The key skill of ‘picking up new steps and styles’ is parount to any auditions that may be on the horizon. It also helps them to be more adaptable and prepared for diverse performance opportunities, boosting their confidence and artistic expression.
SNR JAZZ: Thu 7pm
GCSE DANCE & TEACHING ASSISTANT QUALIFICATION
We believe our dance classes can go that extra mile for you and your future, no matter what path you choose! Starting from Academic School Year 9, we’re introducing GCSE Dance and a Qualified Teaching Assistant program. The skills you’ll learn will be valuable throughout your life. Who knows you may even become a member of the ASD faculty one day.
LAMDA / DRAMA
Our drama department is expanding, and we’re pleased to offer both group Drama sessions and individual LAMDA classes. Embrace the opportunity to refine your skills and discover your inner star.
DRAMA: Sat 10.30am
LAMDA: 1:1’s bookable
ARE YOU AN ADULT LOOKING FOR DANCE CLASSES?
It's never too late to start dancing!
Dance offers fun, fitness, and a great social outlet.
We are currently expanding our adult classes program!
Adult Tap (all standards) Thur 8pm
Why not join a class today and get moving!