Tippie Toes dance, 2-3 year olds

Our Tippie Toes class is designed for Toddlers. It introduces children from 2 year old to music and natural movement. These baby ballet classes are full of fun, active movements and of course dance with a focus on learning through ­­­play. Classes are conducted using themes and a variety of props, which kids always love. There is always something new and exciting to look forward to.

We encourage Parents and Carers to participate in this class too and dance together with their children. This stimulates them to participate in full, and follow the teacher. Our parents also love it !

Click Here to watch our Baby Ballet class on YouTube.

Twinkle Tots dance, 3-4 year olds 

The Twinkle Tots ballet class are designed especially for 3-4 year old children. The key emphasis of the lessons is to bring enjoyment and fun to the dance studio, while learning key skills. We focus on developing foundations such as motor skills, the basics of dance co-ordination, flexibility, balance, music and rhythm in your child.

Budding Ballerinas, 4-6 year olds

Budding Ballerinas ballet class is designed for children who have reached 4 years old and gained some experience. It’s promote the joy and skill of dancing. During this course children will begin to learn the core elements of ballet. They will learn basic ballet steps and jumps, continue to build their posture and improve flexibility. In practice they will dance individually as well as in a pairs and in groups. We will introduce a bit of structured learning to aid them progressing into the preparatory grade.

IDTA Ballet Grades, 6-12 year old

Now that your children have progressed to Preparatory Grades, learning becomes more than just in a physical skill. We now take on a more structured syllabus in the Ballet classes called IDTA. All of the IDTA grades stress the importance of the enjoyment in the dance classes as well as progressive learning. Every child during the dancing lessons will acquiring new skills, and graceful movement regardless of their ability to dance. These skills will undoubtedly integrate into many other aspects of their lives. The IDTA ballet training develops strong, tall posture, grace, co-ordination, balance as well as spatial and physical awareness for your child.

For those children who have strong desire and talent to dance the IDTA programme provide the potential to become a professional dancer. By completing each grade of the ballet and progressing step by step. The classes are geared towards annual examinations with formal certificates issued. The levels incorporate a gradual progression through the grades. The very first grade is called Preparatory.

Official IDTA Exams

Lyric Dance school follows the International Dance Teaching Association’s (IDTA) system of training. This involves various (optional) assessments and examinations at the end of each academic year. These are designed to provide the children with both a goal and a subsequent sense of achievement. It is important that students are well prepared for these exams. Students will require some individual practice in addition to teacher led training. The exams will test the technical skills and artistic qualities required at each level.

If your child would like to participate in exams they MUST attend additional classes for at least 4 weeks prior to the day of their exam. These extra classes will enable them to feel confident and perform at their best for the examiner. We are proud of our outstanding pass rates for exams.

Performing Arts Classes – combined Singing, Dancing, and Acting

These fabulous classes teach Singing, Dancing and Acting skills. We offer it to kids 3 – 12 years of age.

Bring out the best in your child through the world of Singing, Dancing and Acting and let them explore.

Young children develop confidence and lifelong skills by participating in our Performing arts classes. These have been specially designed according to their age. Our teaches have extensive training and work on stages and theatres themselves, and love to share their knowledge. Participation in our End of Year Stage Performance is also a great way to build a child’s confidence and overcome shyness. It gives them an enjoyable and unforgettable experience as well as all parents.

Tap Dance

Tap is rhythm – rhythm is tap. Its origins are many and varied. Americans claim its origin dates from the African Jazz age. The Irish stake their claim to the Jigs and Step Dancing. The English relate back to northern Clog Dancers but whichever one chooses to believe, Tap is as popular today as it was in the heyday of the great Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly musicals. Evergreen shows, 42nd Street and Crazy For You, and the more recnt Stomp and Tap Dogs highlight the great diversities of style and music in tapping. The IDTA has recently launched its new Tap Grade Examinations. A gentle, rhythmical and enjoyable way to keep fit, and the kids just love putting on their noisy tap shoes !

Modern/Commercial dance

Modern Jazz is fun. You will learn to develop many different movements linking to a broad selection of rhythms and musical styles. Classes are structured to begin to prepare the physical strength and flexibility required to demonstrate emotion through interpretation of any musical genre. One minute you may be dancing to the rhythm of a drum, the next to a funky jazz style. You may explore the contrast between expansion and relaxation or learn to isolate in a slick stylish mood. Whatever the atmosphere of the class, it will be a wonderful opportunity to react and interact with other members of the class and really dance to express your feelings.

Our IDTA certified exams

What are IDTA ballet exams? IDTA ballet exams are assessments conducted by certified examiners from the International Dance Teachers’ Association. They are designed to assess a child’s progress for learning the structured ballet syllabus, technical ability, artistry, and overall understanding of ballet movements and concepts.

Levels and Grades: The exams are divided into different levels and grades, with each level representing a higher degree of difficulty. Beginners usually start at the lowest level, and as they progress, they can move up to higher levels. The grade a child enters depends on their age, experience, and skill level. In Lyric Dance school we cover all grades from Rosettes and Preparatory Ballet Level up to Grade 5.

Preparation: Before the exam, students attend regular ballet classes where they learn and practice various ballet techniques, positions, and routines. The teacher at Lyric Dance School will ensure that the students are well-prepared for the exam by covering all the required syllabus elements for the chosen grade. Students of the higher Grades are also required to attend additional practice classes during the week in order to escalate their technical skills to higher level more rapidly.  

Exam Format:  The exam usually takes place in a formal setting, such as a dance studio or a designated examination centre. The child will perform a set ballet routine or a series of exercises, including positions, movements across the floor, and combinations, in front of an examiner.

Assessment:  The IDTA examiner will evaluate the child’s performance based on several criteria, including technique, posture, musicality, expression, and overall presentation. The examiner will provide constructive feedback, highlighting the child’s strengths and areas for improvement. Achievement and Progression: Once the exam is completed, the child will receive a graded certificate or a report with comments from the examiner (usually it takes about a month to receive the results). The certificates will be handed out to the students by their Lyric Dance School teacher. This helps motivate the child and acknowledges their achievements. Successful completion of an exam allows the student to progress to the next level of ballet training.

Non-Competitive: It’s essential to emphasise that IDTA ballet exams are not competitions. The focus is on individual growth and improvement rather than comparison with others. Every child is encouraged to perform to the best of their abilities.

Benefits: Participating in IDTA ballet exams offers numerous benefits to children, including increased self-confidence, discipline, physical fitness, artistic expression, and a deeper appreciation for the art of ballet. Moreover, the structured syllabus ensures a well-rounded development of ballet skills.