Classes

CLASSICAL BALLET

Classical Ballet is the foundation of all technical dancers and one of the most commonly requested facets by new students. Classical Ballet teaches discipline, grace, poise and provides a strong technical foundation and excellent fitness. We recognise the importance of Classical Ballet at Studio A, and as such, have the highest standard of classical ballet coaches at our Classes in Menai.

Ballet for Fun 

Ballet is a fantastic way to improve fitness, coordination and motor skills. It is ideal for any new students wishing to participate in a structured, slow and challenging facet of dance. We insist that our Classical training at STUDIO A is of the highest standard so that our students (whether they are examination students or whether they attend ballet classes just for fun), have the very best tuition possible.

Ballet Exams 

Ballet Exams are offered at Studio A through the international dance syllabus ‘Royal Academy of Dance’ (R.A.D). Our exam classes start at Pre-Primary and end at Advanced for any student wishing to pursue a career in dance or work towards their teaching qualifications. The R.A.D syllabus is one of the largest and most influential dance education and training associations in the world, with over 13,000 members’ spread across 83 countries, .

R.A.D Registered Studio 

STUDIO A is an R.A.D registered studio, meaning we are one of the few studios in the area that are equipped for students to undertake their exams from the comfort of their own studio.

Achievements 

Make sure you check out some of our ballet students’ achievements HERE if your child is interested in taking their ballet to the next level at STUDIO A.

Why Studio A for ballet?

Our Principal Alison Ioannou was Royal Ballet trained and an RAD scholar in London for 6 consecutive years under the direction of John Field prior to being offered a place at the prestigious Royal Ballet School where she studied for a further 3 years. Alison has been taught by some of the most prolific teachers in Classical Ballet around the world.

Your child’s classical ballet is in the best hands at STUDIO A.

JAZZ & HIP HOP

Our jazz classes at STUDIO A are ideal for the dynamite dancer who have explosive energy and a keen interest to dance in a style that is sharp, rhythmic, upbeat, and unpredictable. Jazz is FUN and our students love learning routines to their favourite songs on the radio.

Our jazz classes incorporate flexibility, strength, and coordination so you can ensure your child is developing the correct, and safe technique to execute all their skills!

Our jazz classes are ideal for the dancer who is looking to have loads of FUN and also for dancers who wish to advance their skills into a more complex style of commercial jazz.

Guest Teachers

We always expose our students to many industry professionals where guest choreographers are invited to the studio to vibe with the students, and inspire them in all styles of dance. We pride ourselves on our industry connections and make sure we are always providing opportunities to our students. These classes are always filled with positive energy and with some LED lights for a bit of flare.

LYRICAL & CONTEMPORARY

These classes are some of our most popular classes in Menai, at STUDIO A. Lyrical and contemporary are extensions of jazz and ballet and the style is continuously evolving. Each teacher has their own flare and style when it comes to lyrical & contemporary which is why our students are constantly stimulated. These styles are technical, athletic, static and slow for lyrical or sharp and dynamic for contemporary.

Strong technical foundations are taught in all our lyrical & contemporary classes to build up a sound core for students to execute floor work, drops, jumps and extensions in a safe way.

Lyrical & contemporary encourages style, creativity and expression. It is less rigid than ballet but still builds on classical elements. Our lyrical & contemporary classes are perfect for students who just want to dance for FUN. Our serious performers undertake extension classes to further enhance their technique in these respective fields.

Guest Teachers

Guest teachers often are invited to Studio A and are also offered for lyrical & contemporary students to experience the styles of different choreographers, gain inspiration, improve versatility and develop well-rounded technique.

MUSICAL THEATRE

Did we just hear you say Hamilton and Chicago? Because we definitely did. Our Musical Theatre classes are a BLAST. Essentially, Musical Theatre combines singing, dancing and acting. Musical Theatre (as you can probably guess) is the style you see in broadway musicals such as Matilda, Billy Elliot, Singing in the Rain (and the list goes on). Musical Theatre incorporates so much personality and encourages individuality, creativity and performance quality. Our students work on drama elements to improve acting and coordination as well as some occasional group singing/miming to the tracks.

Whatever your skill level, these classes are a ball of fun and incorporate so many different elements, making it perfect for children who are wanting to come out of their shell, or children who are wanting to hone their energy into stylistic movement.

Industry Nights 

We also offer industry nights in this facet for students who are keen to increase their versatility, explore different genres of musicals and network with professionals. The nights are hosted by industry professionals where our students can learn actual combinations from professional shows as well as ask questions to our guest teachers about life in professional theatre.

Achievements 

Check out our students and alumnists who are either currently, or have just completed, professional productions, Australia tours or their participation in community theatre HERE.

TAP

Tap classes at STUDIO A are two things: FUN and LOUD. Tap classes are great fun and exercise (who doesn’t like making loud sounds with their feet and exercising at the same time?!). Tap also builds aerobic fitness/core strength and muscle control. It is incredibly rhythmic and teaches students tempo, beat and fantastic coordination. Tap dancers use the sounds of their shoes to create rhythmic patterns and beats which progress into combinations. No matter whether you have previous experience or are just a beginner, our friendly team will be sure to find a tap class suitable for your child’s ability.

Exams 

At STUDIO A, we offer tap exams for students wishing to further their tap technique. Our tap syllabus is the ‘Glenn Wood’ syllabus which is designed to develop good tap technique and performance skills in a structured environment.