Dance wEST03 has a diverse array of dance classes on offer for ages 4yrs+, including Adults. Classical, Jazz, Tap, Street Tap & Hip Hop classes are guided by the Australian Teachers of Dancing syllabus whereas other classes such as Funk, Street Jazz & Stilt Walking were developed in order to satisfy our dancer’s needs & interests. We also offer a stretching & body conditioning class to any of the schools registered members. Classes each week focus on improving technique & developing a love of dance. Eisteddfod classes are also available for any students who enjoy performing in a competitive yet fun arena.
Body Conditioning & Strengthening
A compulsory class for Eisteddfod Troupe members but optional to any registered member of Dance wEST03, students work on flexibility and achieving core body strength. Classes commence with a cardio warm up, followed by light stretching, progressing into more intense stretching exercises, sometimes working in pairs. Some pilates exercises are also used to achieve some great body toning, back & core strength.
Classical/Ballet
The Australian Teachers of Dancing (ATOD) syllabus offers a comprehensive & beautiful ballet syllabus where expressiveness & creativity is encouraged and nurtured. The syllabus progresses systematically in order to build strength and artistry. Ballet is a great place to start for your child’s dance education and offers a great foundation for all other dance forms. Ballet provides an avenue for students to express themselves as well as developing posture, muscle tone, grace & musicality & an awareness of their body’s power & control with movement. Classes are available to students 4yrs+.
Contemporary
ATOD is excited to release this innovative and carefully structured contemporary/modern system of training. Industry professional Adam Wheeler was commissioned to create a well structured training program suitable for inclusion in main stream dance studios. ATOD is one of 2 syllabi only that offer a contemporary syllabus. We count ourselves truly lucky to be able to offer this to our students. What is contemporary dance? Contemporary dance employs many modern dance techniques such as contact-release, fall and recovery, floor work, improvisation, and lifts in partnering and is often performed in bare feet. It is a style of expressive dance that combines techniques and methods found in several dance genres including modern, jazz, lyrical and classical ballet. Pioneers of contemporary dance believed that dancers should have freedom of movement, allowing their bodies to freely express their innermost feelings.
Jazz
A complete jazz class incorporating styles & genres such as Broadway, Musical Theatre, Hip Hop, Funk & Lyrical etc. These classes are technical classes and exams are an option to any interested students through the ATOD syllabus. Students will learn the correct way to execute and perform kicks, jumps, turns, pirouettes etc as well as combining them into specially choreographed sequences, progressions & dances seen through line, corner or floor work.
Street Jazz 8yrs+
This class still combines kicks, jumps & turns but with an edgier, more up to the minute, street style that you would see in movies, shows or video clips. Students work on dances, breaking down steps & sequences to work on styling and technique. This is not an exam or syllabus class.
Hip Hop
Think Justin Timberlake! Think latest dance craze! Our hip hop classes are a blend of the ATOD Hip Hop syllabus and moves developed from the inspirational choreography from some of Brisbane’s leading choreographers and teachers who have toured LA – pulse of the hip hop world and workshopped at Dance wEST03.
Tap
Through the world class ATOD Tap syllabus, students learn technically based yet modern and innovative steps & combinations. These classes offer diverse tap styles incorporating barre, centre, corner work, combinations and routines. Exams are available to any students who may be interested.
Street Tap
Cross rhythms, cannons, syncopation and MUCH more! This is an exciting and fun tap class that uses your feet to make music. We use props to stomp, kick, slide & tap on and work in groups to achieve some great percussive sounds. Students are encouraged to develop their own rhythms and sounds.
Funk - not available in 2012
Funk is a high energy dance that evolved in the 70’s and was originally performed to Funk music which emerged in that era. As with many other styles of dance it is a collaborative design of choreography which can consist of aspects of Hip Hop, Street Jazz, Popping Locking, Breaking, Electric Boogooloo & Contemporary dance styles. Our Funk classes are about learning new styles of dancing and having fun with the choreography.
Stilt Walking
As part of our commitment to offer diverse performance opportunities at Dance wEST03 we host Stilt Walking classes each week. Our vision for 2012, is that we may participate (however off beat that may be) in many community events! As we develop our skills each week we also develop characters and costume ideas for upcoming events such as Roma Easter in the Country, Mitchell Fire & Water Festival, Roma’s Food & Fire Festival as well as St John’s Moonlight Fair.
Eisteddfod Classes
We liken these classes to preparing for a netball or football grand final. The preparation can be hard work and takes a certain amount of time, commitment & dedication as the team relies on each other for it but the end result is worth it! The focus for these classes is competition BUT they are fun as well! Attention to detail, working as a team, building confidence and technical skill, performance quality, stage craft & presence are all fundamental in these classes. Students wishing to participate MUST offer the commitment and hard work necessary to be part of this great opportunity! In previous years, students nominated themselves to be a part of the eisteddfod troupe but this year we have committed to participating in the eisteddfods as a whole of school experience. Eisteddfod preparation will be incorporated into their usual weekly classes.
In 2010, eisteddfod troupe students had the once in a lifetime experience of competing in the Christchurch Eisteddfod, New Zealand with some promising results.
Acrodance
This class was initiated to satisfy the creative urge to incorporate spectacular tricks, tumbles and flips into our various hip hop, street jazz or jazz routines. There are no previous skills needed just the willingness to learn, a loose t-shirt, bike shorts and no shoes.
Private Classes
Are available for students with particular needs such as preparing solos, duos or trios for eisteddfods or in the lead up to an exam.
