At JA Performing Arts, Clacton we believe Ballet is the fundamental underpinning of all forms of Dance. Our Ballet classes focus on developing musicality and graceful movement whilst helping to develop strength, fitness and technique. Ballet is a style of dance, which is expressive and creative. Our students gain a deeper understanding of their own bodies, whilst building stamina.
Our students from 18 months – 4 years follow our very own Pre School syllabus which focusses creativity and on the fundamentals of Ballet.
From the age of 4 years our students follow the ISTD syllabus, with examinations from Pre Primary Ballet through to a senior level.
All students, even our tiny tots are given the opportunity to perform in our large scale shows held at the Princes Theatre.
2.5 years – 4 years
Our Tots Ballet class follow our very own Pre School syllabus based on the fundamentals of ballet.
Our pre-School classes help develop cognitive skills and encourage children to build friendships and confidence.
We love to see our students progressing through the school, many of our current seniors joined us at pre-school age, which is where they discovered their love for the Performing Arts.
4 – 7 years
Our students aged 4-7 will start to focus on refining the technique learned in their pre-school classes. Here, they will learn movement which will always have an exciting, performance-based theme. Whether they’re on a sailboat travelling to Disneyland, or in a magical orchard picking Apples, we always ensure there is a focus on fun and performing whilst using those skills they have previously learned. There is an opportunity to work towards ISTD exams from Pre-Primary (approximately Key stage 1) upwards.
8 – 13 years
These classes will focus on strength and stamina building. The syllabus work will see students using the Barre for the first time, making sure their technique is improved upon, on a weekly basis. We encourage our students to be confident to start using Ballet terminology from a young age, developing an understanding of the French language. This will be used in each and every class.
14 years +
For this age group, classes focus on applying all previously learned techniques, plus learning the more advanced movements and choreography. Students are always pushed to their maximum capability.
We understand that this age group comes with outside pressures, from GCSE’s to generally growing up! We will always support our students in their classes, checking in on their mental health and well-being allowing and our studios to be a safe environment for them to be creative.
We always welcome and ability to our studios. From teenagers that would like to explore a new hobby, to the more experienced Dancer.
Our Adult Ballet classes have been exceptionally popular since we introduced the sessions to our timetable. We all know that it is so important to look after ourselves and have something that is just for us. We focus on strength, toning and feeling the burn! It is a gentle session that is tailored to all abilities and ages. This low impact class is refreshing and energising, whilst making sure there is an opportunity to build new friendships and have some ‘you time.’
Learn more on our Adult ballet page.
If you are thinking of joining us from our tiny tots, to our senior students and our adults, it is never too late to start dancing. All of our classes cater for beginners through to an advanced level.
We also hold classes in Tap, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Drama, Hip Hop/Street and Adult tap.
Feel free to pop us a message with any questions you may have – our team is here to help.