DANCE

Dance is offered as an extra activity at the Junior School from the Nursery up to Year 6 (ages 3- 11). A wide variety of dance forms are taught by our qualified RAD (Royal Academy of Dancing) registered ballet teacher and IDTA (International Dance Teachers Association) member, Mrs Liebenberg. Mrs Liebenberg trained in South Africa and also holds a Bachelors Degree in Dance in Music. The dance forms taught are ballet (RAD), Folk/National Dancing (ISTD), Musical Theatre (IDTA), modern, choreography and creative movement.

Children get the opportunity to part take in RAD Ballet in which children take part in ballet examinations on a regular basis. Some pupils also enter the Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts, achieving medals in recent years.

In addition to Ballet other dance forms such as ISTD Folk dancing and ISTD Modern is taught as well. Children also gain experience in choreography, musical theatre and some elements/flavours of world dance, such as Gumboot, Indian and Flamenco. Music and Movement is offered to Reception as part of their school curriculum and Ballet to Nursery.

The aim is to teach dance in a creative, imaginative and fun, yet disciplined environment. Dance plays a big role within the school curriculum. It gives children the opportunity to express themselves through movement and plays an important role in their development as young dancers.

In addition a variety of dance forms for all pupils is included as a part of the PE, Music and Big Arts Day programmes.