Ballet
Developing the foundations learned in the previous grades, our dancers are guided through the nuances of refining technique and developing their artistry. Those choosing one pathway can begin pointe work whilst those choosing the other pathway will develop the strength to perform the virtuoso movements of ballet. Posture, technique,coordination, strength,musicality and the art of expression are still at the forefront of our teaching.
Depending on previous experience and starting age there is an age overlap between Groups 2 and 3. All children develop in their own time. We always encourage positive upward movement through the grades whilst appreciating the development and capabilities of each individual.
Grade 3 Ballet Minimum age 8-12 £8 per session
Tuesdays 5.45-6.30
Grade 4 Ballet Minimum age 9-14 £8 per session
Tuesdays 5.45-6.30
Grade 5 Ballet Minimum age 10 + £9 per session
Wednesdays 6.00-7.00
Grade 6 Ballet Minimum age 11+ £9 per session
Wednesdays 6.00-7.00
Intermediate Ballet Minimum age 12 £9 per session
Wednesdays 6.00-7.00
Advanced Ballet Minimum age 14 £9 per session
Wednesdays 8.00-9.00
Pointe
Every young dancer’s dream is to dance en pointe. Dancing in Pointe shoes requires strength and a strong balletic foundation. We carefully select our students and explain that they will not all be ready to go on to pointe at the same time as their friends. Our introductory class often starts with students dancing in their normal “flaties” whilst they improve their ankle strength. Our Senior class is for those who have had a considerable amount of pointe experience.
Junior Pointe by invitation or trial session £9 per session
Wednesday 7.00-8.00
Senior Pointe by invitation or trial session £9 per session
Wednesdays 7.00-8.00
Modern
Modern Dance is a harmonious blend of rhythm, dynamism and technical finesse. The ISTD syllabus weaves together intricate footwork, powerful kicks,graceful spins and soaring jumps which can be found captivating theatre audiences worldwide.Through tailored movement sequences young dancers develop physique, explore rhythm and melody and cultivate poise.
Grade 3 Modern Minimum age 8-12 £8 per session
Tuesdays 7.15-8.00
Grade 4 Modern Minimum age 9-14 £8 per session
Tuesdays 7.15 – 8.00
Grade 5 Modern Minimum age 10+ £9 per session
Wednesdays 4.00-5.00
Intermediate Modern Minimum age 12 £9 per session
Wednesday 4.00-5.00
Advanced Modern Minimum age 14 £9 per session
Wednesday 4.00-5.00
Tap
As we transition from the grades to the vocational path the emphasis on increased technical ability comes hand in hand with an understanding of safe dance practice. Students will be developing virtuosity in performance and are encouraged to develop a higher degree of personal interpretation, commitment and professionalism.
Grade 3 Tap Minimum age 8+ £8 per session
Tuesdays 6.30 – 7.15
Grade 4 Tap Minimum age 9+ £8 per session
Tuesday 6.30-7.15
Grade 5 Tap Minimum age 10+ £9 per session
Wednesdays 5.00-6.00
Intermediate Tap 12 £9 per session
Wednesdays 5.00-6.00
Advanced Tap Minimum age 14 £9 per session
Wednesdays 5.00-6.00
Jazz
Our Jazz classes are an extension of our modern theatre syllabus.The emphasis is on combining jazz technique with performance. The dancer is introduced to a variety of styles giving them the opportunity to express and explore both movement and stylistic qualities. These Performance Awards are delivered in three levels; Bronze, Silver & Gold. Students must demonstrate a flair for expressive performing to really excel in these fast paced, dynamic fun sessions. The Jazz syllabus can be studied at any age over the minimum 8 years.
Bronze Jazz 8 yrs & up £8 per session
Mondays 5.00-5.45
Silver Jazz 10 yrs & up £8 per session
Mondays 5.00-5.45
Gold Jazz 12 yrs & up £8 per session
Mondays 6.45-7.30
Commercial
The dance we see in music videos, Tv shows and adverts.Commercial dance uses elements of contemporary, ballet, Jazz, hip hop and street to create a dynamic and entertaining performance this makes the genre extremely demanding as dancers need to be able to master a variety of styles. Successful commercial dancers have a strong and varied technical training. Most classes focus on learning a new routine weekly/bi-weekly, giving dancers an opportunity to improve pickup speed whilst covering a vast amount of different styles throughout the term.Classes are fast paced, fun and who doesn’t love moving to those feel good tunes?
Intermediate Commercial 9-12 yrs £8 per session
Tuesdays 8.15-9.00
Senior Commercial 12yrs + £8 per session
Mondays 8.15-9.00
Contemporary
A technically based dance form combining the strength and control of classical ballet in the leg movements whilst developing the use of the torso to employ contract-release, fall and recover and improvisational characteristics of modern dance. Contemporary demands a highly developed sense of musicality, core strength and control together with an appreciation of the use of breath.
Contemporary 12yrs + £8 per session
Mondays 7.30-8.15
Acrobatics
Has increasingly become a part of dance. Our teachers take the students through a safe progression building strength and confidence to work for those tricks first on and then off mat. All students are carefully monitored to ensure they are aiming within their capabilities but are encouraged to aim high. The class has a great team spirit and we all celebrate a new achievement together. Cartwheels, walkovers, flying cartwheels, handsprings are all part of the course but introduced in a safe, positive and nurturing environment.
Acrobatics Rising 5 and up.£8.50 per Session
Mondays 4.00-4.55
RADAR
Conditioning for dancers of all ages to achieve higher, safer, lighter jumps and build endurance and energy.Encouraging dancers to look after, improve and enhance their physique. Mixing high intensity strength and flexibility exercises with partner and group work supporting each other to strive for excellence in an encouraging confidence building atmosphere. Helping students to feel inspired, giving them the tools to learn about their body’s abilities and needs and so accelerating their journey to be the best they can be. This class follows the amazing and fun training methods of Rebecca Davies who has revolutionized the way dancers train.
RADAR – 5 and up
Mondays 5.45-6.45 £9 per session
My daughter joined Hilton Hall just before Covid and when she walked out of only her 2nd class with two of the older girls with their arms around her, I knew she would be looked after and supported there and she has been. Not just by the students of the school but by the teachers too. My daughter started the school just doing ballet there but that quickly changed to ballet, modern, tap, commercial, contemporary, acro, pointe and jazz. She also takes part in competitions with the school doing solos, duets and groups with their performance set and the yearly school show is a definite highlight. It is a very friendly environment and I know that she has made lifelong friends there. They are also very supportive of the students doing extra dance/musical theatre outside of Hilton Hall.
– Lisa Winchester