Dance Styles at the Academy

The Academy offers classes in Ballet, Tap, Freestyle/Disco, Street Dance, Modern Jazz and Musical Theatre, Adult Tap, Adult Ballet and Streetdance.TapTap is rhythm - rhythm is tap. Its origins are many and varied. Americans claim its origin dates from the African Jazz age. The Irish stake their claim to the Jigs and Step Dancing. The English relate back to northern Clog Dancers but whichever one chooses to believe, Tap is as popular today as it was in the heyday of the great Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly musicals.

Evergreen shows, 42nd Street and Crazy For You, and the more reecnt Stomp and Tap Dogs highlight the great diversities of style and music in tapping. The IDTA has recently launched its new Tap Grade Examinations. Thousands of examinations and medal tests are held each year for childrens, students and professionals and a wide range of tests are available for adults of all ages. A gentle, rhythmical and enjoyable way to keep fit!

Ballet

Ballet for pleasure, Ballet for the more serious-minded. This classical style of expressive movement has something to offer for everyone. Ballet dates back to the 17th century. The conventional steps, grace and fluidity of movement are still found in Ballet today. Choreographers have been influenced by composers through the ages. Ballet has a technique which is the foundation of all dance.

Musical Theatre

So you wanna be a star? Or maybe you just want to have the moves - and the fun - of the stars. So start with the IDTA's Musical Theatre Syllabus! A fusion of all modern music and dance styles, Musical Theatre takes you to inspirational heights. The spotlight's on you!

Modern Jazz

Modern Jazz is fun. You will learn to develop many different movements reaching to a broad choice of varying rhythms and musical styles. Classes are structured to begin to prepare the physical strength and flexibility required to demonstrate emotion through interpretation of any musical genre, one minute you may be dancing to the rhythm of a drum, the next to a funky jazz style. You may explore contrast between expansion and relaxation or learn to isolate in a slick stylish mood, whatever the atmosphere of the class, it will be a wonderful opportunity to react and interact with other members of the class and really dance to express your feelings.

Streetdance

Have you ever seen the hottest pop band's music video or performance on Top of the Pops? Then you will already know what Streetdance looks like. Streetdance takes any form of popular music - from pop to hip hop - and choreographs routines to the beats. We have seen that, only too often, the most successful pop acts have made it big by combining Streetdance routines with their tunes and lyrics.

Freestyle/Disco

Freestyle/disco is the trendiest and most popular form of dance in the UK today. In involves runs, spins, kicks and leaps as well as many other diverse steps and movements with lots of different arm and hand actions. The music can be fast and 'beaty' or slow and sensuous, allowing dancers of all ages to use freedom of expression to enhance their style.

Please call June Messenger regarding the style of dancing you wish to learn
on 01252 614 639 or email june@dancehampshire.com