Classes Offered
at Ringwood Ballet Group
The curriculum is based on the Southern Federation of Dance and the Royal Academy of
Dance, both Graded and Vocational, and offers students a sound training and preparation for examinations and assessments from Pre-Primary to Advanced level.
Our Tiny Tots are introduced to the joy of dance from age three in structured dance-play classes. Children from age four enjoy an informal but structured introduction to dance in our Foundation classes.
We also offer Tap and Jazz classes using the Southern Federation of Dance syllabi. These are very popular and once again students may enter examinations in these styles. Acrobatic classes are also available from classical level 2 upwards, and Contemporary from level 5 upwards. Classical students have priority when enrolling in these styles.
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Our senior students are offered the RAD Higher Grades and Vocational Graded Examinations Syllabus ensuring a well-rounded and complete training. Elective subjects include Repertoire, Contemporary Dance, Acro and Pointe class.
Classical
​Junior and Middle School Classical
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The Junior and Middle Schools follow the Southern Federation of Dance (SFD) curriculum. We accept students from age 4, starting in our Foundation program, and progress them through our Junior and Middle School levels as they grow. Foundation students attend one lesson per week and participate in a presentation evening and an annual production. From Level 1 onward, students are expected to attend at least one lesson per week, with Level 1 students also participating in a mid-year exam and the annual production. Levels 2 and 3 students are encouraged to attend two lessons per week to reinforce their learning, with similar performance and exam requirements. In Middle School (Levels 4-6), students must attend two classical lessons per week to fully engage in examinations and performances, including up to three performances in the annual production. Selected students may also perform in a feature ballet, depending on the year's production.​
Senior School Classical​
The transition to senior school for dance students involves preparing for Vocational Graded Examinations, which include six levels from Intermediate Foundation to the Solo Seal Award. These exams, based on the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) syllabus, focus on advanced classical ballet techniques, including pointe work for females, and are tailored for students aiming for professional or teaching careers in dance. Candidates must demonstrate physical suitability, technical aptitude, and the ability to handle intensive training, requiring at least three weekly classes at lower levels and increasing with progression. Patience, perseverance, and receptiveness to feedback are essential for long-term development.
Tap and Jazz
The SFD Tap and Jazz syllabus offers classical students an opportunity to explore alternative dance styles while maintaining high training standards and broadening their dance experience. Structured exams in these styles provide motivation, goal-setting, and confidence, with a focus on classical technique as a foundation for success. Young students start with basic motor skills and tap technique integrated into Foundation classes, progressing to separate Jazz and Tap classes from age six. Ballet students are prioritized for placements, as classical training enhances performance in all styles. Additional opportunities include exams, performances, and occasional competitions.
Acrobatics, Character, Contemporary and Pas de Deux
These extra - curricular classes are ONLY available to our classical students to provide extensions to their basic training. All classes are taken by teachers qualified in that particular style.
Acrobatics classes are designed to safely increase flexibility and confidence and require the student to have a degree of natural flexibility and fearlessness. It is essential that even beginners are prepared to do movements that require them to be upside down such as a cartwheel.
Character is an essential part of classical ballet – almost every full length ballet features some national dance and character is taught alongside classical in every major ballet school in the world. It develops rhythm and style, speed and dexterity and provides students with in depth knowledge of many world regions and their dances and costumes. Juniors can begin from classical level 4 to level 6 and seniors from Classical Grade 6P/Inter Found Progress
Contemporary is a strongly technical extension of classical and requires a really good classical technique in order to understand and develop this style. It is open to students from Classical Level 6 upwards.
Pas de Deux (beginner level) is for our senior boys and selected senior girls. Selection is based on number of available boys, and girls from Advanced Foundation upwards, with strong pointe technique.
Boy's Class
The Boys' Class at Ringwood Ballet Group offers a dynamic and supportive environment tailored to young male dancers. Designed to build strength, coordination, and confidence, the class fosters a love of dance by introducing further dance styles and exercises suited to our young male dancers. With expert instruction and a camaraderie-driven atmosphere, boys have the opportunity to develop their skills, explore their potential, and prepare for advanced training or performances. Whether beginners or experienced dancers, all boys are welcome to join this inspiring and empowering program.