Students are trained in classical ballet through the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) syllabus, which progresses through the Graded levels: Primary, Grades 1-8, and through Vocational Graded levels: Intermediate Foundation, Intermediate, Advanced Foundation, Advanced 1 and Advanced 2. The graded levels concentrate on the pleasure of movement and musicality, with the development of technique, artistry and self-discipline evolving throughout the levels. Emphasis is placed on proper posture and alignment, correct and safe technique, and a genuine sense of performance. The children's syllabus includes classical ballet, character and free movement. At the Primary, Grades 1 and 2 levels, ballet is offered once per week; however commencing at the Grade 1 level, CSD students must take two dance classes a week which provides them with opportunities to include jazz, tap or contemporary in their dance education. Starting at the Grade 3 level, students must enroll in two ballet classes per week.

The levels in the Vocational Grades are for more serious students who have successfully attained the fundamentals of the graded syllabus, and include pointe work. Students must take two classes per week.

Pointe classes are by invitation only as proper technique and strength is required. Students at the Advanced level must take a minimum of 4 ballet classes per week.

Students in the vocational levels are invited to attend the Open Senior Ballet class (non-syllabus). Ballet is recommended to all students, either to be studied on its own or to enhance a jazz, tap or contemporary program.

Maximum Class Size: 16 students

Students are introduced to the basic elements of modern dance techniques, combining exercises to relax, lengthen, align and strengthen the body to prepare for movement combinations through space. The curriculum is designed to build skills and understanding through the full range of technical elements while nurturing a vigorous, joyful and expressive approach to dancing. Students will also explore different choreographic principles fed by structured improvisations and creative projects.

Maximum Class Size: 16 students

Students have the opportunity to learn a combination of several jazz styles to give a broad experience in this dance form through the Imperial Society of Dancing (ISTD) Modern Theatre Dance (Jazz) syllabus, which progresses through the Graded levels: Grades 1-6, and Vocational Graded levels: Intermediate Foundation, Intermediate, Advanced 1 and Advanced 2. Through this carefully planned and well-tried syllabus, young people are trained to become disciplined and versatile dancers who have a professional attitude towards dance.

The children's jazz work is age appropriate material based on natural movements: walking, running, jumping and skipping, as well as isolations and rhythm. It is designed to encourage an imaginative and rapid response to music and to promote an appreciation and enjoyment of jazz. Classes will include traditional and up-to-date jazz movements, which improve coordination, balance, strength, flexibility, and rhythmic awareness. The Primary level jazz curriculum is included in our Pre-primary program.

Commencing at the Grade 2 jazz level, CSD students must take two dance classes per week and are invited to join ballet, tap or contemporary class as well. The vocational levels are for more serious students who have achieved the fundamentals of the graded syllabus and usually require a ballet background because of the high standard of technique. They are designed to increase the skill and understanding of Jazz and require a highly developed sense of performance. Advanced 1 and 2 level students must take the Open Senior Jazz class. Students enrolled at the Intermediate Foundations level and above are invited to attend the Senior Open Jazz class (non-syllabus).

Hip Hop has evolved from a style of street jazz and has become very popular due to music videos. All Hip Hop students must be enrolled in a jazz class.

Maximum Class Size: 16 students.

Students will learn traditional tap skills, including steps, combinations and rhythms, as well as the history and theory behind them. Students are trained in the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) Tap syllabus, which encourages good rhythm, expressive style, and correct technique. The syllabus progresses through Primary, Grades 1-6, and Vocational Graded levels: Intermediate, Advanced 1 and Advanced 2. Tap improves coordination, balance, agility and heightens awareness of rhythm and musicality across all dance forms. Commencing at the Grade 1 tap level, CSD students must take two dance classes per week and select from ballet, jazz or contemporary styles to augment their dance education.

Maximum Class Size: 12 students

Conditioning classes are offered to complement students' dance programs by increasing body awareness, developing core strength and improving flexibility. Students will learn exercises to strengthen and stretch each muscle group through a variety of programs influenced by pilates, yoga, stretch band and ball techniques, plus much more! An emphasis will be placed on awareness of correct alignment and proper breathing techniques.

Maximum Class Size: 8 students

Following the body conditioning method of Joseph H. Pilates, this class will focus on strengthening and lengthening exercises and will improve muscle tone and core strength. Pilates mat exercises will be used, followed by a series of exercises to release and stretch the major muscle groups. This class will balance the body, create a healthy mind and impact your dancing! Pilates helps dancers to stay highly toned, injury free and ready for peak performance.

Maximum Class Size: 8 students

It’s never too late to start studying dance! Teenagers who are new to dance will love our beginner teen classes! Choose from jazz, tap, hip hop or ballet. Minimum 1 class per week, yearly program.

Maximum Class Size: 12 students

We have many dance classes available for adults at both the beginner and Intermediate/Advanced levels. Choose from ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop and pilates. Adult classes are offered as fall, winter or spring sessions. Please see our current Adult flyer for class descriptions, fees, length of sessions and offerings for adult programs.

Maximum Class Size: 12 students