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DANCE IS FOR EVERYONE
The intrinsic values offered by dance have been well researched and documented and form an important positive contribution to a young life, imparting such life skills as personal responsibility, self knowledge, teamwork, self-discipline, confidence, creativity, the ability to problem solve and a flexible approach to learning and life. We would strongly encourage students to take part in a dance programme during their school years, as an important part of their physical and aesthetic education curriculum.
CLASSICAL BALLET
Ballet is a graceful and structured dance form which also provides the basic foundation for many other kinds of dance. It improves posture, develops poise and coordination and the refined quality and control of the body achieved through the discipline of ballet technique. Expressive quality of movement is achieved as well as body toning and muscle development and above all enjoyment.
CONTEMPORARY DANCE
World-famous choreographer Jason Winters has collaborated with CSTD on this new comprehensive Contemporary Technique syllabus. Its technique and structure is designed in the most classical and academic way and infused with choreographic electricity used in today's most commercial settings. With its building blocks in Graham Technique, Horton Technique, Ballet and Jazz, it combines a sense of movement, flow, energy, and breath that has been developed over years of exploration. Contemporary dance truly offers young dancers the opportunity to be physically and emotionally challenged as artists.
JAZZ DANCE
Jazz dance can be described as the grace of ballet and the life of modern with a sprinkle of Jazz music. It combines the fluid movements and classical technique of ballet with the technical aspects of a variety of popular and street music, using the body as an instrument to interpret the various styles. Forms of Jazz include the rhythmic and stylish Modern Jazz which contains elements of Hip Hop, and the clean lines of Jazz Ballet. In these dance forms, rhythm and expression are incorporated, while strength and flexibility are increased and students develop a confident performance style.
TAP DANCE
Tap is a great way to exercise, to develop rhythm, style and coordination and is an easily accessible dance form for all ages. CSTD Preliminary and Medal Tests are offered, beginning with Preliminary 1 which introduces basic barre and centre exercises, simple combinations and a tap dance. This gives students a real feeling of achievement and prepares them for the intricacies of more advanced steps and choreography.
THEATRICAL

This Syllabus is designed for students who are interested in DANCE as a whole, and it covers four different dance disciplines, namely Classical Ballet, Jazz Dance, Tap and Acrobatics. The lower grades are required to learn two of these disciplines and the upper grades three. The selection of the second and third remain with the student or teacher, but the first must be Jazz Dance. The reason for this is that it covers exercises for strengthening and stretching which prepare the student for all forms of dance. The Theatrical Syllabus offers the opportunity for students to experience a variety of dance, and they may then if they wish decide to follow any one of them in greater depth. In this case they have the option of pursuing the Classical Ballet, Modern Jazz or Tap Dance Syllabus which offer separate examinations at all levels, as well as Teacher’s Certification. Alternatively they may continue to enjoy the experience of all of them. An introduction to this Syllabus is contained in the Tiny Tots A & B medal tests from age 5 and above, where children perform one (TTA) or two (TTB) different dance styles.

NATIONAL DANCE

Children are introduced to National dance from Grade 2 level in the Classical Syllabus, but it is not required for examination until Grade 5. It is important for several reasons: it allows students to identify with their own culture or to learn about that of another; it emphasizes self-expression and enjoyment; it introduces partnering skills and group work; it enhances aspects of technique; it teaches rhythm and often intricate footwork.





THE EXAMINATION SYLLABI
CLASSICAL BALLET SYLLABUS

The Classical Ballet Syllabus is a comprehensive training system from Pre-Grades to teaching qualifications.

Printed music, CDs and videotapes are available to members.

The Pre-Grades Syllabus covers:
  • Pre-Ballet
    Pre-Ballet is the Foundation of Technique and prepares students for the work in the Grades. Children also learn to mime, which develops into self-expression. It is an introduction to the examination room in the form of a performance test and to build confidence in the child.
 
  • Primary Ballet
    Primary is the Development of Technique. Here children learn to listen and to recognize different rhythms in music, which will develop into musicality in their dancing. It gives them the ability to feel the movement and to dance with freedom and enjoyment.
This Syllabus caters for students from 4 years to 7 years of age. New music has been especially composed for this Syllabus.


The Grades Syllabus covers:

  • Grade 1 to Grade 6
  • Dorothy Gladstone Award (Public Performance)
    and caters for Girls & Boys from 6 years of age upwards. Demi-Character and National Character styles are also included.

    This Syllabus was fully revised recently and features 118 pieces of original music especially composed for the Syllabus.

The Major Classical Syllabus covers:

  • Sub Elementary
  • Elementary
  • Intermediate
  • Premiere Danseuse/Premiere Danseur
  • Martin Rubinstein Award (Public Performance)

This Syllabus caters for female and male candidates from 11 years of age upwards.


The Teaching Syllabus covers:

  • Teaching Certificate
    Candidates who have passed Elementary may sit for this examination.
  • Teaching Diploma
    Candidates who have passed the Teaching Certificate and Intermediate may sit for this examination.

MODERN JAZZ SYLLABUS

  • Pre Jazz & Junior Jazz
  • Grade 1-Grade 8
  • Public Examinations
  • Teaching Qualifications

This Syllabus caters for candidates from 4 years of age upwards.
CD's & DVD's are available to members.

JAZZ BALLET SYLLABUS

  • Primary to Grade 5
  • The Jazz Award

This Syllabus caters for candidates from 7 years of age upwards.
CD's & VCD's are available to members.


TAPPING SYLLABUS

  • Preliminary 1 & 2
  • Elementary Medals
  • Intermediate Medals
  • Advanced Medals
  • Public Examinations
  • Teaching Qualifications

This Syllabus caters for candidates from 5 years of age upwards.
CD's & DVD's are available to members.

THEATRICAL SYLLABUS
This Syllabus focuses on performance and is broad-based, covering several different dance styles. Students commence examinations in two subjects and then progress to three. It is available from the age of four years, as the Tiny Tots Medal Syllabus, up to adult and teaching qualifications. Dance styles covered are:
  • Classical Ballet & National Character
  • Jazz Ballet & Contemporary
  • Tap
  • Acrobatics
HIGHLAND DANCE SYLLABUS
  • Primary to Grade 4
  • Junior & Senior Medals
  • Public Examinations
  • Teaching qualifications
BALLROOM (DANCESPORT) SYLLABUS
  • Latin American
  • Modern
  • Australian New Vogue
  • English Old Time

Medal tests and professional Teachers' Diplomas in all styles.


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