BALLET

WPA follows the newly choreographed New Zealand Association of Modern Dance (NZAMD) ballet syllabus. The expressive content and careful progression of this syllabus has been preferred by our dancers. In our classes we teach the beautiful, classical elements of ballet, and also the modern neo classical styles, encouraging versatility in our dancers. Classes consist of interactive warm-ups for the younger children; barre work; and centre practice, where students engage in fun and challenging dance sequences, and use props creatively. Students follow graded syllabi which foster the development of sound technique, musicality and performance skills.

We encourage our students to take pride in their accomplishments and their continued developing abilities. For this reason, exams are encouraged to give students a goal to work towards. However, they are not compulsory. Our priority is ensuring children enjoy their classes.

Gravity Ballet 1 & Rosettes

We nurture our junior ballet students through our Gravity classes with experienced teachers who promote the love of dance in a safe environment, and encourage the development of good foundational technique. Ballet is a dance form that is full of storytelling and intrigue. Our children engage in exercises that are fun and encourage imagination while they develop coordination and muscle memory for the fast progression required in later years. Mime, improvisation, and dances that tell a story bring a lot of fun to our classes. Children will be offered the opportunity to participate in presentation classes which introduce them to the exam scenario in a friendly, easy-going way.

Graded Classes

In the "dance world" ballet is recognised as being the dance form that improves and strengthens all others. The artistry and technique learned in ballet flow into all other theatre dance genres. During the middle and senior years, the graded levels ensure students achieve a consistent progression of technical development. Students develop precision and strength through mastering increasingly complex balances, turns and leaps. As students' progress, they attend at least two ballet classes each week. We encourage our students to complete each level with an examination, although these are not compulsory. Many ballet students aspire to dance en pointe when they have developed sufficient strength and technique, though they may continue our ballet classes and sit exams without dancing en pointe.