Gravity | Warkworth Performing Arts

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.

Class	Age
Gravity Ballet 1	5+
Rosette 2 Ballet Award	6-7

Class	Age
Grade 1 Ballet	8+
Grade 2 Ballet	9+
Grade 4 Ballet	10-12+
Grade 6 Ballet	12-14+
Ballet Majors - prerequisites	14+

JAZZ

WPA follows the New Zealand Association of Modern Dance (NZAMD) jazz syllabus, which was the first New Zealand based dance examination organisation, and is now one of the largest in the country.

Students all learn the syllabus together. They are encouraged to sit jazz exams, presentation classes or a medal award. Senior students are offered open jazz and lyrical classes.

Gravity & Rosette Jazz

Our experienced teachers nurture our junior jazz students through our Gravity & Rosette classes, promoting the love of dance while developing good, foundational technique. Our classes are fun and creative, and include exercises, dance sequences, improvisation, and mime. We provide a safe environment where children can celebrate their milestones as they are ready. Presentation classes are offered to prepare students for exams in a fun way.

Graded Classes

Elegant turns, leaps and fast moves are highlights of this dance form. It is a core genre for theatre dance training. Students dance to classic modern music, and the movement sequences encourage the dancer to develop rhythm, co-ordination, and an enjoyment of dance in a stimulating and energetic environment. Jazz includes a range of modern theatre dance styles, including stylized jazz, lyrical, musical theatre, funk, and more. These classes follow a set syllabus and are designed to be completed with an exam. The progression helps the dancer to develop their technique and flexibility, and move to higher levels of expertise with each year of dancing.

Class	Age
Rosette 2 Jazz Award	6-7

Class	Age
Grade 1 Jazz	8+
Grade 2 Jazz	9+
Jazz SLS G3+	10-12+
Jazz SLS G6	12-14+

STRETCH LEAP & SPIN

SLS is designed to upskill dancers in all theatre dance genres. The syllabus includes stretches at the barre and on the floor, progressions from corners with turns and leaps, fun combinations, and a group dance. These classes are suitable for those dancing for fun, as well as the serious dancer.

Class	Level
Stretch Leap & Spin - Junior Banner Award	Grade 3+
Stretch Leap & Spin - Intermediate Banner Award	Grade 6
Stretch Leap & Spin - Senior Banner Award	Majors

CONTEMPORARY

WPA follows the NZAMD contemporary syllabus, choreographed by Ann Dewey. The syllabus teaches students to understand the concepts of contemporary movement such as weight, flow, momentum, and the use of gravity, while enjoying a sense of dance that focuses on freedom of movement and spatial awareness.

Students taking other Gravity Dance classes are encouraged to add contemporary dance to their repertoire, when they are old enough, as the concepts of movement benefit their other dancing.

Students are encouraged to sit contemporary exams. Senior non-exam students please see "Commercial Dance".