Junior Division Curriculum
The School’s curriculum is based on the syllabus of the
Royal Academy of Dance – a worldwide educational organization.
This organization offers an internationally-recognized portfolio of classical dance examinations according to the highest standards and is responsible for the ongoing professional development of the teachers who are members of this organization.
Pre-Ballet
Children aged 4 are admitted. Consists of a 45-minute weekly class. The goal of the class is to teach the children dance class learning and work habits. The work focuses on basic flexibility and strengthening exercises, movement in personal space and general space and work on creativity.
Pre-primary
Children aged 5 are admitted (compulsory kindergarten). Consists of two weekly classes of 45 minutes each.
Primary
Students aged 6 are admitted. The material is suitable for children aged 6 to 8. Consists of two weekly classes of 45 minutes each.
Goals of the Pre-primary and Primary Grades to develop physical skills, stamina, creativity, expressiveness in movement and musicality in using a range of sounds and music styles. The learning at these levels provides a strong basis that prepares the students for more advanced dance studies.
Grade I
Students from the age of 7 or students continuing to study after completing the primary level are admitted. Consists of two weekly classes of 60 minutes each
Developing proper posture, correct weight placement and coordination. Use of space. Development of foot movements using all joints. Jumps with full alignment of legs and controlled landing with vertical back.
Continued work and development of all the principles acquired in previous years, such as musicality and expression in movement, while developing the ability to communicate with the audience.
The material is divided into three units:
- Classical – focuses on the primary fundamentals of classical dance.
- Free movement – this unit emphasizes movement while releasing and using the weight of various body organs and gravity, flow of movement and controlled stopping. Improving jumping skills.
- Character Dance – Learning dance styles based on folk dance traditions. Development of upper body postures, clear use of head movements, timing and rhythmic accuracy.
Students learn to execute backward gliding moves and spins and to execute each of the studied techniques that summarizes and expresses what was studied.
A continuation level for students who have completed Grade I. Consists of three weekly classes of 60 minutes each.
To reinforce the material learned in Grade I in significantly expanding the terminology of ballet movements in the three studied techniques. Sharp change in direction while moving.
Grade II
Grade III
A continuation grade for students who have completed Grade II. Consists of three weekly classes of 60 minutes each and one 60-minute music class.
Continue to expand the terminology of movements in the three studied techniques while gaining a deeper understanding of the principles of posture and movement and their integration. Begin to learn the basics of music and listening in the context of the music used in dance classes.
Develop pantomime expression abilities.
A continuation grade for students who have completed Grade III. Consists of five classes: Three 60-minute classical dance weekly classes,
a 60-minute modern dance class, and a 45-minute music class.
Continue to expand the terminology of movements in classical dance, free movement and character dances. The students study a technique of spins as a complex coordinated movement. Develop pantomime expression abilities.
Students aged 10-12 take a 60-minute weekly class.
Modern dance studies in the first year are preparatory and introductory to this technique.
Grade IV
Grade V
Continued studies for students who completed Grade IV in which they will continue to take five weekly classes: Three 60-minute classical dance weekly classes, a 60-minute modern dance class, and a 45-minute music class.
Continue to expand the terminology of movements in classical dance, free movement and character dances. The students study a technique of turns as a complex coordinated movement. Develop pantomime expression abilities.
Continue to develop contents studies in the previous year.
A jazz class may be added at this level. This class is optional.
Each year students take RAD dance exams with an examiner from the Royal Academy of Dance.
Studio performances are held for elementary schools and a festive annual performance is held with the participation of all the students studying at Bar Dor.