Academy of International Dance Arts

...for the best in ballet and a world of dance beyond

Ballet Program Entry

The Academy of International Dance Arts is ideally suited for attentive, motivated students keen to achieve their personal best. Ballet is a demanding art, and a child's love of dance must show through her attitude, attendance and commitment to hard work. It is precisely because dance is such a challenging discipline, that the Academy strives to create a positive, encouraging atmosphere free of undue stress and unhealthy rivalry.

All prospective students are required to attend one of the following at no obligation:

* a complimentary class suitable to the candidate's age and level of experience or

* a complimentary, private assessment

Thereafter, the Academy Director will discuss training options with the parent.   If the AIDA program looks like a suitable "fit", the parent can first enroll their child for one month before committing to the remaining term of study.

* For Summer Classes see the Updates Link

The Academy of International Dance Arts offers a high calibre, comprehensive training programme which blends the best of traditional and innovative training approaches/techniques to achieve exceptional standards and maximize the most from each class. The program is divided into five
Divisions which students progress through - each division usually requiring 2 - 3 years study.  Class lengths vary from 45 minutes to 2 hours  30 minutes in length. Ages shown are a guideline only.

Ballet Foundation:  ages 5 & 6 
Children's Ballet:  ages: 6 + 7  
Junior Technique:  ages 9-11  
Elementary Technique: ages 12 -14
Senior Technique: ages 15+   

The Curriculm covered over the full course of Divisions includes:

• Free/Open Technique designed to maximize and accelerate progress
• Examination Syllabi (Optional - Cecchetti International/Royal Academy of Dancing)
• Theory Examinations (Optional) designed by the Director to instill greater understanding of correct terminology, proper placement etc. 
• Ballet Choreography for Academy Theatre Performances and Special Outside Performance and Events
• Pointe Work
• Classical Ballet Repertoire
• Character/ International Dance Study and Choreography intergrated into regular classes, and offered in optional guest workshops. 

For Teens, Skaters, Gymnasts and Ballroom Students with no/limited ballet experience, the Academy offers a 'General Technique' class designed to accelerate progress technically and artistically; and offers a short summer intro to ballet (see updates link) In addition, students have the option of doing:

• Workshops with Guest Teachers
• Private Coaching at reasonable rates 

At all levels the Academy strives to develop the following qualities relative to the age and level of the student:

• Strong, precise technique, strength and stamina
• Aesthetic awareness, beauthy of line, lyricism,
• Breadth of movement, artistry and professionalism
• Musicality, creativity and expressing the joy of dance
• Refined co-ordination, versatility of styling and flexibility
• Keen observation skills
• Avoidance of poor habits and application of corrections

"Whatever you can do
or dream you can, begin it."
- Goethe