CHARLES ACADEMY OF DANCEREGISTRATION AND INFORMATION PACK

2018Copyright @ Charles Academy of Dance

Charles Academy of Dance - Term Dates 2018/19

Term 1: September – December 2018 (12 week term)

START: W/C Monday 3rd September 2018 (6 weeks)

H/TERM: Sunday 14th October – Sunday 28th October (2 weeks)

END: Saturday 8th December 2018 (6 weeks)

PLEASE NOTE: There are no lessons running at all on Saturday 22nd September 2018 Saturday 24th November 2018 - No Senior Company ballet running due to Crediton Christmas lights

switch on parade

Term 2: January – March 2019 (11 week term)

START: W/C Monday 7th January 2019 (6 weeks)

H/TERM: Sunday 17th February – Sunday 3rd March (2 weeks)

END: Saturday 6th April 2019 (5 weeks)

Term 3: April – July 2019 (11 week term)

START: W/C Tuesday 23rd April 2019 (5 weeks)

H/TERM: Sunday 26th May – Sunday 9th June (2 weeks)

END: Saturday 20th July 2019 (6 weeks)

Charles Academy of Dance TimetableCommencing September 2018(A = Miss Amy, C = Miss Cassie, S = Miss Sarah)

WEDNESDAY – CREDITON TOWN HALL:

4:15 – 5:15pm – Mini Company Class (A)5:15 - 6:00pm – ISTD Grade 2 Modern (A)

6:00 - 6:30pm – ISTD Grade 1 Tap (also suitable for older beginners) (A)6:30 - 7:15pm – Adult Ballet (A)

WEDNESDAY – CREDITON ARTS CENTRE:

4:30 – 5:30pm – Freework Ballet (C)5:30 – 6:15pm – Pointe Work (C)

6:15 – 7:15pm – RAD Grades 6, 7 & 8 Ballet (Show Work) (C)7:15 – 8:15pm – RAD Intermediate Ballet (C)

8:15 – 9:00pm – Advanced Contemporary and Lyrical (A)

THURSDAY – CREDITON TOWN HALL:

4:00 - 4:30pm – ISTD Grade 1 Modern (A)4:30 - 5:00pm – Mini Musical Theatre (A)

5:00 - 5:30pm – Mini Acrobatic Arts – Class A (A)5:30 - 6:15pm – Junior Acrobatic Arts (A)

6:15 - 7:00pm – Junior Musical Theatre (A)7:00 - 7:45pm – Senior Acrobatic Arts (A)

7:45 - 8:30pm – ISTD Intermediate Modern (A)8:30 - 9:15pm – Senior Musical Theatre (A)

FRIDAY – CREDITON TOWN HALL:

4:00 – 4:30pm – Mini Acrobatic Arts – Class B (A)4:50 – 5:35pm – ISTD Grade 5 Tap (A)

5:35 – 6:20pm – Senior Company Class (A) 6:20 – 7:05pm - ISTD Grade 5 Modern (A)

7:05 - 7:50pm – ISTD Gold & Advanced Jazz (A)7:50 - 8:35pm – ISTD Silver Jazz (A)

(TBC – 8:35– 9:20pm – ISTD New Intermediate Tap (A) - Beginning September 2019)

FRIDAY – MOOSE HALL, CREDITON:

(3:55 - 4:40pm – ISTD Grade 2 Tap (S))

4:40 - 5:25pm – Beginner/Inter Contemporary & Lyrical (S)5:25 - 6:10pm – ISTD Grade 3 Tap (S)

6:10 - 6:55pm – ISTD Grade 4 Modern (S)6:55 - 7:40pm – ISTD Grade 3 Modern (S)

7:40 - 8:25pm – ISTD Bronze Jazz (S)

SATURDAY – CREDITON TOWN HALL:

9:00 - 9:30am – Pre-School Ballet (3yrs+) (A)9:30 - 10:15am – Junior Company Class (A)

10:15 - 10:55am – RAD Pre-Primary Ballet (C)10:55 - 11:40am – RAD Primary Ballet (C)11:40 - 12:25pm – RAD Grade 1 Ballet (C)12:25 - 1:10pm – RAD Grade 2 Ballet (C)

1:10 - 1:55pm – RAD Inter-Foundation Ballet (C)

1:55 - 2:40pm – RAD Grade 4 Ballet (C)2:40 - 3:25pm – RAD Grade 5 Ballet (C)

Charles Academy of Dance – Fees and Discounts 2018/19

CLASS FEES:30 minute class - £3.50 35 minute class - £4.00 40 minute class - £4.80

45 minute class - £5.0060 minute class - £5.5075 minute class - £6.3090 minute class - £6.50

MULTIPLE CLASS DISCOUNT:3 classes = 10% discount4 = 15%5 = 20%6 = 25%7 = 30%8 = 35%

9+ = 40%

SIBLING DISCOUNT:For the 2nd child that attends the school = 10% discount3rd child = 20%4th child = 30%

LARGE FAMILY BILL/ LOYALTY DISCOUNT:For bills that total £500 or more - you will receive a further 8% off the total billFor those that total £600 or more - 10% off£700 or more - 12% off 

PRE-VOCATIONAL INTENSIVE TRAINING – COMPANY PROGRAMME:Junior Company = £200 p/termSenior Company = £250 p/term

All additional subjects to the core programme are called 'plus ones/ +1's' and are charged at a flat rate of £30 per term extra.

Please note no further discounts apply on the Company Programme.

Meet the Team!

Amy Charles - School Principal. BA(Hons).ISTD FDI.CDE.AIDTA.AA(Mod1).

Amy began dancing at a young age, studying for her exams in ballet, tap, modern, jazz and freestyle with the RAD, ISTD and IDTA. She was also a keen member of Stage by Stage, Exeter Little Theatre Company and Exeter Musical Society and for many years enjoyed participating in numerous productions, pantomimes and All England Dance festivals often taking lead roles and expanding her experience by training in singing and drama. Amy was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to perform with different companies at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Her Majesty's Theatre, London and The London Palladium. After, achieving top grades in Performing Arts and Dance amongst her other A Levels, Amy studied for four years at Bournemouth University to gain a BA (Hons) degree in Public Relations. During this time she also became a pupil of the Julie Adams Stage School, Bournemouth, and was later employed as a dance assistant for the school's gymnastics classes. After graduating, Amy enjoyed working as a Marketing and Public Relations Officer for a number of

years, employed by Ogilvy PR, Devon and Cornwall Police and Teignbridge District Council, but eventually decided to return to her love of dance and trained to become a fully qualified dance teacher.

Under the guidance and expertise of ISTD examiners Deborah Bond and Gaynor Walter, Amy studied to gain the Foundation in Dance Instruction (FDI) and then later the Certificate in Dance Education (CDE). Both exams, are overseen by the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance (ISTD), and involve training in child development and lifespan, health and safety, observation and teaching skills, choreography, musicality and syllabus training. Amy went on to study with the South West Dance Teacher Training Centre and completed her training with the International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA) taking her Pre-Associate 1, Pre-Associate 2 and Associate Qualifications in Classical Ballet, plus her Anatomy and Physiology Diploma gaining a high distinction in all exams. She also trained with Acrobatic Arts to become a qualified acro instructor and attended a teacher training intensive with dance consultant Rebecca Davies to enable RADAR Technique to

be introduced to Charles Academy. Amy regularly attends teaching courses to ensure her continued professional development, and has undertaken full first aid and safeguarding training and like all Charles Academy staff holds a DBS check. On qualifying, Amy was offered the role of Head of Modern & Tap at the Euridge School of Dance, Exeter, where she worked before moving on in 2009 to establish Charles Academy of Dance. Additional, to teaching the syllabus work, over the years, Amy has taught dance and choreographed for many local primary and secondary schools, the Eden Project Relays Festival and the Crediton Learning Community.

Amy’s fun, friendly and kind teaching approach is accompanied with a wealth of experience, a focus on integrity and high standards, which is demonstrated through her exceptional student examination results and the success her choreography has achieved at the local, regional and national levels of the All England Dance Competition. She is passionate about sharing her love and dance, choreography and teaching, and has very

successfully helped to coach many students over the years to achieve places in the top vocational colleges, universities and training schemes. As Charles Academy enters its tenth year, Amy is very excited to see what the future holds and as always is continually proud of all of her students!

Cassie Hill - Head of Ballet. ARAD. RAD RTS.

Cassie trained at Sidmouth Ballet School, achieving top grades in her exams of ballet, modern, tap and jazz, and in 1996 was selected as a Senior Associate of the Royal Ballet School. In 1998 she was chosen as a Scholarship Winner for the English National Ballet School Easter Course. She later went on to attend a 2 year Intensive Classical Ballet course at the English National Ballet School, qualifying with a National Certificate in Professional Dance, Elementary Solo Reading Examination in Classical Ballet, and an honours grade in

Benesh Movement Notation. During this time she studied pas de deux, repertoire, contemporary dance, jazz, music appreciation plus much more.

In 2003, Cassie began her training to achieve Royal Academy of Dance Registered Teacher Status, by completing the Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies (CBTS). She completed a teacher placement at Sidmouth Ballet School, where she was then employed as a dance teacher coaching children through to adults the RAD syllabus, choreographing for the school productions and preparing students for exams with a 100% pass rate.

As well as training to become a teacher, Cassie has a great deal of performance experience. In 2001, she joined La Scala Ballet, Milan as a dancer in the Corps de Ballet for their productions of Giselle, Sleeping

Beauty and Excelsior. And in 2002, she danced with the English National Ballet in their production of Swan Lake at the Royal Albert Hall. Later that year she joined Ballet Ireland for their tour of Les Sylphides, Irish Rhapsody and Highlights from Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker.

Cassie joined Charles Academy on opening 10 years ago and is a very valued, skilled and highly experienced member of the teaching faculty. She has very successfully choreographed many ballet routines for our annual show, the Eden Project Relays Festival and local competitive dance festivals, as well as entering students for RAD exams and the Royal Ballet Junior Associate Scheme.

Sarah Emily Carter. BA (Hons).

Sarah gained her degree in Dance and Related Arts in 2005 from Chichester University where she specialised in choreography and teaching technique to primary ages. Supporting her time at University, Sarah worked in New York for four months with a company that taught children from the ages of 8 - 16 years a variety of classes under the 'musical theatre umbrella', including song and dance, contemporary dance, free-style jazz, beginners tap and audition technique.

Prior to her degree, Sarah gained qualifications in Acting with the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts and since then has taught at the Stage by Stage Academy in Exeter and Riviera Theatre Productions in Ashburton. Over the years, Sarah has joined the team at Charles Academy of Dance, teaching song and dance/musical theatre, contemporary dance and adult dance classes as well as providing tutoring as maternity cover. She has also very successfully choreographed solo and group routines for students competing in local dance festivals.

Sarah has a wealth of performance experience, appearing in many productions locally, in London and The Edinburgh Fringe Festival both as lead roles, supporting cameos and as chorus. Additional to performing, Sarah has also been asked to choreograph and direct many local productions, working alongside Exeter Little Theatre Company, Footlight and Crediton Operatic Dramatic Society. Sarah has since gone on to train and qualify professionally as a homeopath.

Sarah Dickinson – Contemporary, Modern, Tap and Jazz Tutor.ISTD.DDI.DDE.

We were delighted to welcome Sarah to the teaching team in September 2016. Before going on to train professionally at Performers College, Essex, Sarah trained at Charles Academy, completing her ISTD Modern and Tap Advanced 1 qualifications with top level distinctions. She then went on to perform professionally in

dance and musical theatre, before moving back to Devon, and completing her ISTD DDI and DDE teaching qualifications in both Modern and Tap, as well as her DDI Ballet.

Sarah teaches the ISTD syllabus at Charles Academy in some of our modern, tap and jazz grades plus our beginners and intermediate contemporary and lyrical class. She has gained a 100% pass rate with all her examination results and professional attention to detail, beautiful choreography and kind teaching style makes her a very well liked and respected tutor within our school.

Matt Charles - Business Administrator. BA (Hons). MSc.

In addition to the teachers, you will also see Matt around the Charles Academy of Dance. Matt is involved in the daily running of the school in his role as Business Administrator. He will be available to answer any questions you may have and can deal with any invoicing queries. As with all Charles Academy staff, he is fully CRB checked and first aid trained and is also fully licensed as a chaperone through Devon County Council.

Class Descriptions:Throughout the weekly timetable, we offer a wide range of classes, designed to suit all interests and to encourage a well-rounded dancer. Below is a brief explanation of what you can expect from each lesson. We also aim to offer many other forms of dance through workshops and summer-schools. If there is something you are particularly keen to see included, please do mention it to us.

Ballet:

Often described as 'the key dance discipline', ballet teaches grace, poise, musicality, correct posture, coordination, balance, strength and flexibility. It is one of the oldest dance forms, but is still hugely popular, and beneficial in providing a secure base for all other dance forms. We follow the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus.

Modern:

A fun and popular class, that combines the funky, trendy use of isolations found in street dance and jazz, with the solid, technical training of ballet. Modern incorporates many different styles of music, teaches students about rhythms and incorporates stretching, floor-work, strengthening, jumping, turning and leaping. It can include many different aspects of dance-styles from upbeat jazz combinations, to slower lyrical routines and even Latino or Celtic exercises. Modern is a style of dance often seen demonstrated by performers in West End musicals. We follow the ISTD syllabus.

Tap:

Tap focuses on making fun and interesting percussive rhythms, and incorporates many different styles of music. From the funky 'Stomp' style of tap, through to the West End 'top hat and tails' variety, there really is something to suit everyone. We follow the ISTD syllabus.

Jazz:

Our jazz class offers a combination of styles - we follow the ISTD Bronze, Silver & Gold Jazz Exam Awards, but also include various other style of jazz including street dance, hip hop, commercial and lyrical. Incorporating many different aspects, jazz will normally include a thorough warm up, strength and flexibility work, travelling sequences and street dances taught to popular tunes. Fun and high energy!

Acrobatic Arts:

Created by a successful studio owner with decades of experience, Acrobatic Arts is based on safe and effective progressions with proven results in five divisions of AcroDance: Flexibility, Strength, Balancing, Limbering and Tumbling. Developed with input from professionals in ballet, modern dance, jazz, contortion, artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, sports acrobatics, yoga, pilates, physiotherapy, hand balancing and more, you will not find a more comprehensive programme. Simple thoughtful progressions take the beginner preschool level dancer from log rolls and summersaults to the advanced dancer tumbling effortlessly across the stage!

Musical Theatre / Song & Dance:

From West-End musicals to songs by your favourite pop-artist, the 'song and dance' classes will encourage a rounded performer. An essential class for those who may be considering auditioning for professional stage school in the future, as competition for places is tough and applicants are now required to be able to sing, dance and act, becoming a ‘triple threat’ performer. This class is also suitable for those who simply love to sing and dance for fun and want to pursue their hobby in a supportive and friendly environment!

Contemporary and Lyrical Dance:

A class suitable for those above the age of 12 - particularly useful for those studying GCSE or A Level Dance. Contemporary dance is a genre that often employs a compositional philosophy, rather than choreography to guide the movement. It uses dance techniques and methods often found in ballet and modern dance, allows students to explore choreography and dance composition, and often involves floor and contact work. Lyrical dance is fluid and graceful and often tells a story or is based around an emotional theme.

Pre-School Dance Classes:

Our Pre-School classes (3yrs +) introduce dance to our younger age range. Come along, and learn how to move and dance, whilst mums and dads can enjoy a relaxing cup of coffee! A lovely, fun and friendly introduction to the world of dance, that will help your toddlers start to develop the skills of balance, control and coordination, whilst most importantly having fun with other children!

Company Classes:

These classes are for the more serious dancer, looking to pursue a career in the field. Entry is by invitation only or for those enrolled on the Student Intensive Programmes. The class will cover a variety of different styles, work on festival choreography and groups, partner lifts, audition technique, additional strength and stretch, student choreography and improvisation to name just a few elements. If you feel you wish to be considered for these schemes, please speak to your teacher.

RADAR Technique/Body Conditioning/Kicks, Leaps, Turns and Tricks/Senior Company Ballet:

‘Must-do' classes for those serious about dancing and included in our vocational scheme. These type of classes work on toning, strengthening, flexibility, stretching and cardio-vascular training, all crucial in developing a strong dancer. They teach the more elite skills necessary to be able to cope with the high demands for those looking to move into professional training and refine skills in kicks, leaps, turns and tricks. Senior company ballet is a non-syllabus, free-work class designed for the more advanced ballet student (at grade 5 level and beyond). The class will give you the opportunity to explore moves not covered within the syllabus, experiment with allegro, pointe work, leaps and jumps, turns, pas de deux etc and generally develop as a more experienced ballet dancer. Highly recommended for those who are more serious about dance.

Pointe Work:

When students reach a certain level in ballet, they may wish to go 'en pointe'. Whilst the effect is impressive, this specialised part of ballet requires significant strength and training. This class will ensure that all pupils are fully prepared and safely coached when embarking on point work.

Adult Classes:

Our adult classes are designed to offer a fun, social lesson, whilst providing a solid level of dance training. Come along, and learn the basics of ballet and modern jazz technique. We alternate between genres every half term to keep the content varied. We welcome all ages and abilities! The emphasis is on enjoyment, whilst improving fitness, stamina, coordination, musicality and general dance technique.

Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat do I wear for my first class? For the first couple of weeks, it is fine to wear something you are comfortable in and suitable for exercise (for example - leggings and a t-shirt or a track-suit). You can wear,

bare feet for ballet or modern initially and some hard-soled shoes for tap. All of the class uniforms and correct footwear can be found in our ‘Uniform Brochure’ and should be worn within half a term of enrolment.

Do parents stay and watch classes? No, for all lessons parents leave their children and are then invited to come and watch their child's class at the end of each term in our 'Parent Watching Weeks' or our school showcase.

Are teachers qualified and CRB checked? All teachers have full CRB checks, undertake first aid and safeguarding training, are insured and have qualified with professional dance teaching societies. The process of becoming a qualified dance teacher requires teachers to study 'health & safety' and 'child development' and to undertake vigorous training and exams to ensure they are knowledgeable and fully capable of safe

and high quality teaching. We continue to update our knowledge and training to ensure we offer the very latest in dance teaching methods. All of our policies can be found in the CAD policy handbook, which will be emailed to all students upon registration at the school.

How does payment work? Payments are made on a termly basis (if you wish to pay in smaller installments, please feel free to discuss this with us). Notice of leaving a class must be made at least one half term in advance in writing. We follow the three school terms for payment.

How do the exams work? Exams are taken in accordance with the ISTD & RAD, and each pupil will undertake extra coaching lessons in preparation. Exams are not compulsory, but are strongly recommended as the process is invaluable in building confidence and ability. Students should expect to take an exam

between every 1-2 years depending on practice and attendance. When the student takes an exam, the results can take up to 6 weeks to arrive, and then all candidates are given a certificate and report form in class.

Do the students take part in shows? We put on an Academy Show every other year where all pupils are invited to take part. Each class will have a dance within the show and they are great fun for everyone involved. Dates will be given for the show for you to keep in your diary, and then nearer the time you will receive a 'show pack' which will include all of the information you require. We use the alternate year to allow us to focus on syllabus and exam work fully.

Do students take part in dance festivals? Local dance festivals offer a friendly competitive environment, where children are able to compete in all forms of dancing, and gain valuable performance experience and confidence in front of an audience. The main local festivals include Exeter, (Corn Exchange- February Half Term), Paignton (The Palace Theatre - Easter Holidays), Plymouth (Summer Holidays) and North Devon (Bideford - October Half Term). Taking part in festivals is considered an extra activity as dances are choreographed on a private tuition basis to meet the student's individual requirements. Festival choreography is subject to teacher availability and priority will be given to those enrolled on the Student Intensive Programme. However, when there is further availability, slots may be made available to others on a 'first come, first serve basis'.

What do I do if I have a problem or need to speak to someone? We always have time to deal with any problems or issues and would welcome your thoughts on any matters. If the teachers are busy during a class,

please feel free to call us on 07920180707 or drop us an email. We very much value all of our pupils, and encourage you to speak to us if you have any worries or concerns. All issues will be dealt with in complete confidence.

What else is on offer for pupils of Charles Academy of Dance? We aim to regularly offer extra activities in addition to normal classes. For example, we often run workshops in different styles of dance and performing arts with various professionals in the field. We also hope to offer theatre trips, summer schools and to keep pupils updated with any auditions or dance news that we hear of. Please check the website news page, or our studio and Facebook notice-boards to keep up to date with all the latest information.

How do I choose the correct class for my child? When you enroll, you will be asked to list the classes you are interested in, plus any previous training. The teachers will then advise you as to which class is most appropriate based on age and ability. We welcome all ages, abilities and backgrounds and look forward to meeting you and introducing you to the joy of dance!