Purnell Dance Academy Curriculum

The school offers classes for students aged approximately 3 years and up as well as the opportunity to perform in concerts and participate in exams, competitions and to attend dance camps & workshops.

The school offers the following styles of dance;

Classical Ballet - the school follows the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), which is a syllabus taught worldwide.
Ballet promotes correct posture and alignment, flexibility, strength and control.

                                                Jazz - includes styles of dance performed to top 40/popular music or Broadway musicals.
                                                It is the style of dance performed on video clips and in stage musicals.
                                                This style is great for beginner dancers with upbeat music and energetic moves.

Tap - the school follows the new Glenn Wood syllabus and the Federal Association of Teachers of Dancing (FATD)
depending on student's interests. Tap dancing promotes rhythm, co-ordination and fine motor skills.




                                                Modern - involves slow, controlled, expressive movements requiring strength, balance and flexibility.
                                                The school follows the Federal Association of Teachers of Dancing (FATD).


                                               Contemporary - a similar style modern, with a more abstract quality. The focus is on "dance as art."
                                               It is the style regularly performed by dance companies.

ADDITIONAL TRAINING;

Pilates/Fitness for Dancers - designed to supplement dance training by improving muscular strength, flexibility as well as aerobic fitness. It incorporates the latest methods from Europe and the UK and forms part of the students class work.

Pre Professional Training - specifically designed to start preparing students aged 10-11 years for a career as a classical ballet dancer and, if students wish, for Junior Australian Ballet School auditions for the Interstate Associate Program. This class is by audition only and is a supplement to other training.

Acrobatics - PDA also has an assocation with the Lynette Ward School of Acrobatics at Engadine.
Lynette is a fully qualified and registered acrobatics coach and judge and offers quality training for
recreational and competitive acrobatics in a fully equipped gymnasium. Lynette's teaches acrobatic skills
with a strong focus on correct technique which is vital for student's safety.
To enrol PH - 9541 1675 or 0414 431 675. Places are limited, so book early.

CONCERTS/PERFORMANCES
All students are given the opportunity to perform in these events. Costume and ticket costs are very reasonable.

Our annual concert is usually held in late November to mid December. The concert is approximately 2 hours long and all students perform in multiple items.

EXAMS
Students who display an appropriate standard of work are invited to participate in FATD tap and modern and/or RAD classical ballet exams. The school has a 100% success rate with many students receiving top results.

COMPETITIONS/EISTEDDFODS
Students who show an appropriate standard of dancing ability are invited to compete. It is up to the student and their family how often they do so.

                                                             DANCE CAMPS/WORKSHOPS
                                                             Students are regularly informed of upcoming dance camps and
                                                              workshops which are a great way of improving and learning new skills,
                                                              meeting new people, and of course - have a lot of fun!!

PDA students at the 2004 Annual FATD Dance Camp - Rathane, Royal National Park.