The Ballet Canberra Curriculum
Our unique curriculum is shaped around the Royal Ballet School's System of Training, under the Affiliate Training and Assessment Programme and the syllabi of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) and the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD).
Junior Dancers
In Levels 1, 2 and 3, our dancers are trained under the Royal Ballet School's System of Training.
Dancers who are 7-8 years of age are eligible to join our assessments pathway: these dancers will have the opportunity to undertake assessments under the Royal Ballet School's Affiliate Training Programme.
Intermediate Dancers
Dancers in Levels 4, 5, and Intermediate Foundation will study the vocabulary from both the RAD and ISTD Imperial Classical Ballet syllabi. These are rigorous systems that comprehensively strengthen a dancer's technique and prepares them for study at Vocational level. Dancers with a full understanding of the technical requirements of this work are offered Examinations with the RAD and/or the ISTD in August each year.
Senior Dancers
Senior dancers study the ISTD Imperial Classical Ballet Vocational syllabi and RAD Vocational and Higher Grades work. This combination offers our dancers a fully rounded curriculum, with the systematic rigour of the ISTD vocabulary underpinning technical skill, and the RAD syllabus providing avenues for study of National Character dance styles and a selection of further qualifications in dance. Senior dancers with a full knowledge of the technical requirements at Vocational level are offered exams with the RAD and the ISTD in July/August each year.
Jazz, Contemporary, Modern and Tap
Our Open Jazz and Contemporary classes are fun, high energy sessions that explore traditional Contemporary, Jazz dance, Broadway Jazz and Commercial Dance styles. ​​​​​Our Modern and Tap Dance offer includes ISTD Jazz Medals and ISTD Graded and Vocational examinations in Modern Theatre Dance and examinations under the Glenn Wood Tap system. ​
Strength and Conditioning
Our dancers take weekly Strength and Conditioning classes where they learn exercises that enhance core strength and flexibility. These classes are based on the Royal Ballet School's Strength and Conditioning training programme, and also explore Plyometrics (jump training), Yoga practice and Pilates exercises.
