Curriculum
At Essentially Dance we believe there is not one specific curriculum to best represent all the styles of dance. Therefore we work in conjunction with a variety of organisations to get the best for our school and our students
Ballet Classes from ages 2-6
At Essentially Dance we teach the Leap 'N' Learn curriculum in all Toddler and Primary classes from ages 2 to 6.
Leap ‘N Learn is an effective, safe, progressive, and developmentally appropriate dance program for creative movement to beginning ballet. Designed by master teacher Beverly Spell and expert child psychologist Dr. Annie Spell, the curriculum combines the healthiest practices for teaching children ballet technique, while simultaneously encouraging pretend play amongst the youngest students to maintain a positive and nurturing environment.
Ballet Classes from ages 6 to adults
Classical Ballet at Essentially Dance follows the Ballet Conservatoire (BC) syllabus, a progressive training program based on the internationally respected Vaganova method. Combining traditional classical technique with a thoughtful approach to student development, our ballet program nurtures strong foundations, confident dancers and a love of movement.
From our Junior levels through to Advanced, students develop strength, coordination, musicality and artistry through carefully structured, age-appropriate training. We value each dancer’s individual progress, supporting their technical development while encouraging expression, discipline and pride in their achievements. Students have the opportunity to undertake yearly assessments from age seven onwards.
We are proud to have had Essentially Dance ballet students accepted into Victorian State Youth Ballet (VSYB) programs, providing exciting opportunities to extend their training and performance experience.
For dancers aspiring to further their training, our program builds the technical foundations and performance skills needed to work towards auditions for institutions such as the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School (VCASS), the Australian Ballet School (ABS) and other full-time training providers.
Whether students dance for enjoyment or dream of a future on the stage, we provide a supportive environment where they can grow, feel challenged and discover their potential.
Tap Classes from age 4-18
Glenn Wood Tap offers a unique and fun approach to the learning and assessment of tap technique. At Essentially Dance we use GWT to teach throughout the whole school from Primary Tap through to Advanced Tappers. We undertake yearly tap assessments which help to grow the foundations of tap technique into a showstopper élite tapper.
DanceStep Assistant Teacher Program
A formalised and progressive Dance Student Teacher Education Program which empowers students to serve as role models, grow as leaders and care for others in their dance studio community.
Our Student Teacher and Leadership program provides learning opportunities for dance, cheer and acro students from ten years of age. Designed to develop leadership and valuable ‘soft skills’ (also referred to as employability skills) such as communication, team work, problem solving and emotional judgement, DanceStep has been described as “the Girl Guides of Dance Studios!”
