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 is grounded in the internationally respected Vaganova method, delivered through our own carefully structured learning syllabus. Our curriculum honours the integrity of traditional classical ballet training while allowing us to thoughtfully sequence learning in a way that best supports our dancers’ technical, emotional and developmental needs.
We incorporate age-appropriate strength development, artistry and musicality, with clear, progressive training from our Junior levels through to Advanced. Yearly assessments are undertaken by our students from age 7 onwards.
For those who aspire to pursue full-time training or a professional career, our program provides strong preparation for auditions to institutions such as the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School (VCASS), the Australian Ballet School (ABS), and other leading full-time training providers.
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!”
