We are aware that many young children – and older ones for that matter – like to dance, so there is an opportunity to sign up with the JM Academy of Dance @ Highfield and have lessons through it.
The main aim at the JM Academy of Dance is that children should have fun and gain confidence through the teaching of dance. Learning to dance as a child helps to develop qualities such as correct posture, body confidence, musical appreciation and good co-ordination which are lifelong benefits.
The JM Academy of Dance was established at Highfield in 2004. It began with just 20 children taking dance classes in Ballet and Tap and now over 150 children are involved in classes in Ballet, Tap, Modern, Jazz and Street Dance. There is also a boys’ only dance class (Funky Feet). The classes take place in the school hall and are run throughout the school day during break times, lunch times and after school.
Children who take Ballet, Tap and Modern follow the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance (ISTD) syllabus, and are given the opportunity to take exams at the end of either the autumn or summer terms, if they wish to do so. We have a 100% pass rate for ISTD exams with many students achieving an A grade.
Parents are invited to come and watch the dance classes at the end of every term, and children are also given the opportunity to perform in assemblies and school events throughout the year.
All the dance classes are run by Jessie Meredith who trained at the London College of Dance. Whilst at college Jessie won 2 awards for her teaching skills. She also gained a degree in dance as well as all her ISTD dance teaching qualifications.
The classes on offer are as follows:
- Ballet – Children can begin ballet in Reception and are given the opportunity to take their first ISTD exam in Prep 1.
- Tap – Children can begin tap in Reception and are given the opportunity to take their first ISTD exam in Prep 1.
- Modern – Children can begin Modern in Prep 1 and are given the opportunity to take their first exam in Prep2.
- Funky Jazz – This is a fun class for Prep 3 and 4. Children learn funky jazz steps and routines, as well as working on their fitness and flexibility.
- Street Dance – This is a fun class for Prep 5 and 6 in which pupils learn basic street dance moves and routines, as well as working on their fitness and flexibility.
- Funky Feet – This is a boys’ only class. The boys work on fitness, strength and co-ordination and explore dance by using different themes such as James Bond, Harry Potter and even wrestling!!