Dance
4 Kids
Designed especially for 3 - 5 year olds by Janine McGrath, Preschooler DanceFun is a unique experience for active, creative children. PointCookDance preschool students discover concepts through a theme-based lesson that incorporates dance improvisation, learned movements and structured activity. Each lesson links language to body & spatial awareness, coordination, musicality, creativity, free expression and exercise. Children learn to move with spontaneity and confidence, and are encouraged to contribute their own ideas to the content of each lesson. They develop movement skills naturally, and at their own pace.
Celebrated for its grace and beauty, Classical Ballet is the traditional form of dance that evolved from the court dances of King Louis XIV in the 1600’s. Over time it’s been refined to the skilled and artistic vision we see today. A sound classical ballet technique provides an easy transition into other forms of dance. Ballet trains the body carefully, developing alignment, balance, strength, muscular endurance, control, coordination and flexibility. Skills are built up in a logical and systematic way; ensuring students learn each progression before moving on to the next one. We recommend students learn Classical Ballet before or alongside other dance genres. The lower levels of classical ballet at PointCookDance follow the syllabus devised by Janine McGrath. It incorporates principles of the Australian Ballet School System of Training (1999), (based on the Russian method of classical ballet). Senior levels are trained for examinations in the Southern Federation of Dance (SFD) Classical Ballet syllabus.
Jazz Dance has a broad movement vocabulary which emerged circa WW1, with roots in Vaudeville, Broadway and West End musicals. This theatrical style is seen in many 20th century Hollywood films like; West Side Story, Sweet Charity, Fame, Flashdance, A Chorus Line and Chicago, along with TV variety programs and on stage in modern musicals. Choreographers of note include Bob Fosse & Jerome Robbins. Funk surfaced as a distinct dance genre at the end of the 20th century but has since been caught in the Jazz dance net. Related to Hip-Hop, it typifies moves generated during the choreography of music videos. Both Jazz & Funk developed in parallel with pop music. PointCookDance students learn established theatrical elements of jazz technique as well as more recent funk vocabulary. Students can complete JazzFunk & Jazz assessments from levels 1 - 10.
This is a class for 5 year olds offering positive, pleasurable and non-threatening dance experiences. Combination Dance mixes classical ballet, jazz and funk together with creative dance and movement games. The mix allows young students to sample different dance genres, forming a transition year between DanceFun and graded levels in Classical Ballet and JazzFunk.
Hip-Hop is a popular style of dance choreographed to R&B, funk, rap, breakin’ and naturally, hip-hop music. It’s rhythmic, high-energy and uses the whole body. Though referred to as Hip-Hop, it’s a hybrid of Funk, popping, locking, and other street dance styles. Because Hip-Hop is constantly evolving, our teachers follow an open class plan, keeping it fresh by experimenting with new ideas and responding to the latest Hip-Hop trends.
Contemporary dance is an excellent choice for teenagers because the movements allow the dancer to explore mood and meaning. Contemporary can be lyrical, abstract or both. It’s conceptual, technical, experimental, and pushes the envelope. Contemporary dance develops alignment, balance, coordination, control, flexibility, strength and stamina. It can be choreographed either against, or with the music; it can follow conventional rules or be completely ground-breaking. Innovators developed a unique movement vocabulary that’s been expanded and abstracted by Contemporary dance companies worldwide. Examples of Contemporary dance companies in Australia are Chunky Move, Balletlab, ADT, Sydney Dance Company and Bangarra Dance Theatre. PointCookDance teachers present open Contemporary dance classes to challenge and inspire our dance students.
Make music with your feet! The percussive and athletic quality of Tap has a perpetual appeal and is a fun style to add to the dance repertoire. Follow in the footsteps of Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, David Atkins and Dein Perry. Learning tap is like mastering a visual musical instrument and has long been a favourite dance genre both on stage and in film. Tap updates mean we now tap to pop music, R&B, funk, hip-hop, jazz and music theatre. There are 10 graded levels of tap for students to progress through.
Acrobatics comes from a Greek term to mean ‘walk on tiptoe, strut’. As a performance art form it has existed since entertainment began. Minoan vases from around 2000 BC depict acrobatic feats; ancient Greeks and Romans practiced acrobatics, and in the middle ages entertainers in the European courts often included acrobatic performances. Acrobatics also has widespread roots in Asian countries. Emphasis is on poise, control, strength, flexibility, coordination and agility; with tumbling, flips, turns, handstands and gymnastics skills. Acrobatics blurs the boundaries between art and sport.
Group singing lessons designed to develop the use of breath, tone, pitch, rhythm and confidence. Have fun with vocal games, exercises and techniques. Build up your catalogue of songs.
The class is a 45 min interactive parent participation class where parents dance along with their children. Students will discover concepts through theme-based lessons, linking language with motor skills, spatial awareness, coordination, musicality, creativity, free expression, and exercise. Each week our students will explore a new theme in which their dance activities will be centred around. Suitable for children 1 – 3 yo.
Boys only Hip Hop classes. Hip-Hop is a popular style of dance choreographed to R&B, funk, rap, breakin’ and naturally, hip-hop music. It’s rhythmic, high-energy and uses the whole body. Though referred to as Hip-Hop, it’s a hybrid of Funk, popping, locking, and other street dance styles. Because Hip-Hop is constantly evolving, our teachers follow an open class plan, keeping it fresh by experimenting with new ideas and responding to the latest Hip-Hop trends.
Combination of contemporary technique including floor work and jumps with gloving technique/finger dancing. (Pls note - LED glove set required). Classes are designed to fuse traditional dance with more modern and urban contemporary styles.
