Grade Four & Grade Five
Elevate Your Ballet Journey with our Grade 4 & 5 Classes
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What to Expect in Our Grade 4 & 5 Classes
Our Grade 4 and 5 classes are designed to offer an advanced mix of creative expression and rigorous ballet training. Students are introduced to advanced concepts and techniques that foster strength, coordination, and refined control essential in classical ballet. Our classes encourage artistic expression, allowing students to embrace the art of performance and begin to discover who they are as a performer.
We incorporate these elements through production and performance-based work, the Royal Academy of Dance exam syllabus, non-syllabus technique exercises and PBT exercises which build muscle memory and enhance ballet conditioning.
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Grade 4 and Grade 5 students wishing to sit their RAD examinations must take one syllabus class and one technique class each week.
The Junior Open Ballet Technique class is designed to complement this level.
Package deal for both classes: $275 per term
Please see Timetable for the current class schedule.
​Arrive 15 minutes early to warm up
As dancers advance to Grade Four and higher, the intensity of their classes increases significantly. Due to the heightened physical demands at these levels, it is imperative for all students to arrive 15 minutes prior to class for a thorough warm-up. This practice is crucial for preventing injuries and ensuring that students can fully benefit from their training sessions.
Cool down and stretch after class
Similarly, we encourage dancers to remain for an additional 10 minutes after class, when practical, to engage in stretching and cool-down exercises.
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Additional Practice Requirements
For dancers to feel confident and fully prepared for performances and examinations, we require all students to practice at home. At this level we recommend a minimum of 120 minutes per week focused practice at home.
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We understand self-motivation may still be developing in this age group, so we ask parents to please support our dancers to complete this. To facilitate home practice, we provide video resources that parents can use to help their children review and perfect their ballet techniques.
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Personalised Goal Support
Upon reaching Grade Four, students are encouraged and supported to identity and work towards specific goals in their dancing. These aid them in acknowledging and celebrating their individual milestones, fostering a sense of achievement and progress.
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Uniform & Hair Requirements
Our grade 4 and grade 5 ballet students are required to wear the following:
- Mulberry sleeveless leotard
- Mulberry wrap skirt
- Mulberry crossover (for cold days)
- Light pink leg warmers (for cold days)
- Ballet tights
- Demi-pointe shoes with ribbons
- Pointe shoes (Grade 5 and up, upon successful completion of a pre-pointe assessment)
- Character Skirt, with pink ribbons
- Character shoes (Cuban heel)
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Students must wear their hair in a well-groomed ballet bun, with no loose hair on the face.
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Additional Training Equipment (recommended)
Fit Ball
Theraband/Resistance Bands (in multiple strengths)
Balance Board
Small firm ball (such as a lacrosse ball)
Foam Roller
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Structure of the Dance Year
Our dance year is structured to provide a comprehensive experience for our students, with key events and milestones:
- Annual Production: Held in Term 2 (June), this is a highlight of the year where students can showcase their skills and creativity on a professional stage.
- Exams: Conducted in Term 4 (December), these exams mark the progress and achievements of our students in ballet, serving as an exciting milestone in their dance journey.