Classical :
Classical ballet is the foundation of dance, based on formal movements and positions designed to allow for the highest class of agility, grace, speed, and control. At LJR Dance Academy, students study the Borovansky Method of Classical ballet, and have the opportunity to sit exams. We choose to offer this syllabus as it contains a high level of technical precision and structured training, whilst also engaging and encouraging each student’s dance quality, artistry, and performance.
The Borovansky Syllabus is a combination of European and Russian methods which takes students through the official grading schemes of technical and artistic movements. Students can start their first year of the Borovansky syllabus from the age of 5, where they are taught the basics of Classical ballet and how to successfully execute movements using correct muscles and technique. Once we have decided that a student is ready to progress to the next grade, they will have the opportunity to complete an examination. This examination will certify that the student displays the technical and stylistic attributes to further their training. Students typically complete annual examinations to receive their accreditation, which is particularly important to accomplish if they are dedicated to pursuing a career in dance. Students must attend two ballet classes per week of their grade to be eligible for the examination (excluding Pre-primary).
Pointe:
Pointe work is the process by which a dancer performs Classical techniques by supporting their body weight within their pointe shoes. Each student must be assessed before they can attend pointe class, as pointe work requires strong ballet technique and strength within the student’s feet and other muscles. Students will be able to learn the basics of pointe work, such as stepping up to pointe, how to hold the foot correctly in the shoe and the correct technique to execute a variety of steps. As students technically progress in their pointe work and further their knowledge and strength, they will advance into learning new steps that require a stronger pointe work technique. At LJR Dance Academy, we offer a pointe class for beginners, as well as a separate class for more advanced students. Please note that you must be assessed by management before you are able to wear pointe shoes in pointe class.
Jazz :
Classical ballet is the foundation of dance, based on formal movements and positions designed to allow for the highest class of agility, grace, speed, and control. At LJR Dance Academy, students study the Borovansky Method of Classical ballet, and have the opportunity to sit exams. We choose to offer this syllabus as it contains a high level of technical precision and structured training, whilst also engaging and encouraging each student’s dance quality, artistry, and performance.
The Borovansky Syllabus is a combination of European and Russian methods which takes students through the official grading schemes of technical and artistic movements. Students can start their first year of the Borovansky syllabus from the age of 5, where they are taught the basics of Classical ballet and how to successfully execute movements using correct muscles and technique. Once we have decided that a student is ready to progress to the next grade, they will have the opportunity to complete an examination. This examination will certify that the student displays the technical and stylistic attributes to further their training. Students typically complete annual examinations to receive their accreditation, which is particularly important to accomplish if they are dedicated to pursuing a career in dance. Students must attend two ballet classes per week of their grade to be eligible for the examination (excluding Pre-primary).
Tap :
Tap is a genre of dance where metal taps are attached to the heel and ball of a soft shoe as a form of percussion. At LJR Dance Academy, students learn the Glen Wood Tap Syllabus and have the opportunity to sit examinations. We choose to offer this syllabus as the progression throughout the grades enables students to correctly execute challenging steps and syncopations, while also developing musicality and rhythmic skills.
Our younger Tap students are guided through a technical introduction to the genre of Tap. They learn the basic elements of Tap such as ankle movements, and how to use their knee and hip joints correctly. Students then learn basic movements such as a shuffle, toe hits, stamps and more. Throughout the higher levels students extend their knowledge of Tap steps and execute complex amalgamations and performance routines. In these grades, students are required to learn the theory relevant to their grade. Theory assists the students to understand the technique of each step and how it can be counted in different routines.Students must complete a ballet exam to complete their Tap exam.
Lyrical / Contemporary :
The genre of Contemporary is a style of expressive dance containing modern movements derived from Ballet and Jazz. Similar to Contemporary, Lyrical is a genre of dance that highlights personal expression and meaningful lyrics. Contemporary and Lyrical connect the mind to the body, as the fluid movements convey emotions and stories of the individual. These genres are versatile and unstructured, allowing for the exploration of the movement, and creating a sense of improvisation, unlike ballet. These genres also focus on floor work, using gravity as an objective for contractions and releases. Our Contemporary/Lyrical classes at LJR Dance Academy promote creativity in the dancer, as they learn to interpret lyrics and express messages through movement. This encourages self-expression and allows for our students to share their thoughts and emotions, creating a sense of empowerment. Students will learn different Contemporary and Lyrical exercises and combinations to correctly endorse proper technique and movements in these genres.
The Borovansky Syllabus is a combination of European and Russian methods which takes students through the official grading schemes of technical and artistic movements. Students can start their first year of the Borovansky syllabus from the age of 5, where they are taught the basics of Classical ballet and how to successfully execute movements using correct muscles and technique. Once we have decided that a student is ready to progress to the next grade, they will have the opportunity to complete an examination. This examination will certify that the student displays the technical and stylistic attributes to further their training. Students typically complete annual examinations to receive their accreditation, which is particularly important to accomplish if they are dedicated to pursuing a career in dance. Students must attend two ballet classes per week of their grade to be eligible for the examination (excluding Pre-primary).
Tech & Skills :
Our Tech & Skills class focuses on general technique and learning new skills. The class has a large focus on stretching and strength work to ensure our dancers are able to attempt hard skills safely. Different kicks, turns and jumps are taught in this class depending on the age group and ability level.
Hip Hop :
Hip-Hop dance is known as a street style, with movements derived from mambo, samba, jazz and martial arts. At LJR Dance Academy, students learn styles such as house, locking, waacking, and breaking, which all have their own techniques and vocabulary. Students also learn correct Hip-Hop techniques such as waving and popping to enhance their performance quality and add an extra flavour/individuality to their movements. Students learn a series of groove exercises, implementing moves from different eras and origins. They learn old school grooves, such as the reebok, cabbage patch, roger rabbit and much more. They also learn new school grooves such as the whip, nae nae, dougie, cat daddy etc. Additionally, they learn dance hall/social party moves like willie bounce, pon di river, wacky dip and many more. Students are taught a different dance routine/combination each lesson to improve their ability to pick up choreography and confidently perform it within the lesson. This is a major skill that fosters professionalism in a dancer. Students are also guided through skills set to assist with freestyling as this is a major part of the Hip Hop dance culture.
The Borovansky Syllabus is a combination of European and Russian methods which takes students through the official grading schemes of technical and artistic movements. Students can start their first year of the Borovansky syllabus from the age of 5, where they are taught the basics of Classical ballet and how to successfully execute movements using correct muscles and technique. Once we have decided that a student is ready to progress to the next grade, they will have the opportunity to complete an examination. This examination will certify that the student displays the technical and stylistic attributes to further their training. Students typically complete annual examinations to receive their accreditation, which is particularly important to accomplish if they are dedicated to pursuing a career in dance. Students must attend two ballet classes per week of their grade to be eligible for the examination (excluding Pre-primary).
LJR Stars Preschool Class:
Designed for our littlest movers aged 1-2 years (as of January 1, 2025), the LJR Stars Pre-school class is the perfect introduction to the joyful world of dance. In this program your little one will explore the basics of Ballet, Jazz, Acro, Stretch, and Technique in a fun and supportive environment. Each class kicks off with an engaging warm-up stretch, tailored to nurture the unique needs of growing bodies while promoting safe dance practices. Through a variety of delightful exercises, children will develop essential early childhood skills, including motor planning, balance, muscle strength, coordination and memorisation—all while having a blast. Our young dancers will learn foundational Ballet techniques like pliés, tendus, and relevés, alongside exciting Jazz moves such as hip shakes, stars, bends, and waves. They’ll also experience the thrill of Acrobatic movements like somersaults and bunny hops. To spark creativity and imagination, we incorporate colourful props like rainbow ribbons and fairy wings, turning each class into a magical adventure. Parents are invited to join our Tuesday morning class, where you can watch and assist your little dancer as they explore their newfound skills. If you wish for your dancer to have more independence, on Wednesdays, feel free to relax in our waiting room while your child dances with joy.
Tinies Class:
Is your little dancer ready to take the next exciting step? Our Tinies class is designed for students aged 3 years old (as of January 1, 2025) and serves as the perfect bridge from our preschool program to our more advanced classes. Each class begins with an engaging warm-up followed by a stretch tailored to support growing bodies, ensuring a strong foundation while prioritising injury prevention. Your child will learn the essential techniques of ballet, focusing on proper foot placement and rotation. This strong emphasis helps cultivate good habits from the very start. Students explore exciting movements like skipping, galloping, marching, and knee bops, enhancing coordination and introducing your child to the joy of groove and style. Our young dancers will tackle fun acrobatic skills, including somersaults, bunny hops, and crab walks, while also starting to learn the basics of backbends and cartwheels. We finish each class with a calming cool down, reinforcing safe dance practices while giving kids a moment to reflect on their achievements. Join us for a nurturing and energetic class where your child can build confidence, develop crucial dance skills, and make lasting friendships.
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