Classes

More about our classes, timetables, fees & uniform

Levels

More about our Syllabi, Medal Dances & Dance Styles

Pre-Grade Syllabi

BABY BALLET & MOMMY-AND-ME

Classes are specially designed with toddlers in mind (18-30 Months) to help develop and encourage the confidence of expression through movement while learning the ballet basics in a fun and nurturing atmosphere. The 30 min structured class offer a magical intruduction into the world of ballet, engaging children in age-appropriate dance, while learning rhythm,posture,co-ordination and balance. Our mommy and me class is for our first year little tots, this class is such a fun way for toddler and mom/dad bonding time. Watch your child interact with others while having fun with other moms. Our Baby Ballet class is the level above mommy and me, where they sre still to young to participate in exams and formal ballet lessons but you are still wanting to let your child participate in a activity where thay can develope amazing skills. Our baby ballet class is for our age group 2- 3 and this class is Teacher-child and moms are not participating/sitting in.

Grade Syllabi

GRADE 1 – 6

A core syllabus and examination set work are given for each level. Teachers have the option of choreographing the dance to the set music or their own choice of music. Students are entered for exams in groups of three or in the case of even numbers, an odd group of two. A percentage mark is given on a detailed report and a certificate is issued if successful.

A Test Examination is offered where a student/s may be entered with the teacher present in the room. This will be examined without the Dance – to allow the teacher and student to work on the technique needed in the grade without the pressure of learning and remembering a dance. The teacher may dance in front of the candidates, but may not “teach” them or do any technical corrections. The words “Grade 1 – Test” will be typed on both the certificate and report and the student will receive Successful/Unsuccessful.

Major Syllabi

These challenging syllabi were compiled and choreographed by our Artistic Director, Ms Lorna Haupt. They each consist of a core syllabus, which reflects all the steps to be mastered at that level and the set work that is seen in the examination. The set work is specifically designed to elicit dance quality and musicality, and include a variety of different styles. All levels of Major examinations are compulsory. However, if a candidate has a Major examination certificate from another recognised association, she may be entered for the next DASA Major level INTERMEDIATE FOUNDATION This first Major examination is compulsory for students attempting Major exams. Candidates will be examined in a Major exam session at the official studio in each area only. There is no pointe work in the examination set work. INTERMEDIATE, ADVANCED 1, ADVANCED 2 AND ADVANCED PERFORMANCE Candidates will be examined in a major session at the official studio in each area only. Pointe work is included in both the core and set syllabi. To accommodate Major candidates who do not feel confident, or should not be executing the Pointe work section on full pointe, they may present it on demi-point. Teachers must make sure that the entry form clearly states ‘with the point section on demi-point’, the highest attainable mark being a Merit. Advanced 1 candidates entering the examination as a teacher [this is the ONLY Major exam that may be taken as a teacher] and executing the Pointe work section on demi-pointe will be given the option of either an oral exam, or a short question paper to complete, on Pointe work per se.

TINY TOTS 1 & 2

These fun and imaginative syllabi were especially compiled to meet the needs of the 3 1/2 to 6 year old. Students are entered for exams in a group of eight candidates, with their teacher present. If successful, they receive a group report, a certificate and a medal each.

PRE-PRIMARY

Students are entered in a group of a maximum of six candidates, with their teacher present. Each successful candidate receives a medal and a certificate with grading. A group report is given.

PRIMARY

Consists of a core syllabus and examination set work. Teachers have the option of choreographing a demi-character dance to the set music or to their own choice of music. Students are entered for exams in groups of three. A percentage mark is given on a detailed report and a certificate and medal is issued if successful.

Different Dance styles

Medal Dances

DASA offers an exciting set of medal dances, including Ballet, Modern and National dances, which provide an opportunity for students to perform and experience different dance types.

All dances are danced solo, in pairs or in three’s when there are an uneven number of candidates. Successful candidates are graded from A++ to D and receive a medal mounted on a ribbon (different colours and medals for each dance) and a report.

The dances should preferably be entered in the same session as Grade examinations, but if necessary can be entered as a separate session. Teachers can choose to have the Medal dances examined either in their studio or as a performance on stage with an audience.

DEMI-CHARACTER AND CLASSICAL DANCES

These are graded in difficulty as follows: Petit Performer 1 – 2, Junior 1 – 3, Preparatory 1 – 3, Senior 1 – 3 These 11 dances are set to classical music. The dances for younger candidates are demi-character and encourage the use of props and expressive mime. The dances for older candidates are intended to develop musicality and dance quality. Petit Performer 1 and 2 are designed for Tiny Tots students, so the teacher may accompany the students into the exam room.