Dance Genre

Ballet dance is a very formal, disciplined and classic dance form with specific terminology, technique and choreography. Ballet dance originated in 16th and 17th century French courts, and was further developed in England, Italy, and Russia as a concert dance form. There are many methods of teaching Ballet - Cecchetti, Vaganova, French and Balanchine to name a few.

Ballet education is taught in a systematic way, with the understanding of the basic principles and the quality execution of such. Musicality, technical facility, coordination, and dedication all contribute to the qualities of a Ballet Dancer. Ballet dance is typically performed to classical music; however it has developed through time to include a more contemporary style. It is taught in Ballet dance schools and studios around the world, with students ranging in age from toddlers to adults. Classes consist of Barre, Centre Floor, Adage, Petite Allegro, Grand Allegro, Choreography, Cool Down and Reverence.

In order to become proficient at Ballet dance, one must be extremely dedicated to the art and diligent in regard to practice and rehearsal time.

The Ballroom dances are the five standard: Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Quickstep, Viennese Waltz. They each have a particular technique with set steps in the basic construction and those who wish to study for professional teaching qualifications can obtain the syllabi and technique books from Head Office.

Over the years, these dances have been danced by millions of people for social events, competitions and championships to World class level. They have been covered by many British television programmes, most recently the phenomenally popular “Strictly Come Dancing” and dance programmes are now produced throughout the world. Dance schools generally run classes for children and adults. People can dance for enjoyment, to keep fit, take medal tests or to compete.

The focus in this dance genre is on lines, formations, cheerleading jumps, sharp staccato arm movements and form. It may contain tumbling, with both male and female participants, and influences of hip-hop and jazz techniques, commonly used by professional cheerleaders in the NFL and NBA. Cheerleading has the specific intent to direct audience participation in cheering for a specific team; however cheerleading competition is based upon organized routines which ranges from intense physical activity to the sideline activity of chants and cheers with poms.

Cheerleading originated in the USA, with approximately 1.5 million participants in all-star cheerleading. It gained its’ International and Worldwide audience with the release of several movies and the broadcasting of the College, and All Star Cheerleading competitions. There are now estimated to be over 100,000 participants around the globe.

Grab your Poms and lets Cheer!

Country Western Line Dancing is an individual performance art form. Today’s Country Western dance has evolved from Square Dancing, Jazz, Ballroom, Freestyle, Swing, Rock n’Roll and pure Country. Music used nowadays is very varied from traditional Country songs/singers to current chart hits. Come and Join us for a Line Dance class near you!

European National Dance characteristics are derived from many factors - Music, Costume, Customs and Religions, Traditional steps, and styles. It is an activity in which many members of society can take part from the experienced to beginner and includes all age groups. Folk dancing creates an understanding between the social values, cultural influence and education of each regional group.

The European National Dance Syllabus tries to give teachers and students an insight into the many and various styles, steps and patterns of Europe and hopefully encourage further study in areas where a particular interest is found.

European National Dance provides the basis for most types of dance performed today- from Classical Ballet to Modern dance. It is the heritage of us all and opens the boundaries of the world. We hope you enjoy!

Freestyle dance incorporates many genres of dance, which evolve with the current music trends. It can be very physical and high energy or slow and expressive, and can be performed solo or with a partner. Steps and movements most associated with Freestyle are spins, kicks, leaps, runs and slick arm and head actions. To be a good Freestyle dancer self expression combined with flexibility and stamina are essential.

Highland Dancing, which requires the endurance and strength of an athlete and the artistry of a dancer, is the traditional solo dancing of Scotland. In the past, Scottish regiments used Highland Dancing as exercise to keep the troops in shape, and ready for battle. Today, Highland Dancing is one of the premiere events at Highland Games throughout the world in Scotland, England, Northern Ireland, mainland Europe, USA, Canada, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. In order to be a successful competitive dancer, students require many hours of practice and study over a number of years. Students train mainly in 4 Highland dances, namely, the Highland Fling, the Sword Dance, the Seann Triubhas and the Strathspey & Reel—all of which are performed in the traditional kilt. Scottish Highland Dancing is regarded as being one of the most sophisticated forms of national dancing in the world. It is almost impossible for dance historians to separate fact from fiction, but the following descriptions are the most credible!

Jazz Dance is a rhythmic stylized dance form with roots in America. Jazz is a blend of traditions in which the European influence of elegance and the African influence of rhythmic propulsion results in an energetic and exhilarating class of rhythmic and dynamic movement. Jazz technique borrows from classical Ballet and Modern dance, blending other varied techniques such as folk dance, African traditional dance and musical styles of past and present, even social and cultural influences all make up the style and energy of Jazz.

Classic Jazz, Afro-Cuban, Lyrical, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Blues and Funk are just some of the styles of Jazz Dance. With the musical influence of Boogie, Disco, Techno, Ragtime and the popular music trends, Jazz dance is both motivational and ever evolving.

The class itself is comprised of movement to music learning rhythms, styles of dance, technique, social interaction, discovering the body and creativity. With guidance, dance and music appreciation, discipline and class participation are taught.

The BATD grade work is broken down into Barre, Centre and Floor Work progressing through Isolations and Creative Movement. Starting with a basic warm-up, progressing through proper flexibility and strengthening and stretching work the student will learn body awareness. The student will then move through dance skills/movements to develop Jazz technique and style. Throughout the class the steps and movements are then placed into choreography that can be used in class routines and performance opportunities.

Majorette, or perhaps more accurately Baton Twirling, teaches dexterity and does not favour either the right or left handed student, as most twirls must be mastered using both hands.

Good posture and good flexibility in the wrists and fingers are key to a good performance. Footwork must also be co-ordinated with twirls.

Modern Dance is a subject that is related to both Ballet and Jazz and which develops different movements and styles to a varied choice of music. The dancers learn how to create “lines” and to dance with breadth, freedom of movement and emotion. The work is based upon the use of contraction and relaxation, lots of “accents” and the dimensions of dance. The grade work is broken down into sections: Barre, Floor, Centre & Creative. The first three sections have been designed with a view to gradually build up the dancers strength and suppleness, to gain a sound technique that can work hand in hand with other genres of dance and help form an all round dancer. The creative section is where the dancer is encouraged to explore and develop their own style and musical interpretation… time to really shine!

With its freedom of movement and such varied styles from lyrical to funky to commercial… Modern Dance is such great fun!

Our syllabus has been specifically designed, to explore dance, movement and performance for students with additional needs. This syllabus works with students who have full mobility, limited mobility and also students in wheelchairs.

The students are able to study, and obtain an accredited qualification in all subjects.

In many different ways, teachers are required to adapt their thought processes, teaching techniques, and abilities to show the strengths and passion of this group of amazing students.

Dance with the B.A.T.D. provides an exciting and enriching environment in which all younger dancers can develop and thrive. Imagine how you’ll feel experiencing class-leading performances covering the full spectrum of all genres.

The Stage Examination includes, Tap, Stage, Modern, Limbering and Musicality. Find a Class near you!

Traditional Step dance is an old Celtic dance form and the root of Tap Dance. It is traditionally performed to fiddle and/or pipe music and sometimes mouth music. Reels, Jigs, Strathspeys and Clogs are the most common musical forms. Originally, hard soled shoes were worn but now metal clickers are more commonly attached to the soles of shoes. The dancer makes complex rhythms, either matching or in counterpoint to the rhythm of the music. At one time, the area in which a dancer lived could be told by the style of the movements. Gradually the styles have melded or changed as populations moved. Dancers saw new steps and movements performed by other dancers and then copied them, but with a slight change to make it blend more with their own style.

Although now it is more of a solo dance form, sometimes with a set choreography, it was originally done as a group, in sets, with individual dancers occasionally breaking from the set to do a short solo step. Sometimes the dancers attempted to outdo one another, to the wild applause and encouragement of the rest of the group.

Tap originated in the United States, through the fusion of several ethnic percussive dances, primarily African tribal dances and Scottish, Irish, and English clog dances, hornpipes, and jigs. Until the last few decades of the 20th century, it was believed that African slaves and Irish indentured servants had observed each other’s dances on Southern plantations and that Tap dancing was born from this contact.

Tap is an exciting form of dance in which dancers wear special shoes equipped with metal Taps. Tap dancers use their feet like drums to create rhythmic patterns and timely beats. The term “tap dancing” is derived from the tapping sound produced when the small metal plates on the dancer’s shoes touch a hard floor or surface.

A common style of Tap dancing is called “classical Tap.” Classical tappers use their arms and upper bodies to blend movements of ballet or jazz into their Tap routines. “Hoofers” try to use every part of their shoes to make their feet sound like drums.