Classes
APAC offers a broad and rounded curriculum in dance that explores all areas of each genre. While providing a strong classical ballet base for all levels, classes extend to all varieties of dance, including acrobatics to improve dance trickery. Singing is taught in group classes, with private lessons available for those wishing to extend their solo performances. Acting skills are built through each age group and are incorporated in Music Theatre classes for the triple threat performers.
Ballet
Ballet is the basis of all dance and is integral to the training of those who want to pursue dance in any genre. We also encourage our students to take up a ballet class to develop poise, posture, musicality, technique and discipline.
Jazz
Jazz is quite a diverse form of dance which is fun and up-beat. As well as learning routines to a variety of different music, students will also work their flexibility, strength and technique. Jazz classes not only allow students to learn great turns, kicks and leaps, but can also promote confidence and rhythm.
Tap
Tap is the most rhythmic dance form, entwining movement and sound into one. Tap is a fantastic way to develop a sense of rhythm, timing and to gain an understanding of beat dynamics. APAC offers two styles of tap.
Hip Hop
Hip Hop is a style often seen on music video clips and is a very popular genre of dance today. The style of Hip Hop falls under the ‘urban dance’ banner and often has a street funk feel. In addition to being lots of fun, the Hip Hop classes at APAC are disciplined, progressive and well structured.
Boys Masterclass
This class is about extending skills specific to boys as well as building camaraderie for them in the performing arts. This has proven to be a very popular class. The class teaches a broad range of genres as well as focusing on strength and technique.
Acrobatics
Acrobatics is primarily about learning the fundamentals of physical tricks needed in many genres of dance. These tricks need specific time allocated, in a safe environment with the correct equipment, to ensure all skills are learnt and executed correctly. From back bends to hand stands, and aerials to flips, acrobatics can be very rewarding and lots of fun.
Tap/Tumbling
For our 6 -7 year olds, we have created a specialised Tap and Tumbling class. Giving these young dancers the chance to master the basics of rhythmic dance, with the foundations of Acrobatics. This hour long class keeps the children engaged whilst offering them a diverse set of skills that will stead them well in future performing endeavours.
Lyrical/
Contemporary
Students studying ballet will have the opportunity to experience the genre of contemporary dance from 8 years of age and over. While using their classical ballet technique as a base, contemporary dance offers students a free and innovative way of using the body.
Music Theatre
Music Theatre incorporates the three genres of singing, dancing and acting, to produce the ‘triple threat’ performer. Students will learn songs and dances from popular Broadway musicals of yesterday and today. Students are taught to explore the musical’s synopsis and character detail to further enhance their depth as a performer.
Acting
The first half of the year is focused on acting for stage, culminating in a mid-year showcase. Students will learn techniques in improvisation as well as how to break down scripts and work with others. Acting is a great way for students to build confidence.
Singing
Students at APAC have the option to enjoy both group and private lessons to further their singing skills. A group lesson not only extends the technique of the individual, but also focuses on group techniques such as harmonies in the style of pop, music theatre, jazz and rock. Private singing lessons are a fantastic way to accelerate individual growth, technique and confidence.
Sing, Act, Mime
The Sing, Act and Mime classes are also lots of fun and assist with rhythm, speech, pitch, memory and confidence. Students will not only learn songs but also start building characters while interacting with other children.
Private Lessons
Private lessons are usually one-on-one tuition and can be booked for students in any subject. These can be ongoing, weekly lessons to prepare students for performances, eisteddfods or exams. Private lessons can also be arranged periodically and are a great way to help students catch up or excel further in certain areas as the teacher can focus purely on the needs of the individual.
APAC Company
APAC Company auditions are held every year in Term 1 for students between 6 and 18 years. The Company members are selected on their ability to dance, sing and act, and must show the desire to work hard and as a team player. The APAC Company represents the College in many performances and eisteddfods throughout the local community.
APAC Company is split into four streams:
Pre-Juniors
Juniors
Intermediates
Seniors
Workshops
APAC Workshops provide the perfect environment to take performances to the next level. Workshops are generally held in the first week of the Term 1 & 2 school holidays and focus on exam preparation, APAC Company routines or eisteddfod performances.
Autumn Workshops
The Autumn Workshop is a Ballet Intensive, with accompanying classes from other genres. Although the workshop is compulsory for all exam Ballet students, it is also open to all students, who are very welcome to participate in everything or just the alternate classes. There will be a daily Ballet class with our Principal, Miss Kath, as well as a different alternative class each day, in either Singing, Jazz, Conditioning or Acrobatics.
Winter Workshops
APAC’s Winter Workshop provides APAC Company members and our Eisteddfod representatives the chance to bond, synchronise and grow together as performers. Our teachers and choreographers can really refine all routines during this special and intense week.
Expanded information on Ballet, Tap & Acting
Ballet
Ballet is the basis of all dance and is integral to the training of those who want to pursue dance in any genre. We also encourage our students to take up a ballet class to develop poise, posture, musicality, technique and discipline; which in turn promotes enjoyment and a further sense of achievement for the student in all subjects.
Many of our students sit for their RAD Ballet Exams both in grade and vocational levels. The majority of students have achieved distinctions under APAC’s Principal, Katherine Earle-McLean’s tuition.
Ballet is encouraged for both boys and girl. Once girls are considered ready, they are able to progress to wearing pointe shoes which is an exciting achievement.
Tap
Tap is the most rhythmic dance form, entwining movement and sound into one. Tap is a fantastic way to develop a sense of rhythm, timing and to gain an understanding of beat dynamics.
APAC offers two styles of tap, the first being CSTD (Commonwealth Society of Teachers of Dance) examination tap which is an excellent, well structured syllabus. Students are able to learn great technique and performance skills from highly qualified teachers. The second style offered at APAC is ‘open’ tap classes, teaching students a funky, street style of tap. These classes are not only lots of fun, but also cover important technique at the same time.
Acting
The first half of the year is focused on acting for stage, culminating in a mid-year showcase. Students will learn techniques in improvisation as well as how to break down scripts and work with others. Acting is a great way for students to build confidence.
The second half of the year focuses on acting for camera and students learn the many techniques involved which differ from acting for stage. Students will have the experience of being part of a ‘film shoot’ on location, which will then be screened as part of the end of year production at the Riverside Theatre.