FEAD Upper School
Grade 3 upwards - 12 years plus
Once the children reach grade 3/4 they move into the pre-senior class. This now means that they’re in the upper school of the academy and take part in our senior showcase which is on alternate years to our whole school show.
Class pace increases, steps and sequencing become more difficult and a greater understanding of technique, presentation, performance and musicality is taught. The expectation is raised and the children thrive off the challenges that are given to them. During this time children really see the fruits of their labour and start to understand how fulfilling dance can be. They have usually formed solid friendships and take dance as a more serious hobby.
Weekly contemporary and turns classes are introduced which build upon their technique and increase their versatility.
Uniform for tap and modern changes and they can choose their own coloured leotard in any style to wear with sheer black footless tights.
After pre-senior comes senior 2 where the pupils attend class 3 times a week, followed by senior 1 when they are close to the end of their journey with us and are studying as much as possible.
Students have the opportunity to assist at our lower school classes if this is something they would like to do. It boost their confidence, helps with communications skills, gives them a sense of responsibility and is great experience working with younger children.
Whether the students choose to go into full-time training to prepare them for a career in the performing arts/dance teaching, or whether they go to uni, all of our leavers hold special, fond memories of their time at dance class and are appreciative of the wonderful experiences and opportunities that came their way because of it.
It also provides them with many life skills that go beyond the dance studio and into adulthood, such as being responsible, determined, creative, cooperative and passionate, just to name a few.
We have a large senior end of our school and we feel this is because we care so much about our pupils not only as dancers but as young people. They develop special relationships with their peers and teachers, and love their connection with the academy family.
There is a feeling of mutual respect and we strive to make each individual feel noticed and appreciated.
Fun Facts for Upper School
We take a group of pupils to perform at the “Can You Dance? Super Convention” in Liverpool every October which is an great day to be part of and a brilliant performance opportunity on a massive stage.
At Christmas time we have a film and pizza night which is a lovely way to wind down and get excited for the holidays.
Our amazing bi-annual show involving the whole school is the highlight of every upper school pupils calendar! The end goal for every senior pupil is to perform in the Can Can finale. This is a special moment for our dancers and signifies the end of their journey with us.
The leavers also have a celebration BBQ at Miss Fleur’s house during the summer, which is a tradition born out of covid 19! We wanted to continue this as we felt it was a lovely way to conclude the students’ time with us at the academy and we welcome parents to come and raise a toast to the end of a long and wonderful chapter in their child’s life.