What We Teach
Modern Jazz
Modern Jazz classes deliver a core staple of dance technique development
Focusing primarily on Traditional Jazz as used in West End and Broadway Musical Theatre / Commercial / TV / Music Videos
A great fusion of energetic and personal style, our Jazz Classes cover: Technique development, Safe limbering, Flexibility, Across the floor, Choreography, How to pick up choreography quickly and Performance Technique. A high octane class with current music ensures students are on top of their game. Our Students work with notable choreographers including: Karen Bruce (BBC's Strictly Come Dancing), Kim Gavin (Take That), Alan Harding (Tonight at the London Palladium Choreographer, Britannia/P&O & Cunard Cruise Director/choreographer) and Olivier Award wining Drew McConie
Examinations are taken with Gqal/Ofqual Accredited BTDA British Theatre Dance Association
Commercial / Hip-Hop
We are very proud to receive tuition from working industry specialists. John Graham inspires our students with regular commercial workshops. He has choreographed and danced with artists such as Rihanna, Beyonce, Justin Beiber, Jessie J and Mariah Carey
We also study artists and look at specific genres. For example, our Michael Jackson piece 'They Don't Really Care About Us' was so highly credited that we were invited to perform it at the 02 Arena London for the 'MJ International Fan Day' as part of the Michael Jackson - This is it Experience
Ballet
A beautiful genre for all ages, ballet is an excellent introduction to dance and a key foundation to support many other dance styles. Ballet technique supports dancers to achieve poise, grace, stamina, control and core strength
Developing from soft to pointe shoes, dancers can gain Gqal/Ofqual qualifications with BTDA British Theatre Dance Association and RAD Royal Academy of Dance
Our students have performed with: The Royal Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet and The Bolshoi Ballet Company
PBT - Progressing Ballet Technique
An innovative body-conditioning and strengthening programme with enhancement equipment
A fun way for dancers to develop and understand: Strength, Technique, Training Muscle Memory, Body Alignment and Flexibility
Developed by physiotherapists, PBT Classes enable dancers to understand the most efficient way of using their bodies to achieve their physical ‘Personal Best’ on a regular basis
Acrobatic Arts
Acro technique includes: balancing, limbering, tumbling and partnering, based in flexibility, contortion and strength
Following the successful programme of Acrobatic Arts, students move through safe progressions to perfect outstanding acrobatic skills. Specifically designed for performers, Acrobatic Arts trains the dancer to be able to include skills within a routine on stage - unlike gymnastics that requires a sprung floor
Examinations are taken with Gqal/Ofqual Accredited BTDA British Theatre Dance Association and Acrobatic Arts
Our classes use: Video overlay tech analysis and equipment
Tumble Track / Ariel
As an extension to Acrobatics, our Track/Ariel Class is a fun way for students to explore: Ariel work, get creative, have fun and push the boundaries with new tricks!
Our long tumble tracks and supporting equipment help students to develop skills such as: Back handsprings, Ariel Cartwheels, Tucks etc.
Track/Ariel is a freestyle class (no examinations) - Elaborating both personal and group tricks
This class also focuses on flexibility with the use of stretch band equipment
Contemporary / Lyrical
Covering a complex range of choreography, incorporating aspects of movement from several other genres such as jazz, modern and ballet
Our Contemporary/Lyrical class encourages the dancer to be confident with expression, get creative and define their personal style. Our dancers are also trained using 'Radar Technique' to develop a high level of: Strength, Elevation and Conditioning. Expert drills build up a strong portfolio to enhance turns, kicks, leaps and flexibility
Examinations are taken with Gqal/Ofqual Accredited BTDA British Theatre Dance Association
Tap
Tap is a creative way to increase rhythmic awareness, co-ordination, and a polished performance style
Alongside traditional technique and skill acquisition, an eclectic range of styles are studied from it’s origins in New York Tap, through to contemporary approaches such as Stomp style - with the use of percussion props to add to the understanding of creating rhythm
Examinations are taken with Gqal/Ofqual Accredited BTDA British Theatre Dance Association
Musical Theatre
A great confidence builder, Musical Theatre enables performers to effectively communicate with an audience combining: acting, singing and dancing. This makes for a 'Triple Threat' performer who is proficient in each discipline
This can also be of great benefit to the development of personal/social skills
Musicals embrace a wealth of genres. Our students have appeared in Professional productions including: West Side Story, Matilda, Nativity, Evita! - See ‘Achievements’ for more
Examinations are taken with LCM London College of Music
Drama
Having workshops with professional actors/directors (some being alumni students themselves) gives students the inspiration to learn from people active within the industry
Drama leads a student to explore their imagination and develop the ability to think and respond on their feet with confidence
We cover: Improvisation, scripted pieces, verse & prose, performance techniques used in theatre/commercial/stage/television/film, audition techniques, public speaking, elocution
LAMDA London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art examinations are taken - These accredited and respected qualifications can help in any career. For example, a job that requires public speaking or communication. Students are also able to receive Casting Agency Representation for professional work
Singing
Vocal training includes: Control & Breathing Techniques, Scale, Sight Reading Music, Range, Tone, Pitch, Performance Delivery, Harmony and Recording Technique. Covering a wealth of genres from pop to musical theatre, students are able to explore and really discover their own voices
Singing is an enlightening and powerful experience - Students have so much fun uniting together for ensemble singing, and are also able to receive one-to-one tuition for those wishing to specialise
Our specialist vocal coaches, who work with professionals including Beverly Knight, train one-to-one to develop individual ability. Recording Studio facilities are available to record and create show reel/VTs.
Bright Stars
BRIGHT STARS is our ‘Pre-Academy’ programme for 3-6 yrs. Early Years children flourish and build Confidence, Creativity and Valuable Life Skills
KEY FOUNDATIONS OF: Ballet, Modern Jazz, Acrobatics, Tap, Musical Theatre, Speech and Drama are creatively explored in our fun, energetic and carefully structured, secure classes
Rewards, Sticker books, Medals, Trophies and Certificates all serve to enhance their experience
LET YOUR LITTLE BRIGHT STAR SHINE!
Speciality Workshops
Speciality Workshops are held by industry professionals and designed to enable students to experience working with current professional Choreographers / Dancers / Actors / Directors / Tutors or to perfect a specific skill and be on top of what is currently happening in the real working world of performing arts
Some recent examples of workshops include:
Drama Improvisation with STAR WARS / MARVEL Star ERIN KELLYMAN
COMMERCIAL with HIP-HOP Legend and Beyonce/Justin Beiber/Rihanna Choreographer JOHN GRAHAM
CHEER + TUMBLING with USASF in Central Florida, plus ongoing workshops
Acrobatics and Ariels with THE TIMBUKTU TUMBLERS Circus Acrobatic Troupe
Performers Elite Team
Elite Team Training and Rehearsals help to define performance, ready for Professional Shows or Competition
Performance Confidence is developed whilst understanding how to connect with an audience and gain a strong presence on Stage, Television, Social Media or Audition Preparation
It is amazing to see results in children, and also the comfort in parents, when confidence grows
Elite Teams represent BSS on professional engagements, such as theatre contracts, or at national/international competition. Events are generally seasonal and vary from term to term
Boys
Boys are encouraged to integrate into regular classes, but as we are a large school, we are able to offer a Boys Class which specifically targets the strengths and challenges boys encounter. This also encorporates skills such as carrying out lift work and pas de deux
Having male guest teachers also helps to encourage our boys and is inspirational for them to work with successful professionals they can relate to
Over the years at BSS, male students study for various reasons; some heading into career or dance college, to support their drama careers and also to support sport related training…or just for exercise and fun!