About This Class

First Stage follows the Classical Ballet syllabus of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD). Ballet is the foundation of all dance disciplines and is based on precise conventional steps and flowing movements. Imperial Classical Ballet is based on the teaching of the French School at the Paris Opéra. The syllabus, first written in 1913, has evolved to promote the English classical ballet style and to address the changing needs of ballet dancers today. Focusing on encouraging a sound basic technique and an understanding of musical interpretation it provides the essentials of a pure classical training.   Ballet develops poise, strength and technique while using positions of the arms, feet, and body designed to enable the dancer to move with the greatest possible agility, control, speed, lightness and grace.   Classes are available for all ages (2 years +) and grades are during the week and on Saturdays. Those Grade 4 ballet and above also take a free ballet class once a week that does not follow the ISTD Syllabus to help grow step vocabulary and gain extra strength. Please see latest timetables for further details. Children’s Exams The Imperial Classical Ballet Children’s exams are designed to provide a sense of achievement for children and young adults who dance for fun as well as those wishing to progress to a career in classical ballet. There are seven Graded Exams ranging from Primary to Grade 6 and 10 Class Exams ranging from Pre-Primary to Class Exam 8. All Imperial Classical Ballet Children’s Exams aim to build a child’s technical ability and understanding of the technique whilst developing an innate sense of poise, grace, musicality and a joy of dance.   Please see Tammy in our onsite shop, First Gear, for the correct First Stage uniform for Ballet. The correct uniform must be worn for all examinations. Grooming is very important and hair should be worn in a neat bun for all ballet classes.

Contact Details

• 9 Enterprise Way, Derby, UK