OUR CLASSES
BALLET
Ballet is a specific academic dance form and technique which is taught in ballet schools according to specific methods. There are many ballet schools around the world that specialize in various styles of ballet and different techniques offered. Our school is affiliated with The Royal Academy of Dancing (RAD).
Ballet is best known for its unique features and techniques, such as pointe work, turn-out of the legs, and high extensions; its graceful, flowing, precise movements; and its ethereal qualities. We undertake examinations with the RAD every year – all classes do not take exams every year, and the candidates are entered at the discretion of the Head of Ballet Marian Lennon. We are very proud of our Ballet Faculty and the results which we have achieved over the years – and it’s never too late to start!
The Head of Ballet will assess the abilities of new students on the first day of term. Please book into an age appropriate Grade and we can move you up of down depending on Ms. Lennon’s decision.
Regulation uniform is required for those children taking RAD Ballet and Examinations.
The uniform consists of:
The Royal Academy of Dance
The RAD is one of the largest and most influential dance education and training organistaions in the world. The organisation promotes knowledge, understanding and practice of dance internationally. The RAD seeks to accomplish these goals through educating and training teachers and students and providing examinations to reward achievements.
The RAD uniform can be purchased in:
DANCE WORLD: 16 Sandford Road, Ranelagh, Dublin 6. Tel: (01) 497 6128
DANCE WORLD: 163 Parnell Street, Dublin 1. Tel: (01) 874 4894 Phone Mail Order Line – 24 Hour Tel: 1850 543 198
Dimension Dancewear ,124 Upper Drumcondra Road, Dublin 9
The school will be working with pupils towards the Royal Academy of Dance Examinations/ Class Awards. For those of you who are not familiar with the exam system or the benefits of ballet class we would suggest that you visit the Academy website at www.rad.org. The Royal Academy of Dance is the worlds largest Ballet School and NPAS are delighted to be entering our 28th year with the RAD.
MUSICAL THEATRE
Musical Theatre class is a class which combines music, songs, dance, and spoken dialogue. It is closely related to the Broadway and West-End Musical, and the development of the modern musical. Class will include vocal warm ups and exercises, and the choreographed rehearsal and production of pieces from various Musicals. This class is sometimes referred to as a combination of Drama and singing Class, but it is much more than that. It is a class which focuses specifically on pieces from Shows like Wicked, Hamilton, Matidla, SIX, The Lion King – just to name a few!!! Musical Theater students would benefit from taking Drama and Singing classes as well, we have classes for all ages in all our venues!
DRAMA
Our Drama/Acting Classes can include dramatic play, story enactment, imagination journeys, improvisation, theatre games, music, and dance. “Let’s pretend” is the norm in creative drama class, not just a child’s game. Because the emphasis in creative drama is process rather than product, teachers have the freedom to take as much time as needed with their classes. Speech and Drama is also about communication, confidence, skill, talent and creativity. Each year our drama teachers enter our students for examinations with The Irish Board of Speech and Drama. The Irish Board is an independent body which provides an objective assessment of achievement in communication skills and dramatic arts through its progressive examination system, catering for all age groups. Their syllabus encourages and facilitates the development of important communication and dramatic skills.
Each Year our Drama Students and our Musical Theatre Students take exams with The Irish Board of Speech and Drama. Speech and Drama, and Musical Theatre is about communication, confidence, skill, talent and creativity, and everyone at the Irish Board of Speech and Drama want to encourage it. The Irish Board is an independent body which provides an objective assessment of achievement in communication skills and dramatic arts through its progressive examination system, catering for all age groups. They publish a syllabus which encourages and facilitates the development of important communication and dramatic skills.
CONTEMPORARY
Rather than emphasising one technique, the contemporary dancer is exposed to a wide range of techniques which ensure versatility in dance. Contemporary dance is more concerned with examining the performing and choreographic process. This class will teach the students to draw on modern dance techniques and to discover the relationship between mind and body. It will be a fun class which will give you a new understanding of the possibilities of dance.
TAP DANCE
NPAS is one of the only performing arts schools to still offer tap as a subject. We have always found this strange, as Tap Dance is an important part of any professional dancers repertoire. This hugely entertaining and fun class involves the rhythmic tapping of the performers feet, making the performer not just a dancer, but also a percussive musical instrument!! The class involves training in tap technique which is all important and once learned correctly will stay with the student for life. The tap dance taught in our classes is a modern version of Tap, which differs in the music used with some hip hop and street style arm movements in some of the routines. Tap Shoes are an essential for these classes. This year younger tap class is combined with jazz, each discipline getting 30 minutes of class each. We feel that this is a perfect combination of these two very necessary and important styles of dance for our younger students.
HIP-HOP
These dance styles are very similar with the main difference being the experience of the teacher, music, where the teacher trained and what they like to call their class. Each class combines rhythm and self expression with the latest dance styles fused with the latest moves. If you like pop music, R’n’B, Funk and Hip Hop Music you will love these classes. If you watch Mtv and think ‘I wish I could do that’, then these are the classes for you. No experience is necessary, just bring yourself and a good attitude and soon enough you’ll be grooving like the music stars of today!! Take one class, or try alongside Contemporary or Jazz for different styles, different music, and unique routines – ENJOY!!
singing
Our Singing classes are really great fun, and the perfect compliment to your other classes here at NPAS. The Classes are designed to give you the voice and confidence to get up and sing in public. We aim to develop your voice, musicality, self confidence, creativity and imagination during singing class. This is done by combining traditional singing lessons with vocal training and breathing. We use contemporary songs from the current charts and songs/pieces from current and classic Musicals. Singing class should be taken in conjunction with your Dance and Drama class.
JAZZ DANCE
Jazz dance is an essential part of Musical Theatre choreography. If you want to Dance on Broadway or in the West End or anywhere in the world professionally, you will have to master the techniques of Jazz Dance. Jazz thrives in dance schools all over the world, where it is the most popular dance for amateur and professional dancers. Jazz remains an essential part of Musical Theatre choreography; it is often interwoven with other dance styles but, along with ballet, remains the backbone of professional dance. Many students from our school have gone on to further their studies in the United States and The UK – a basic training in Jazz and in Ballet was essential for them to get through even the most basic first round auditions. Jazz provides you with an understanding of the language of dance, and is an inspirational and thrilling class.
SCREEN ACTING
This course will introduce students to creating their own film and video content. It will cover sound, filming, editing, script writing and choosing a soundtrack. It will include working across all the media and art forms used in the film and television industry. From iMovie as an editing package, to TikTok on your mobile device, this will be a fun introduction to creating your own media content. Suitable to everyone who loves social media online and wants to create memorable, unique and fun content!
NPAS Performance company
This class is for those who have taken class with us in NPAS for 2 years or more, and must be done in conjunction with another class. With workshops in Theatre, improv, Musical Theatre, Acting through Song, and other performance techniques with a variety of NPAS & Guest teachers – this class will form the company for all our performance opportunities over our 3 big events this year for our 30 year celebration! If you have been with us for a while, in a show cast or those aspiring to be a NPAS trainee teacher in the future this is the class to do!!
Little Ones Song & Dance
For ages 2yrs+ this class is a fun hour to introducer Little One’s to Song & Dance. Drawing on musical theatre, this class is perfect for toddlers who just love to move, and will blend fun story telling with music, movement and singing!
CHOREOGRAPHY SKILLS & PERFORMANCE
Our Choreography Skills & Performance class will inspire you to create! With a blend of some step-by-step classic contemporary performance practices and exciting new techniques, including solo work, group work and fun inovative and unexpected tasks that show us anything can be an inspiration for movement. This class will have you exploring new ways to move, being curious to find your style and most importantly giving tools and methods to create your own unquie dance for yourself and others! Dancers this is for you!
Dance Drama & Musical Theatre
Taking place in our Jr.School at Ringsend, this class will introduce our young students to the basics of Dance Drama & Musical Theatre! With fun games, storytelling, singing techniques, dances and drama skills, this class is the perfect start for all aged 4yrs+ to build confidence, make new friends and find their voice!
