Kavanagh Dance - Curriculum

Kavanagh Dance™ offers Ballet, Modern Jazz, Tap and Dancesport classes to the young children. We are conducting classes at Toa Payoh South Community Club, local and international schools and at our private centre is at Loewen Gardens. We conduct classes under the Commonwealth Society of Teachers of Dancing Syllabi, at all levels ranging from Tiny Tots Theatrical to Elementary Major Classical Syllabus, with the prime objective of imparting the love of dancing to children, teenagers and young adults.

Tiny Tots classes for children between three years and five years old are taught the basics of music and movement. Emphasis is placed on learning about their own bodies and enjoyment in movement to music. Very basic ballet techniques are taught with fun and through a gentle approach at this level, as the emphasis here is on introducing the joy of dancing to the very young. As such, various props and instruments are used for fun learning. Props used include rainbow sticks, scarves, fairy wands and Chinese fans and musical instruments like tambourines and Chinese drums are used to help children learn different rhythms.

Theatrical Ballet

Tiny Tots Bronze
Tiny Tots Silver
Tiny Tots Gold

The Tiny Tots Syllabus allows the child to develop a strong sense of rhythm and encourages self-expression through performing the rhythm ladder, basic movements and dances which incorporate mime and simple steps.

Tests are offered in these skills, after which the child is presented with an award badge as an immediate recognition of their effort. This is a special Performance Test designed to encourage our little people to enjoy and experience a sense of performance.

Classical Ballet

Pre-Ballet
Primary
Grade 1 – 6
Sub-Elementary
Elementary
Intermediate
Teacher’s Certificate

Ballet is a graceful and structured dance form which also provides the basic foundation for many other kinds of dance. It improves posture, develops poise and coordination and the refined quality and control of the body achieved through the discipline of ballet technique. Expressive quality of movement is achieved as well as body toning and muscle development and above all enjoyment.

Pre Grades performance tests, Grades 1-6 and Major examinations are offered.

Tap Dance

Preliminary 1
Preliminary 2
Elementary Bronze
Elementary Silver
Elementary Gold
Intermediate Bronze
Intermediate Silver
Intermediate Gold

Tap is a great way to exercise, to develop rhythm, style and coordination and is an easily accessible dance form for all ages.

CSTD Preliminary and Medal Tests are offered from age 6 upwards, beginning with Preliminary 1 which introduces basic barre and centre exercises, simple combinations and a tap dance. This gives students a real feeling of achievement and prepares them for the intricacies of more advanced steps and choreography.

Modern Jazz

Pre-Jazz
Junior Jazz
Grade 1 - 8

Modern Jazz dance is an umbrella term that incorporates several related dance styles. The various styles have grown from the emphasis on individual style and improvisation. Modern Jazz dance emphasizes individual expression and you will see that each teacher, dancer and choreographer will usually bring a unique style of their own into the mixture.

Modern Jazz dance comprises many styles of dance including hip-hop, contemporary, popping & locking, cabaret and broadway styles to name a few. In the CSTD Syllabus the moves from these styles are combined with the technical elements of jazz ballet and ballet to create sharp, strong and clean dance moves that are very energetic.

The Preliminary and Graded Syllabus which has been carefully structured for all ages, from children age 4 years to teenagers and adults, provides the added benefits of promoting fitness and health.

Influenced by pop culture Modern Jazz is generally danced to a 4/4 beat and should be performed to ‘Modern’ or ‘Chart’ music. For younger children there is a wide choice of suitable music available including 'kid's pop' and 'singalong' styles.

Dancesport

Jive
Cha Cha
Mambo

Dancesport provides a healthy and enjoyable form of exercise for mind and body, and students on this programme receive many benefits which contribute to their all-round education. It develops such physical attributes as body grooming, coordination, deportment and effective use of body language.

This stands students in good stead for the future, for instance in the important task of self-projection in interviews for the educational and job market. CSTD Medal Tests are offered in all forms of Latin American, and students begin with the basic figures and structure of Cha Cha and Jive. At the successful competition of the test, students are awarded a Medal and a graded report.

Latin American dance and Street Latin dance have gained renewed interest lately, especially among today's young people. Latin dance is more popular then ever, with programmes like 'Do You Wanna Dance' & 'Strictly Come Dancing' on our tv screens, and more and more people taking it up as a hobby or to get fit.

The Cha Cha, Jive and Mambo especially have been taught at Secondary Schools in the Aesthetics Programme and Dance-In-PE Programme. Its attraction is the fantastic rhythms, to which the steps are performed with lots of energy and vigour.