Why choose us
Why choose SCD
A message from the principal
Inspiring the next generation of dancers is my life, passion and true love. My aim is to give every dancer that ever steps into the studio, the opportunity to be the very best they possibly can technically, with self-belief, confidence to achieve and encompassing an adoration for dance and performance that will last a lifetime.
To be able to help influence and guide these amazing young people is such a privilege. Parents and students can rest assured that I will be personally invested and at the forefront of the training of each and every pupil at the school. Every teacher is hand picked by me, for not only their incredible experience and expertise in their field, but also for their exceptional ability to teach and mentor young people in a positive way, building their self-belief every step of the way.
Every teacher shares my ethos, values and a view that it is ‘all about the student’ and what we can do to create amazing performers, ensuring each student’s experience at the school, is simply the best it can be. That’s what makes South Central Dance a very special place to train. We look forward to welcoming you…
Training
The training at South Central Dance will be exceptional in all areas. Alongside the incredible resident faculty there are numerous guest teachers who will come and take whole day masterclasses with the students in their specialised field. And what’s more, there is no other course like it in the south of England.
The Dancers week will be full of classes in:
- Classical ballet
- Technical jazz
- Musical theatre jazz
- Commercial
- Street dance
- Hip hop
- Lyrical
- Contemporary
- Tap
- Heels
- Fitness
- Conditioning
- Pilates
- Flexibility
- Yoga
- Audition technique
Teaching qualification
Added to the professional dance training, over the year at SCD the dancers will also be able to gain a teaching qualification, for The National Association of Teachers of Dance in Contemporary dance. Dancers will be tutored for 6 hours a month within the course timetable and also take their Intermediate NATD contemporary exam, if they haven’t already. The teaching course and qualification will consist of three main aspects. Firstly they will study the syllabi in depth, learning the genre no technique, teaching approaches, common errors and how to avoid and correct them. The dancers will also train in the styles of pioneers of Contemporary dance whilst creating an array of versatile choreography.
Secondly they will learn about the importance of safe dance practise within their dance teaching. They will study anatomy related to the teaching of dance and understand and implement correct teaching methods. This will be invaluable for their pupils to reach their full anatomical potential. Thirdly the dancers will learn how to create their own dance school, including the legal requirements, venue suitability and social media presence.
Upon completion and successful examination results, the dancers will become a fully qualified NATD Associate Dance Teachers in Contemporary Dance. They will be full members of the National Association of Teachers of Dance, be able to enter pupils in NATD Contemporary OfQual Graded and Vocational exams and performance medals and be eligible to use ANATD credentials after their name.
Body and mind
South Central’s ethos is extremely holistic- teaching the whole dancer – body and mind , to prepare them for their future steps into the profession in whichever direction they decide to take after the course.
We have a dedicated school counsellor and a physio. The dancers wellbeing physically and mentally will always be the top priority.
Performance
All students will perform in an end of year show at the stunning Layard Theatre. In addition performance opportunities will be available throughout the year at various high profile events , to ensure as much performance experience as possible.
Exams
Exams are completely optional , but all RAD and ISTD Vocational exams, can be taken should students wish. Classes for these will be in the evening, out of foundation course hours.
Any students wishing to Pursue their teaching career even further can also look to being mentored by Natalie for their RAD CBTS and gain all the relevant teaching assistant hours and training.