Dance Classes
The arts centre runs a programme of dance classes, intensive programmes and activities for children and young people throughout the year.
Find out all you need to know about our range of dance opportunities below.
Creative dance
About the dance class
Led by experienced tutor Grace Murdoch, our Creative Dance Classes give young people the encouragement to explore contemporary dance and improvisation. These dance classes offer a collaborative space where young people are provided with a safe and playful environment to share ideas, develop their own artistic voice and find joy in moving. Personal development opportunities include building confidence and exploring the creative voice, as well as developing body skills such as coordination, balance and musicality.
Within each academic year, we have two main studio-based performance opportunities, one in February and one in July. We also create an outdoor site-specific performance in the spring/summer with a performance in May.
How to book
These dance classes are open to young people between years 1 and further education across four 1-hour long sessions held weekly on a Saturday morning. The following groupings are for the 2023-2024 academic year:
- Launch: 09:00 – 10:00 | Years 1, 2 and 3
- Flux: 10:00 – 11:00 | Year 4 and 5
- Expand: 11:00 – 12:00 | Years 6 and 7
- Forge: 12:00 – 13:00 | Years 8 to Further Education
Creative dance classes work on a waiting list and if your child is currently in reception or of an age to start class, please complete the following form.
Contemporary Technique
About the dance class
Led by experienced tutor Grace Murdoch, our Contemporary Technique dance classes fuse elements of Release, Flying Low, Graham and Cunningham techniques, amongst others. The classes are designed to give all students a strong technical foundation and are a great counterpart to our Saturday Creative Dance sessions, they provide a well-rounded dance training for young people.
Each academic year, we have two main studio-based performance opportunities, one in February and one in July. We also create an outdoor, site-specific performance in the spring/summer with a performance in May.
How to book
These dance classes are open to young people between years 3 and further education across four 1-hour long sessions held weekly on a Wednesday evening. The following groupings are for the 2023-2024 academic year. Grace will advise on the most appropriate class based on the previous experience of the young person:
- Beginners: 16:30 – 17:30 | Years 3, 4, 5 and 6
- Juniors: 17:30 – 18:30 | Years 7, 8 and 9
- Intermediate: 18:30 – 19:30 | Years 10 to further education
- Advanced: 19:30 – 20:30 | Years 11 to further education (invitation only)
Contemporary Technique dance classes work on an enquiry basis, please complete the following form.
Propeller
Propeller is a performance company for young people in training, led by Grace Murdoch. An invitation only group of young people selected from our creative dance and contemporary technique classes. Propeller participants demonstrate a passion, skill and dedication to dance at an advance level. Eligibility for Propeller is for young people in secondary and Further Education.
Company members attend weekly sessions, held on a Tuesday Evening. Members progress their choreographic, performance and movement skills through working towards unique Performance and development opportunities.
Company members have participated in National Youth Dance Company, Sadlers Wells. Working with Choreographers such as Wayne McGregor CBE, Botis Seva, Russell Maliphant and Allesandra Seutin.
Previous Propeller performance opportunities have included the Eden Project, The Minack Theatre, and The National Trust Gwithian. Company members have gone on to a range of further and higher education as well as other dance training.
Interested in Propeller or wish to discuss potential collaborations?
Email us