Classes are currently on hold during the pandemic restrictions, so please check back in April 2021 for updates, or e-mail us to be added to the mailing list for new classes. ABOUT THE CLASSES If you are under 16 years old, you can still join the adult classes but will need to be accompanied by an adult (who can join the class for free, or just observe).
The classes have continuity to them, and every four weeks or so we start a new combo (choreography), so once you start, we advise you not to miss classes.
There is no audition for the beginners/intermediates level, and you can just register and join, but for the advanced level, you will need to audition first. If you are unsure of your level, and have some experience in street dance/hip-hop, you might want to try one beginner/intermediate course, and we will be happy to provide feedback and recommendations regarding your suitability for the advanced courses which are tailored more for those dancers wishing to pursue dance as an art form more seriously.
B E G I N N E R / I N T E R M E D I A T E
These classes are suitable for anybody aged 16 and above who wants to learn hip hop (also known as street or urban) dance, and has either little or no experience in this style (or in dance, generally). In the classes, we warm up and stretch for a few minutes, followed by covering some movement vocabulary (or 'move vocab'). This part of the class gradually builds a repertoire of movements that students can use for either free-styling or for choreographies.
In the last part of the class, we spend some time on learning simple combos (i.e., a combination of moves) to either instrumental hip hop or ethnic/trap music, or to lyrical music of a more commercial nature, such as RnB or raggaeton. Over time, the simple combos are developed into choreographies lasting around a minute or two.
While some students progress to the advanced level after a few months or a year, some prefer to stay in this class to further polish their skills. In order to progress to the advanced class, students usually audition based on either their own choreography piece or one of the choreographies taught in the class. Students who wish to progress to the advanced level typically attend a couple of classes weekly (as opposed to just one), and put in a few extra hours of practice weekly in their own time. Equally, other students are happy to just come to these classes for fun and exercise, without any plans for pursue the advanced level.
A D V A N C E D L E V E L These classes are designed for those who have acquired a good movement vocabulary and fluency of rendition through either our beginners/intermediates classes, or from other classes/self-study. While the structure of the class remains the same as the above, we introduce more nuanced and sophisticated choreographies with a higher level of expression and creativity. We also cover more advanced topics such as the subtleties of musicality, how to dance more economically and intelligently, body awareness during movement, and dancing for the screen. Students at this level typically start performing more regularly in front of audiences, join some local 'crews', and start competing. Other students are more interested in exploring movement more creatively by collaborating on new choreographies.
Dancers at this level are also encouraged to expand their dance networks, and actively seek out performance opportunities, as well as to collaborate with other local/international dancers, musicians, and film-makers in order to develop their portfolio and dance career. This level does not necessitate that you consider a professional career in dance, and some students still consider it a hobby at this stage, so we work around the ambitions and interests of the student.