Dancing Teachers
Ballet Teachers
Highland Dancing

Welcome to the Ann Roberts School of Dance.

Participation in classes at our school opens the doors to the world of dance, providing each student with strong technical and performance skills as well as enhancing their personal development – not forgetting the pleasure and enjoyment of friendships experienced by all during the course of the year.

The dance year at the studio consists of four terms. The school prepares students for exams, the Eisteddfod, community performances, open days and the annual concert at the end of the year. The main studio operates from Pirani Hall in Fletcher Street, with suburban studios operating in Wulguru, Pimlico and Heatley. We also offer creative movement in primary schools with our Moving ARTS programme. Our studio observes the principles of the Ausdance Code of Practice.

HISTORY OF THE SCHOOL

The school, founded in 1957 by Miss Roberts AO, passed on management when Miss Roberts retired in 1996 to daughter, Louise Hedgcock until 2004. The school is now in the hands of daughter, Jane and her husband André Reynaud with Debbie Costigan as principal teacher. The school evolves to reflect the changing world by offering the highest quality training in the most caring and fun filled environment for both the lover of dance and the aspiring professional.

The school is proud to say that many of its past students have pursued a career in the world of dance. To name a few, are Natalie Weir – freelance choreographer, Jane Pirani – Artistic director Dance North (1997-2005), Kurt Phelan – professional dancer in musicals, Kym Degenhart – Moulin Rouge, Tim Coleman – San Diego Ballet; and Joyce Munroe, Debbie Costigan, Debbie Clements, Alison Tierney, Ann Thurley, Lenore Nielsen, Kylie Ball and Jeanette Mulligan as teachers of dance.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

1. To provide a solid technical basis in dance using internationally recognised syllabi. This also provides a firm foundation on which those with the ability and desire can build a career in dance.

2. To offer opportunities for students to extend their artistic qualities. Participation in public performances in the community is promoted, and a high standard is always produced for the Annual Concert. Involvement in competition is catered for, but excessive competition is not encouraged.

3. To cultivate in each student a sense of self discipline and self confidence. Students are encouraged to succeed at a level consistent with their ability and to extend themselves by hard work and dedication.

THE DANCE CURRICULUM

Students at the school can learn the art of classical ballet, character, tap, jazz, contemporary, highland, song and dance, creative movement, fitness and yoga. All ages are catered for from tiny tots through to adults. Examination syllabi are taught in classical ballet and character with the Royal Academy of Dance (R.A.D.), tap and jazz through the Federal Association of Teachers of Dance (F.A.T.D), and highland through the National Dancing Association (NDA)

CLASSICAL BALLET

Grace, strength, agility and the suspense of disbelief are synonymous with ballet. From a very young age children learn the secrets behind this unique technique and over the years they master a discipline that offers artistry, self esteem and the ability to work in a team. The school teaches the RAD syllabus.

MODERN/JAZZ/CONTEMPORARY

The body explores the potential to move every which way it can to popular music and funky beats. These styles work flexibility and strength, dynamics and communication skills and allow the children to have incredible fun as they keep fit. The school teaches the FATD syllabus in Jazz and tap.

TAP

Let your feet become a percussion instrument and delight in the rhythmic coordination and tricky foot work that is a feature of tap. This technique is suitable for all ages and is very popular with our adult classes. Style and pizzazz will spring from every beat.

KREATIVE KIDS

Creative movement was successfully introduced in 2005. Debbie Clements, very experienced in this field takes the children through fascinating journeys to help unlock the creative potential in every child.

HIGHLAND

Highland dancing is a strong yet graceful national dance form that is performed to traditional and modern Scottish music. The school teaches the NDA syllabus for Scottish, Lesser Known and Jig/Hornpipe examinations. Children are able to register to compete in recognised SOBHD competitions, which develop through a levels system, commencing with Primary level for 4-year-olds.

SONG and DANCE

The children learn how to pitch, project and perform both a song and a dance simultaneously. Technical instruction is offered to train the vocal development of the voice and how to move whilst singing. Essential for the aspiring pop star of tomorrow as it follows the mystique of the pop/video world.

FITNESS

You want to be fit – but not an elite athlete. Then this is for you. Fitness classes will gradually build cardio fitness, muscle endurance and stamina. Join the fun and rigour of circuit training, pyramids and sweat. Various elements from Pilates are also incorporated. These classes are excellent for good health and well-being. Joggers (shoes) with clean soles are essential.

ADULT CLASSES

Recreation classes for adults are available in Tap, Jazz, Highland, Irish and Ballet. Keep those feet moving, brains ticking and limbs graceful as you keep yourself active. The classes provide technical expertise in each discipline for dance and exercise lovers who also want to have fun.

YOGA

Yoga is ideal for mind and body harmony. Calming, deeply mediative and immensely fulfilling yoga quite simply makes you feel very good.

Moving ARTS
(Ann Roberts Teaching in Schools)

Established in 2005 this programme provides dance workshops for educational institutions such as primary and high schools, TAFE, distance education and community organisations. It also provides professional development services to teachers, carers and the broader community. Each year, Moving ARTS workshops are conducted in Townsville, and in regional centres of North Queensland.

STAFF

The staff has a broad range of teaching experience in a wide variety of dance forms, and a genuine interest and concern for all students. Knowledge and experience is passed onto our students, whilst promoting a spirit of cooperation and friendliness both in the classroom and outside the studio.

Our teachers stay abreast of the developments in Dance by regularly attending seminars and performances. Our school currently has a teaching staff of nine and four assistants. As well, we have three pianists, two office co-ordinators and a manager. The school employs specialist guest teachers regularly.

FEE POLICY

Please see separate attachment for information regarding fee policy and schedule. As Tiny Tots pay by the class this does not apply to them. They can pay by the term but there is no discount.

EXAMINATIONS

Participation in examinations is not compulsory but the involvement is encouraged as an incentive and a goal. Parents who wish their children to take examinations, must allow their child to attend the required lessons each week. Regular attendance is essential, particularly in the weeks preceding the exams, even if school holidays coincide with the preparation period. Examinations are an extra cost.

DRESS

Children must attend classes neatly dressed in suitable attire – leotards, socks/tights and correctly fitted shoes for ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, highland and song and dance. Kreative Kids requires clothes that allow free movement such as shorts, track suit pants, T-shirts but no skirts. Socks or bare feet are recommended for these classes.

For examinations, dress standards are set by the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), the Federal Association of Teachers of Dance (FATD) and the National Dancing Association (NDA). The regulation leotard for your child’s class is the same as is required for the exam. A list of requirements is on the noticeboard. Robyn’s Ballet Supplies, at the front of Studio 2 has all of your dance wear needs. Costumes for the eisteddfod, highland competitions and concert are extra.

Hair is to be neatly done, close to the head. Long hair is to be pulled back and up off the neck and face. No jewellery is to be worn in class. The wearing of T-Shirts and track pants is not allowed.

A noticeboard is in the foyer of the main studio if you wish to advertise the sale of used clothing, shoes or costumes.

PERFORMANCES

Participation in the annual concert, which is held at the Civic Theatre in early December, is highly recommended but not compulsory. The students benefit greatly as well as thoroughly enjoy this on-stage experience.

Student participation in the Townsville Eisteddfod is by choice. Please seek the advice of your child’s teacher before entering solos and duos, to ascertain your child’s suitability for the section your child wishes to enter. Solo items require extra lessons, therefore extra costs for tuition, costumes and music. Any child wishing to enter solo items must attend the respective class of the particular type of dance he/she wishes to perform. The Eisteddfod is very beneficial for students, however it is important to familiarise yourself with our Eisteddfod policy before entering. This is available from the office.

Our school enters group items in the Eisteddfod. Participation in groups teaches students to work as a team and builds community spirit.

4. Play on the hillside or in the open drain is strictly prohibited.

5. Belongings and valuables are not to be left unattended. Racks are provided to store those items during class.