Top Ballet Dance Classes in Singapore

What is ballet dance?

Have you ever been to a ballet performance, the likes of “The Nutcracker” or  “Swan Lake”, and wonder how the dancers seem so graceful and are able to tell a story without even saying a word but simply using their body movements?

Welcome to the world of ballet.

Ballet originally began as a court dance in the 15th century in Western Europe. Ballet gradually spread beyond its court origins and soon after, professional ballet academies started popping up across Western European cities. It was only in Paris, where ballet was first presented on stage rather than in court and in France, where ballet and opera were combined. 

Over the years, ballet migrated to Russia, giving us popular classics such as “Sleeping Beauty” and “Swan Lake”. In fact, the Russians had a major influence on the style of ballet, contributing to the evolution of ballet techniques and resulting in the dominance of highly-skilled female ballet dancers.

Today, ballet dance has evolved into various variations. The more commonly-known ballet variations include classical ballet, romantic ballet, and neoclassical ballet. 

Am I too old to take up ballet dance classes?

Absolutely not! Anyone with a passion for dancing can take up ballet dance.

Some may recommend starting children on ballet dance at a young age as they are more nimble and flexible. Young children also tend to be more energetic and ballet dance classes may provide them with an avenue to expend all that energy.

However, do not despair if you are an adult without any prior dance or ballet background! There is an increasing number of ballet dance studios that offer ballet classes for adults due to the myriad of benefits that ballet offers.

Benefits of taking ballet dance classes

Regardless of whether you are taking ballet dance classes as an adult or considering sending your children to take up ballet lessons, here are some benefits of ballet:

Physical coordination and good posture

Ballet is one of the few activities that boasts multiple health benefits all in one. The core principles of ballet focus on four factors: balance, coordination, strength, and poise. This means that every dance step builds on these core principles in order to make you a strong and capable dancer. In fact, to be able to dance properly without injuring yourself, you will need to have a good posture and a strong core. 

In executing the dance moves, you will need to move different parts of your body in opposing directions while simultaneously stretching and controlling your muscles. Concurrently, you will also need to coordinate your dance moves with the music. The result? Strong muscles and posture that allows you to move with intention and exceptional coordination!

Mental strength and focus

With all the physical demands of ballet, imagine the amount of work that your brain is doing as you work to coordinate your hands and feet to the music! It also takes discipline and focus to be able to master the techniques of ballet. Graceful and fluid dance movements definitely do not happen overnight. It takes months and even years of practice to master even the most simplest of ballet moves, such as a Pirouette.

Builds social skills

Dancing is not meant to be an individual activity. In fact, ballet dance classes help to build up your social skills as students are typically encouraged to work together and help each other on the various dance steps. After all, everyone is in a ballet dance class for the same reason – to learn ballet! That in itself creates a special camaraderie between students.

Instills confidence

Performing in front of an audience can be nerve-wrecking, particularly if it is your first time performing on stage. For some, they may live for the thrill of performance while others may get cold feet.Regardless of the category that you fall under, the confidence to overcome this fear is built through your ballet class!

Throughout your ballet dance journey, there will be numerous opportunities for you to perform in front of your peers, family and friends, and even a live audience. These opportunities are a great way for you to build your confidence level and self-esteem. Even if the performance is less than perfect, most students learn to appreciate their successes and learn from their mistakes. 

Are there professional exams in ballet?

If you are keen to pursue a career as a professional ballet dancer, it is highly recommended that you take ballet exams. Ballet exams serve to highlight your experience, seriousness in pursuing a profession as a ballet dancer and most importantly, improve your ballet techniques. 

While there are various ballet exams boards, the most widely-recognised exam board is the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD).

RAD is a UK-based examination board that focuses on classical ballet syllabus. There is generally two syllabus in RAD – the graded and the vocational syllabus.

Graded syllabus

The graded syllabus is often described as the “dance” syllabus. Teachers and examiners focus more on the expression and joy of dancing and performing rather than on the ballet techniques. 

The graded syllabus is as follows:

• Pre-primary
• Primary
• Grade 1
• Grade 2
• Grade 3
• Grade 4
• Grade 5
• Grade 6
• Grade 7
• Grade 8

Vocational syllabus

The vocational syllabus, on the other hand, focuses on the ballet techniques. This means that every plié and pirouette that you execute will be assessed by the teacher and examiner. However, this does not mean that musicality and performance is not important.

The vocational syllabus was designed to prepare dancers who want to pursue a career as professional ballet dancers. Below is the list of vocational syllabus:

• Intermediate Foundation (non compulsory)
• Intermediate
• Advance Foundation (non compulsory)
• Advance 1
• Advance 2
• Solo Seal (Only available if you scored distinction for Advanced 2)

I am ready to sign up for my first ballet dance class! How can I get started?

Keen to get started on your ballet journey and excited to sign up for your very first ballet dance class? Here are some of the best ballet dance schools in Singapore to consider:

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