Welcome to our WSDA website! We are one of the most prestigious and sought after dance schools where we treat each student as an individual and love the fact that all children and parents are a part of our WSDA dance family! A place where your child can develop and nurture their dancing talents in a fun environment with highly trained and passionate teachers. We encourage each child to reach their full potential whilst making it an enjoyable experience along the way of becoming the best dancer that they can be. We provide tuition to children of all levels and ages with beginner tiny tots classes commencing from the age of 2 right up to pre-professional level.
TINY TOTS
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Our Tiny Tots classes are for children pre Kindergarten, aged 2-4. Let your little one begin their dance journey with us as we nurture their love for dance at this young age. Focusing on the fundamentals such as co-ordination, rhythm, flexibility and creativity, we teach the basics & technical elements of both ballet and jazz techniques in a fun environment with use of props and mime in order to allow our young up and coming dancers the ability to express their freedom of movement in our relaxed, fun & welcoming environment. ​​
CLASSICAL BALLET
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At WSDA we strive for the 3 p’s in our classical ballet classes; poise, posture and performance whilst promoting grace, elegance and flexibility. WSDA is registered and accredited with the Cecchetti syllabus which is known for its beautiful lines, artistry, harmony, co-ordination and musicality. Classical Ballet is essential for all other dance styles as it improves the dancer and forms the basis for all training, therefore making it highly recommended by WSDA.
Once children start kindergarten, they are eligible for our Pre-Primary Ballet classes where they will require one 45min class per week. The next grade from there is Primary which is a 45min class once a week as well for children in Year 1.​ From there, students go into the grade system commencing with Grade 1 (yr 2) level upwards to Grade 6, students are required to attend two ballet classes per week once in the graded system. Students will generally go onto pointe around Grade 5/6 (depending on when they are ready, strong enough and passed by WSDA) and will then attend one pointe class per week on top of their two Grade classes in the week. After the Graded exams, students move into the major examination category, starting with Intermediate then Advanced 1 & Advanced 2. These classes involve more advanced & lengthy training sessions.
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From Pre-Primary level, we prepare, coach and enter students who are ready into a Cecchetti ballet exam. This is a great way for students to have something to strive towards, evaluating their progress and moving up to the next grade each year.
CONTEMPORARY & LYRICAL​
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Contemporary/Lyrical dance classes blend the technical precision of ballet with the expressive freedom of modern dance, creating a deeply emotional and fluid style. These classes emphasize storytelling and self-expression, encouraging dancers to connect with the music and convey emotions through movement. Dancers will explore flowing transitions, dynamic floor work, and controlled leaps and turns while focusing on alignment, strength, and artistry. With its emphasis on personal interpretation, contemporary/lyrical dance fosters creativity and individuality, making it an inspiring experience for dancers of all levels. Whether performing to a heartfelt ballad or a dramatic score, this style captures the beauty of movement and emotion.​​
JAZZ​
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Jazz dance classes are high-energy and dynamic, blending classic jazz techniques with modern influences to create a versatile and engaging style. These classes focus on sharp, precise movements, rhythm, and musicality, incorporating elements like kicks, turns, and leaps. Dancers will explore a variety of jazz styles, from traditional Broadway-inspired routines to contemporary and commercial jazz. With an emphasis on performance quality and self-expression, jazz classes help dancers build confidence, strength, and coordination. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced dancer, jazz offers an exciting and upbeat way to hone your technique and ignite your passion for dance.
hip hop​
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Hip hop dance classes bring energy, creativity, and rhythm to the forefront, offering an engaging exploration of this vibrant, street-inspired style. Rooted in urban culture, these classes focus on foundational moves such as popping, locking, breaking, and grooves, while also incorporating the latest trends in hip-hop choreography. Dancers will build strength, coordination, and confidence as they master dynamic routines set to upbeat music. Emphasizing individuality and self-expression, hip-hop classes encourage dancers to bring their unique style and personality to each movement. Open to all skill levels, these classes are a fun and empowering way to connect with the rhythm and energy of the music.
musical theatre​
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Musical theatre dance classes combine the magic of storytelling with the energy of dance, bringing the stage to life through expressive movement and theatrical performance. These classes focus on developing skills in dance styles commonly featured in musicals, such as jazz, tap, and character work, while emphasizing acting and interpretation to convey emotion and narrative. Dancers will learn choreography inspired by Broadway classics and modern productions, working on stage presence, timing, and storytelling through movement. Perfect for aspiring performers or anyone who loves the spotlight, musical theatre classes offer a fun and creative outlet to explore the art of combining dance, drama, and music.
TECHNIQUE
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Technique dance classes are the foundation of a dancer’s training, focusing on building strength, flexibility, precision, and artistry. These classes emphasize proper alignment, balance, and movement execution to enhance overall performance and prevent injury. Whether working on pirouettes, leaps, or intricate footwork, students will develop a deeper understanding of body mechanics and refine their skills through repetitive exercises and targeted drills. Technique classes cater to all levels, helping beginners build a strong base and offering advanced dancers the tools to elevate their craft.
TAP
Tap dance classes are a rhythmic and energetic exploration of music and movement, where dancers become both performers and percussive musicians. These classes focus on developing precision, coordination, and musicality through intricate footwork and rhythm patterns. Dancers will learn fundamental steps like shuffles, flaps, and time steps, progressing to more complex combinations as they advance. With an emphasis on creating sound and rhythm with their feet, students develop a strong sense of timing and performance style. Tap dance is a fun and engaging way to express creativity, build confidence, and connect with the joy of making music through movement.​​
ACROBATICS
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​Acrobatic dance classes combine the grace of dance with the athleticism of acrobatics, creating a stunning fusion of artistry and physical skill. These classes focus on developing flexibility, strength, balance, and control through movements like handstands, cartwheels, walkovers, and aerial tricks. Dancers will learn to seamlessly integrate acrobatic elements into choreography, enhancing their performance with dynamic and visually captivating skills. Emphasis is placed on proper technique and safety to ensure confident and secure execution of all tricks. Suitable for dancers of all levels, acrobatic dance classes provide an exciting challenge that builds confidence and pushes physical boundaries.
eisteddfod troupes
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For dancers looking to further their training and to gain more exposure to performing & competing, performance classes are on offer for students who wish to compete in eisteddfod groups and represent WSDA. In order to be eligible for these troupes, students must have successfully passed our audition process and been accepted into the troupe teams by WSDA at the beginning of each year.
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Being a part of an eisteddfod troupe is a huge honour and means that your child has been handpicked based on their ability and commitment. Parents and students should be extremely proud of this achievement and understand that they will be representing WSDA at various competitions over the course of the year. This commitment involves a rehearsal per troupe per week on a Saturday at our Top Rye Studio as well as presence at all eisteddfods entered over the year (we generally only enter 5 competitions per year). Weekly rehearsals are compulsory and if your child is sick we ask that students come to watch (if they aren't contagious.) WSDA also holds the right to schedule extra/intensive rehearsals and students are required to attend these as being part of the team means that all troupe members have to be committed.
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WSDA Troupe Members are required to take the following classes (at a minimum) each week:
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> 2x Cecchetti Ballet classes
> Necessary weekly classes in the eisteddfod troupe dance style wishing to be a part of
> Technique Class
> Open Ballet
open ballet class​
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Open ballet classes are an opportunity for ballet students to further their skills by taking part in a class once a week where they are taught new exercises on the spot. This triggers their mind & focus to be active in class in order to remember the skills and exercises taught to them. This is essential for students who are progressing and furthering their dance training to take part in different competitions and scholarships as it prepares them to think on the spot and gain skills required to take their training to the next level. As classical ballet is the foundation of all dance styles, this not only benefits their balletic abilities, but for all forms of other dance genres too. Students are also sometimes taught Repertoire work, becoming familiar with variations from different Ballets'. ​
PRIVATE LESSONS
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WSDA offers private lessons to students if wishing to participate in eisteddfod solos or to further their training and are wanting to gain more one-on-one time with one of our esteemed teachers. Every student who is competing in eisteddfod solo's will require a private lesson once a week (with the length of the private lesson to be decided by Miss Whitney, depending on the number of solo's they will be doing). Please note that it is a requirement to partake in WSDA's Eisteddfod Troupes in order to compete in Eisteddfod Solos.
If you are wanting private lessons to better your technique in a one-on-one setting this can also be arranged with approval from WSDA.
