Dance Styles
Boys and girls can join at any age from 3 upwards into their early 20’s. Ballet is the foundation of all dance genres and is a vital core subject. The youngest class, which is for 3-year olds, lasts for 30 minutes - at which the little ones learn to dance in a fun way. Even the most timid child soon gains confidence and these lessons assist in achieving poise, coordination and musicality. Children can then progress through the grades over the years ahead - moving up a class when the Principal feels they are ready.
BALLET
'Photo Credit: Michal Szlabowicz'
Tap and Modern are taught as a joint class, where the time is split equally over both subjects. These classes are for ages 4 and upwards and are a fantastic subject to go alongside Ballet. In Tap and Modern, the students will learn the fundamental technique of these impressive dance genres, whilst learning a sense of style and developing their performance skills. With the use of popular up-to-date music, these subjects are always a firm favourite with our students.
TAP & MODERN
'Photo Credit: Michal Szlabowicz'
These classes are for all ages and both men and women. Whether the mature student has tapped as a child or is an absolute beginner, they will be welcome! The emphasis is on having fun and learning new skills at our Tuesday evening class. Our Adult Tappers have even performed in our many spectacular shows at the Beck Theatre in Hayes.
ADULT TAP
'Photo Credit: Michal Szlabowicz'
ADULT BALLET
These classes are for all ages and both men and women. You may have taken Ballet classes as a child and would like to return to the Ballet barre, or perhaps you've never taken Ballet before but always wanted to try. The benefits of Ballet classes are endless. They are a great work out for the whole body, they will improve your muscle strength, posture, co-ordination, focus, confidence and so much more. Our Adult Ballet classes take place on a Wednesday evening and everyone is welcome, no matter your ability or previous experience.
ISTD Exams
As soon as children have reached the required standard, they may be entered for examinations with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD). The Orchard Academy has an exceptionally high standard and pupils regularly achieve excellent marks. It’s worth noting that pupils always improve considerably when leading up to the examination day – however, exams are not compulsory.
The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) is the world's leading dance examinations board. Formed in 1904, it is today a registered educational charity and is the only organisation that covers the full spectrum of dance examinations on a truly global scale.
The ISTD's chief objective is "to educate the public in the art of dancing in all its forms". To achieve this, the ISTD works in five main ways:
To promote knowledge of dance
To maintain and improve teaching standards
To qualify, by examination, teachers of dancing in the ISTD's
Specialist techniques taught by their 10,000 members in schools of dancing throughout the world
To provide, through its syllabi, techniques upon which to train dancers for the profession
To find out more information about the ISTD Syllabus, click the link below
Performances
The highlight of the Orchard Dance Academy calendar is when we present our own spectacular stage show every 2 years, at the 600-seat Beck Theatre in Hayes.
Every pupil is involved and the three performances give our students the opportunity to showcase the wide variety of styles that they have been learning.
With dazzling costumes, professional lighting and impressive sound, we ensure our shows have extremely high production standards and make for a magical, unforgettable weekend for both the students and their families.
CLICK TO WATCH HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR MOST RECENT SHOW
Previous Productions
2022
'FLASHBACK'
2019
'Dare To Dream'
2016
'In The Spotlight'
2011
'The Time Of My Life'
2006
'Dancing Through Life'
2002
'A New World Of Song And Dance'
1995
'The Melody Lingers On'
1990
'Seasons'
2014
'Dance Like No One's Watching'
2009
'Can't Stop The Beat'
2004
'A Christmas Cracker'
2000
'One Moment In Time'
1997
'Journey Through The Classics'
1993
'Magic Of The Movies'
Gallery
'Photo Credit: Michal Szlabowicz'