Dance
At West Buckland School, our Dance programme cultivates creative, analytical and expressive performances through interactive sessions underpinned by established techniques. We prioritise self-expression, individuality and creative exploration within a positive, challenging, and supportive environment, which, in turn, fosters self-confidence.
Dance Academy
Royal Academy of Dance and IDTA Examinations
At West Buckland School we offer extracurricular dance classes. Within these lessons students follow either the RAD or IDTA syllabus.
Dance examinations are not compulsory or a stipulation for attending our dance lessons. They are, however, a wonderful opportunity for the students to develop focus, progression and achievement.
Senior students also have the opportunity to study GCSE dance as an ECA. All our dance students from both the Prep and Senior school are invited to perform in our Dance performance.
Overview of RAD Curriculum
The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is one of the world’s most influential dance education organizations, with a curriculum that has been developed over the course of many years. The RAD curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in classical ballet, with a focus on developing technical skills, musicality, and artistry.
Core Principles
The RAD curriculum is based on a set of core principles that guide the teaching and learning of ballet. These principles include the importance of correct alignment, the use of turnout, and the development of strength and flexibility. The curriculum is also designed to be progressive, with each level building on the skills and knowledge learned in the previous level.
Educational Philosophy
The RAD’s educational philosophy is based on the belief that ballet is a highly technical art form that requires discipline, dedication, and hard work. The curriculum is designed to challenge students to develop their skills and abilities to the fullest extent possible, while also encouraging creativity and artistic expression.
To achieve this, the RAD curriculum includes a range of exercises and progressions that are designed to develop the different aspects of ballet technique. These include exercises for developing turnout, jumps, and turns, as well as exercises for developing strength, flexibility, and balance. Overall, the RAD curriculum is a comprehensive and well-structured program that provides students with a solid foundation in classical ballet technique. By following the curriculum, students can develop their skills and abilities to the fullest extent possible, while also gaining a deep appreciation for the artistry and beauty of ballet.
PRODUCTIONS & PERFORMANCES
Our evening productions provide pupils with the opportunity to showcase their creativity and talent, with evening performances in the 150 theatre, open to parents, pupils, staff as well as family and friends.
These performances offer pupils the opportunity to work in a dedicated theatre with professional sound and lighting to enhance the experience for all.
Dance Coaching at West Buckland School
Rebecca Varley Ba Hons, Dip Rambert, RTS(RAD), Fellow(IDTA), A(BBO)
Rebecca Varley, Dance Coach, trained at Ballet Rambert in London and London Contemporary Dance school before dancing professionally in both Ballet and Contemporary companies.
A qualified teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance, with 3 Fellowships / higher teaching qualifications with the IDTA, Rebecca has over 20 years of teaching experience including running her own academy, as well as working at other independent schools as dance coach. Rebecca is currently Chair for the International Dance teachers Association, Southwest region.
We are incredibly fortunate to have such an amazingly talented and passionate dance coach.
