Our very popular Dance Department is run in association with the Natalie Vinson School of Dance.
Natalie has been running her performing arts company since 1992 and has over 500 pupils and 18 peripatetic teachers who offer our girls excellent teaching and a range of dance grades to suit all abilities. Her School of Dance was awarded the prestigious 'RAD ProjectB Award' at the Dance School of the Year Awards in 2019 as well as 'Category Winner' in 2017 and 'Gold Winner' in 2016.
Girls can take classes in RAD Ballet, Pointework and Conditioning, Tap, Zumba, Contemporary Dance, Street Dance, Pilates and Acro. Pupils are able to take individual or group classes and enjoy the benefit of our fully equipped dance studio with fitted barres, mirrors and a sprung floor.
Every year our dancers perform in a spectacular Dance and Jazz Show where they gain great confidence and pleasure from showcasing their talent. The show is a visual feast, incorporating a variety of dance styles and a balance of individual and group choreography, colourful costumes and the highest quality of lighting and sound provided by our talented Theatre Technician.
Dance Classes
Classical Ballet
Pupils follow the RAD syllabus (Royal Academy of Dance) and have the opportunity to take Graded and Vocational examinations. Lessons can also be taken as a recreational activity (group and individual lessons). Our students have been extremely successful in their RAD Ballet examinations with 100% gaining a Distinction or Merit. Higher grades (from Grade 6) are awarded UCAS points.
Pointework and Conditioning
This class is for pupils in Grade 4 Ballet and above. Pupils will improve their strength and flexibility through stretching and Pilates based exercises. Additionally pupils will study pointework or pointework preparation.
Pilates
Pilates is a popular form of exercise which focuses on the core postural muscles. These help to keep the body balanced and are essential for providing support for the spine. Pilates improves flexibility and teaches awareness of breath control. It requires focus and concentration.
Zumba
Zumba is a very popular aerobics / dance style combining Latin and International music with a fun and effective workout programme.
Tap Dance
Tap has its roots in Harlem, USA and involves the use of the ankles and feet, incorporating different beats and rhythms to music. Not only is tap a very popular form of dance but it's good fun too!
Acro
Acro is a form of movement which combines dance with gymnastics. While all dance is physical, Acro is particularly athletic and has unique choreography due to its use of acrobatics in a dance environment. It seamlessly fuses elements of lyrical gymnastics, tricks, balancing, tumbling, ballet and jazz dance.
Dance GCSE
This class is run by the Natalie Vinson School of Dance and Drama off-site in Ascot and can be taken as an extra GCSE in the girls’ own time.
Natalie Vinson’s GCSE Dance results have been extremely impressive with her students achieving 100% pass rates since the course started in 2003 with 95% (100 students) gaining and A*, A or B Grades.
