What is so special about Dance?

Dance is an art-form that knows no barriers and can be enjoyed by anyone.

Dance develops life skills, increasing confidence and self-esteem, expressions, communication and self-motivation.

Dance improves posture and physical strength.

Dance develops co-ordination and appreciation of music.

Dance provides new and exciting challenges and opportunities to meet like-minded people.

Dance is Fun!

Dancing around the world

The RAD was founded in 1920, by a small group of celebrated European dancers and has grown to become a global organization that exists to develop and promote the knowledge, understanding and practice of dance internationally. Every year over 250,000 students around the world are taught the RAD classical ballet syllabi by accredited Academy trained teachers.

Why choose an RAD school?

The RAD considers professional training of young children in classical ballet to be vitally important.  The RAD’s syllabi have been devised with great care to enable a child to progress through their dance training in planned stages, demanding not more of a young body than it can cope with.

Students begin with the Grade Syllabus and after Grade 5 can either continue to Grade 8 and/or opt to follow the Vocational Syllabus designed for students wishing to study Classical Ballet seriously with a possible view to pursuing a career in dance or dance-related subjects.
 

Ballet Examinations

Examinations are not for everyone but at Pegasus Studios there are opportunities to participate in Examinations, Class Awards and Solo Performance Awards or to simply progress from level to level.

Why take an exam?

-        To attain your personal best and have fun

-        To have a goal to work towards

-        To receive recognition from the world’s largest ballet examining body

-        In some parts of Canada (and around the world) – receive high school accreditation.

-        Leads to self-confidence that will be carried with you throughout your life and developing necessary life skills.

How to prepare for an exam?

-For Grade Examination (Grade 1-8) you will need to do a minimum of two classes a week and be consistent in your attendance.  There will also be extra coaching classes leading up to the exam.

- For Vocational Examination (Intermediate Foundation to Advanced 2) you should expect to a minimum of three classes a week at the lowest level, increasing as you progress to the higher levels

A mother of a Pegasus dancer, Alisa, asked us to talk a bit about teenagers and keeping them engaged. This is a tough one! As teachers, we are often looking for new and up to date resources on this very subject. We've shared two on this blog for you!

Here is an article written by Annie Spell, PhD. Annie Spell is a child psychiatrist and the co-creator of Leap N' Learn, the ballet syllabus we use for our youngest dancers.

Taming the Teenage Brain

We are also huge fans of Dr. Karyn Gordon and her wonderful book "Dr. Karyn's Guide to the Teen Years." Visit Dr. Karyn's website for more resource and sign up for her newsletter to receive up to date advice on parenting and working with teens.

Dr. Karyn's Site

This art is hanging in our new gallery Splash! If you haven't been to our third floor lately, we think it is worth taking the trip to see the fall leaves project from the Pre-School Program!