Alta Autumn 2023 Newsletter

Autumn Term 2023 Newsletter

We would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your families a very happy holiday season after what has been a busy and productive Autumn Term.

Thank you to our wonderful team of teachers and support staff for their energy and commitment, our students for working so hard and making great progress, and to our parents and guardians for your continued support! We are immensely grateful.

Looking ahead to the Spring Term, we are excited to present our bi-annual school show at the Old Market Theatre in Hove on Wednesday 27th and Thursday 28th March 2024. Please save the dates and see further details below.

Royal Academy of Dance Exams

This term we held our RAD ballet exams at the end of term at our Brighton Studio and also some vocational sets took their exams at RAD HQ in London.

RAD Exams at HQ (London)

Pictured here are a group of Intermediate Foundation dancers, waiting for the bell to ring outside the exam studio.

Exam Results & Certificates

It was a joyous occasion handing out exam certificates at the beginning of this term for Summer term exams - from Pre-Primary to Grade 8.

We had a record 65% distinctions and high distinctions. Pictured directly below are full sets of Grade 5, 6 and 7 disctinctions!

RAD Advanced 2

We are delighted that Claire was able to take her Advanced 2 exam before leaving us and starting her first professional contract. We extend our congratulations to her for being awarded her ARAD status which is only given when a dancer passes their Advanced 2 examination.

Latest News

External Performances

Last month, seven of our students performed in English Youth Ballet’s production of Coppelia at the Hawth theatre and one performed in South Coast Ballet’s production of Nutcracker in Eastbourne. We enjoyed watching their lovely performances (photos below).

We also wish Phoenix, Laila and Clementine the best of luck for their upcoming performances in the Pantomime Elf at the Brighton Centre in January.

London Children’s Ballet

Congratulations to Bella who has successfully auditioned for a place in London Children’s Ballet’s main company for their next production of The Secret Garden in July 2024 at the Peacock Theatre in London’s West End. 450 auditioned for just 50 places!

Bella has also recently been offered a place as a Ballet Boost Associate.
Well done!

National Youth Ballet (NYB)

Performer of the Season & Choreography Cup

We are delighted that Zak won the choreography cup for the second year in a row at the NYB 2023 choreograpy competition. He was also presented the Jill Tookey Performer of the Season Cup for 2023. Congratulations!

Vocational School Auditions

Success for both Marcus and Matilda!
Marcus has been offered final stage auditions for both Tring Park School for the Performing Arts and London Vocational Ballet School. Matilda is through to semi-finals for Elmhurst Ballet School.

We’re excited for you both!

NYB ‘All In!’ Project with Parable Dance

Zak and Matilda performed in a joint project with NYB, Parable Dance and South East Dance just before the start of the Autumn term. A very moving performance of Romeo & Juliet.

This has been nominated for a One Dance UK Award!

RAD Audition for a Filming Project

We are honoured that our dance school was invited by the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) to send selected students up to RAD HQ for a special audition for a prestigious filming project.

We will be able to share more news on this exciting project next term!

Keeping Up to Date

Please get in touch if you need audition photos or videos or would like advice on external courses and Associate programmes. Teacher guidance is generally required and advisable for applications to ensure the best outcome.

We have a member of staff who specialises in dance photography if you are interested in booking a photoshoot. Contact AFM Photography for further details.

Modern, Contemporary and All That Jazz

ISTD Modern Classes

Students are thoroughly enjoying our ISTD Modern Classes with Miss Charlie. If you are interested in starting a new genre, what better time than the New Year! We will be running our first ISTD modern exams before long.

Jazz & Contemporary

We run both Jazz and Contemporary classes (from age 9+ approximately).

Experience different movement styles to become a more versatile dancer.

Classes combine technical exercises as well as simple routines exploring a variety of styles.

Stretch & Technique

Do you want to improve your flexibility and strength? Our S&T classes have proved popular and students have benefitted from improved flexibility and general strength. Learn some new exercises that can be done safely at home to improve turn out, core stability and more.

We love this picture of a dad joining in the Junior S&T class during the final lesson of term!

Why not try a new class next term. Check out the Spring term timetable and contact us for further information. Email info@altadance.co.uk, call or text 07876 492899.

Classes for Adults

We currently run an adult ballet class on Wednesday mornings on a drop in or block booking basis. Adults are also welcome to attend higher grade and vocational classes. We have helped some take RAD exams!

Spring Term Dates & School Show

Starts: Wednesday 3rd January
Ends: Thursday 28th March

Half term: Monday 12th February to Sunday 18th February

The Spring term timetable can be viewed on the website here.

School Show - Spring Term 2024

We are excited to start preparing for our bi-annual school show next term for those in Grade 1 upwards for ballet and all dancers in jazz, modern and contemporary classes. Performances will be at the Old Market Theatre in Hove on Wednesday 27th and Thursday 28th March 2024. More details regarding rehearsals and tickets will be sent in due course.

Uniform

Ordering Uniform

We work with specially selected suppliers with a view to provide you with good quality, reasonably priced dancewear.

We also hold a stock of second hand uniform as well as a facebook page for buying and selling uniform.

If you need any uniform for the Spring Term, you can use the ordering page on our website or email us. We will run another uniform day soon.

… and Finally

We sign off with some photos from this term including our recent Nutcracker Christmas workshops and look forward to seeing you all in 2024!