Gift of Dance

CLASSES OFFERED AT G.O.D

HIP HOP:

Hip Hop has a different meaning to everyone! But as a teacher I can tell you the hip hop classes are our most popular classes at the moment, and the kids just LOVE it! These classes are fun and energetic. Classes include a warm up of cardio plus stretch and strengthen exercises that are very important with any physical activity. Every 2nd year we alternate between concert work, and DanceCor exam work. 2023 is a concert year, so that is the main focus for the year.

*COMPETITION HIP HOP – 2023 season auditions have been held already. Selections are based on several requirements, and hopefuls will be expected to practice these requirements for the 2021 crew auditions. Selections are also based on the style of the dancer and whether or not he/she is confident and fits in with a group of other dancers, not just tricks.

**UNIFORM - Black/white Takkies/sneakers, Black hip hop pants or leggings. Gift of Dance T-shirts available for order. Competition dancers will be required to order a Track suit for the competitions, unless they already have one from last year. Hair tied in ponytail.

***MORE INFO ON TRACKSUIT ORDERING TO COME SOON! WE DO HAVE T-SHIRTS AVAILABLE IN SOME SIZES. PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR "GIFT GEAR" TAB IN THE MENU AT THE TOP OF OUR PAGE TO VIEW SOME OF OUR MERCHANDISE.

MODERN:

We often have people enquire about “Contemporary Dance”. The term "Contemporary" differs in definition depending on who you ask. The TV show “So You Think You Can Dance” is an example that the kids will know of and includes a variety of styles that can fall under the heading of “Contemporary". A choreographer’s personal style has much to do with their definition of Contemporary Dance. All "contemporary Dance" stems from MODERN dance which stems from BALLET. The words “contemporary” and “modern” just mean “current” or “now” dance. Modern dance was originally a break away from classical ballet. Dancers wanted more freedom of expression, so interpretive modern dance was born. This eventually turned into set curriculum which were known as “modern dance” syllabi (Martha Graham/Lester Horton whose techniques are still taught the world over, for example). Nowadays the term Modern dance encompasses so much, as does “contemporary”. As such we defintine "Contemporary Dance" as a style that is ever changing.

Our modern classes cover a variety of styles/categories including Contemporary, Jazz, Lyrical, Body conditioning, and on occasion, Musical theatre and African. These classes are wonderful for technique, posture, strength, control and artistry. From grade 2 and older are required to take a minimum of 2x modern classes per week. This allows us enough time to cover such a broad scope of work and keep our standards high. One class a week is not enough to really develop technique and flexibility. We also need to work on Eisteddfod and exam work and cannot sacrifice technical training to work on choreography alone. Every 2nd year we alternate between concert work, and AIDT exam work. 2023 is a concert year!

**UNIFORM – Black leggings/tights and Black leotard will be available for order very soon! No loose fitting clothes. Hair must be tied off the face in a pony tail or bun (bun is best for technique classes as we need the hair secured when practicing turns). Girls may wear the fitted Gift of Dance vest during practices with hot pants or leggings, but will need a leotard for the exams when those take placer.

TAP:

Tap classes have in the past been very small and not as well attended as the large Hip Hop classes. I would love to encourage the dancers to come and try a tap class and get excited about this classic dance style. We get to use our feet as instruments and create not just a wonderful VISUAL dance but also something that appeals to our AUDIO senses! Of course the tap students will also be working on technique plus concert routine work.

**UNIFORM – Black jazz pants/tights, fitted t-shirt or GIFT tank top (black leotard for exams), tap shoes! Hair tied in a ponytail.

***T-SHIRTS ARE AVAILABLE IN MANY SIZES.

BALLET:

Gift of Dance began incorporation ballet into its regular classes in 2019. We are offering RAD ballet syllabus wherein the children will do annual exams. This style of dance has given our students an excellent advantage and all those who take part in ballet have seen huge progress in htier technique, flexibility and strength. We feel this style is the most essential to growling our dancers understanding of their bodies and we are thrilled to see that the classes are starting to fill up with many budding ballerinas. They will also participate in the concert this year but, like modern, will need to do 2x ballet classes a week to be eligible for exams and concert.

This year we have had a new class of dancers progress onto pointe for the first time. It has been a wonderful experience to see dancers who began at the studio in grade 1 and who are beginning their pointe work journeys in grade 5. This the first year we have had a full range of ballet students from age 3 to age 18 who are all determined to take on the challenge that is learning this classical art form.

*UNIFORM - leotard of the colour relevant to the grade the dancer is participating in, girls may wear ballet skirt, ballet tights, ballet shoes and pointe shoes for older dancers. Please email caitlin@giftofdancesa.com for a more detailed breakdown of the ballet uniform.

ACROBATIC ARTS:

Acro-Dance is offered purely as a supplement to add on to the modern or ballet dancer's training. We are now a certified Acrobatic Arts studio and offer classes once per week to students from grade 1 and above. Dancers in grade 4 and above must participate in either x2 ballet or x2 modern classes per week in order to be able to join our acro classes. We want this style of dance to add to our students dance range and versatility. All acro students in grade 4 and above will be participating in the concert this year for the very first time.

Gift of Dance studio Durbanville for kids dance classes

CLASSES OFFERED AT G.O.D

Gift Of Dance Durbanville - "Each one, Teach one"