Frequently Asked Questions
+ What does New England Dance Theatre offer that is unique?...
NEDT Director, Penny Gurner, is an ex-professional Contemporary dancer with a formal ballet background from the Victorian College of the Arts. With extensive experience in community-based arts working with Darc Swan Dance-Theatre Company (Sydney), Penny has the skills to give a dance school a professional edge while adapting programs to the particulars of the local area. For the background story and Ethos see Creative Tradition.
+ What dance styles does NEDT offer?...
What styles are available?
We offer Royal Academy of Dance Syllabus Ballet, Contemporary/Jazz, and Dance/Fitness Classes.
+ Why do we work with the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) ballet syllabus?...
Why do we work with the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) ballet syllabus?
The RAD is a renovated syllabus. It has been tailored to the modern student, and the changed market-place. Exercises are more like mini-performances to encourage the development of performance skills along-with the young technician. Consequently the student’s mental, emotional and physical resources are more equally engaged. The student then has the scope to learn according to their developmental profile. A happy more relaxed environment that respects differences, results. The Royal Academy of Dance is an international syllabus so keeping pace with ballet training world-wide is guaranteed. This is very important for maintaining eligibility for other training opportunities where and when they arise.
Any other important considerations in working with the RAD syllabus?
Also important is to match the child’s mental and physical readiness with their starting point in the syllabus. As the syllabus is quite sophisticated and every child is an individual, trial and error may be required to get this right.
As before there is a character dance component in the graded syllabus which enhances the teaching of musicality, style, and presentation. There is an extra uniform requirement for this which may be hired from the school in most cases. Students interested in an Exam or Class Award should attend 2 syllabus classes weekly from the point they are made available to be adequately prepared. From grade 1 onwards, it is strongly recommended students do 2 syllabus lessons/week to make enough progress to maintain enjoyment, even if not participating in an Exam/Class Award.
+ What characterises Junior Ballet at New England Dance Theatre?...
What characterises Junior Ballet at New England Dance Theatre?
There is a strong creative emphasis to the junior ballet classes. Improvisations and performance material are worked on throughout the year as well as The Royal Academy of Dance Syllabus. This allows students to inspire themselves with their own creativity while learning to work with their individual physicalities. Long-term results should be technique that appears more natural than forced, and a strong sense of self.
+ What characterises Senior Ballet at New England Dance Theatre?...
What characterises Senior Ballet at New England Dance Theatre? In the older grades there is also alternative work to the syllabus within the ballet class; most often in the form of contemporary dance. This serves as cross-training to refresh focus and improve movement quality. Working towards two routines per level of ballet if possible also maximises performance opportunities and learning at the end of the year.
+ Why combine the styles Contemporary and Jazz?...
Why combine the styles Contemporary and Jazz?
The hybrid class supports NEDT ethos of doing more with less time and training. The work-in-progress consolidates the learning of ballet while developing key skills and movement qualities from both contemporary and jazz techniques. Learning the styles together sets up a deeper understanding of the individual techniques through contrast; while making the lesson dynamic and fun.
See more information about Contemporary/Jazz on our page about Why dance with us.
+ What is the Dance/Fitness Class?...
What is the Dance/Fitness Class?
The five classes in this category are Adult Ballet, Progressing Ballet Technique, Pilates Mat class, Barre class, and Expresso Yoga Plus. All classes provide significant muscle conditioning for improving strength, flexibility, and vitality. The more dance-oriented classes keep movement phrases straight-forward and doable to suit a mixed clientele.
+ What are ”Short-term Projects?...
This is an invitation to dance practitioners of various backgrounds to propose a project which enhances our local dance community. From a short series of specialised workshops, to a piece for workshop or performance; ideas are welcome which with some support, can educate and inspire our environment.
+ Where are our dance classes held?...
Class location:
NEDT Studio
Upstairs in the Mall Arcade, Armidale Mall, opposite the Tattersall's Hotel
Suites 1-4, 165 Beardy St, Armidale