The Royal Academy of Dance has been operating for over 100 years and is one of the world’s most influential dance education and training organisations with a strong global membership in 85 countries. The RAD syllabus offers an internationally recognised portfolio of examinations with its systematic measurement of progress and attainment that aims to motivate and encourage students of all ages and levels of ability. The graded syllabus begins from Pre-Primary to Grade 5. The course aims to develop their technical, musical and performance skills and is suitable for all levels. Each grade progresses into the next by introducing more challenging movements and terminology which allows students to enhance their general knowledge and technique at a pace suitable to their personal growth. More importantly, the RAD graded syllabus is a great way to initiate interest in ballet for young children.

The Royal Academy of Dance has been operating for over 100 years and is one of the world’s most influential dance education and training organisations with a strong global membership in 85 countries. The RAD syllabus offers an internationally recognised portfolio of examinations with its systematic measurement of progress and attainment that aims to motivate and encourage students of all ages and levels of ability. The vocational grades (Intermediate Foundation to Advanced 2) are more technically and artistically demanding in order to prepare students for a potential career in dance. Each grade progresses into the next by introducing more comprehensive movements and terminology which allows students to refine their knowledge and technique at a pace suitable to their personal growth.

The examinations for the Intermediate and Advanced Foundation levels in particular are recognised by Ofqual and contribute to UCAS points for applications to universities in the United Kingdom.

The CSTD is one of the great International Dance Societies proudly serving dance for over 80 years in the Australian and Asian Pacific region since 1931. Its Modern Jazz syllabus (Grade 1 to Grade 8) includes warm up and stretching exercises, turns, leaps and pirouettes, increasing in difficulty with each level. The exercises are performed to modern, pop and lyrical music, ensuring a high-energy environment for learning. Each grade also has a dance created by a different, well-known choreographer, providing a variety of styles of study for students each year. The CSTD syllabus offers an exciting and spirited approach to learning modern jazz. This helps prepare students for a professional dance career or a teaching diploma. This course emphasises the development of versatile and strong performance skills and it has been highly acclaimed by teachers and students across the world.

Each section of the full Fairy Program course is 10 weeks long and is for toddlers aged 2 to 4 years old, aimed at stimulating their imagination and creativity using a unique combination of visual aids, music and movement. After 10 weeks, we hold a showcase to display all the exercises and songs the children have learnt.

The development of the Fairy Program was based on a study at Harvard University which showed that there are eight types of intelligence. So, we designed this program using a range of effective teaching methods to appeal to all children.

With support from the Fairies Dancing Program from Australia, this class aims to bring a magical and completely immersive experience for young children with our Fairyland studio, ensuring full engagement for dancers.

Contemporary dance is a style of expressive dance that combines fundamental elements from modern, lyrical and classical ballet. Dancers are taught to express themselves through fluid dance movements and breathing technique. Contemporary dance involves floor movement, torso and legwork coordination, spatial awareness and erratic changes in speed and direction. It emphasises fluidity and clarity and presents itself as a new opportunity for dancers to rediscover the level of connection they have with their body. Our students in this class have competed in contemporary group pieces and solos, winning numerous awards internationally and locally.

We believe that all ages should have equal opportunities to explore the grace of dance and this class aims to spread the love of classical music and dance. Ballet is a form of physical fitness which strengthens muscles and promotes healthy bones. As it is a low-impact, full-body exercise, it is also great for stimulating cognitive functions including coordination and concentration. For instance, classes are conducted to classical and contemporary music and dancers learn to improve their musicality alongside ballet technique. With this, it promotes mental and physical fitness.

Classes involve barre and centre exercises to consolidate basic ballet technique as well as a short dance enchainement which will progress with the dancers’ ability. Our adult ballet classes emphasise the proper use of muscles to prevent injury and instead, improve posture and flexibility; it is a workout in a ballet environment. Adults taking this class also have the opportunity to take the RAD Graded Examinations.

In order to cater to the needs of each student, we offer private coaching lessons for those who seek extra support in preparation for ballet exams. In addition, private coaching is provided for competitive dancers who strive for excellence. They are also given insight into the history of ballet and its stylistic elements to improve their contextual knowledge of the art. These lessons ensure full engagement between student and teacher and in-depth learning as they are focused on refining ballet technique, musicality and performance skills. Private classes allow keen students to explore ballet at a pace and level which is suited to their ability and individuality. Teachers provide personalised feedback and students experience an improved sense of confidence and self-esteem which then translates into group classes where they feel more comfortable among their peers.

Existing students who display exceptional talent, potential, interest and passion within their classes may be selected for our Elite Training Program where they have the opportunity to receive private coaching, training for international competitions and comprehensive ballet and contemporary training. They are also given in-depth insight into the history of ballet and how different stylistic elements have evolved over time. Students will be required to take extra lessons and classes to support their physical development and this may be supplemented with additional variation or private coaching.

The Elite Training Program is designed to prepare students for a career in dance from a young age through rigorous training and consistent progression through the Mini, Junior and Senior age groups. Our competition team has competed in over 40 competitions across the Asia Pacific region since 2013 and students have won numerous prizes and scholarships. We have also been involved with successfully preparing students for auditions to renowned ballet schools and summer intensives such as the Joffrey Ballet Summer Intensive and the Vaganova Academy Summer Intensive Professional Program by Russian Masters Ballet.

Over the years, Meadow Ballet Centre has been involved with many public events and showcases for charity organisations, weddings, embassies, arts institutions and social occasions. Dancers in our Junior and Senior Dance Troupe are selected to rehearse and perform group pieces choreographed by our teachers and guest teachers. This involves both ballet and contemporary as well as jazz dance. This program offers students the exciting opportunity to be involved in performance without the rigour of competitive training, cultivating a methodology which values genuine passion for dance.

The Teacher Development Program is for teachers and existing students in Advanced Foundation level and above who are interested in gaining work experience and training to become a ballet teacher. Students are mentored by our principal, Doris Chong, in a comprehensive study of ballet. This includes ballet terminology, style, history and anatomy. They are also coached on teaching methodologies suitable for different age groups as well as teacher etiquette and ethics. In addition, students are given the opportunity to teach part time as a teaching assistant.

This course will support students preparing for the RAD Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies (CBTS). The CBTS is a part-time, two year programme by the RAD which is recognised worldwide and designed to extend knowledge, understanding and practice of dance teaching across a range of contexts and genres.