Pillars of GAD
GAD’s 2024 Pillars of Dance!
Twinkle Stars – 2yrs to 5yrs. Twinkle Star Dance – is a delightful play-based program that introduces our little ones to DANCE with Ballet with Bears (fun game based ballet) Groove and Move (Jazz that’s fast-paced, and energetic) Tumbling Twinkles (Circus acro and tumbling). We are so excited to bring this program to our community. Twinkle Star Dance are wonderful foundation classes before the dancers move into the next dance pillar – Novice classes.
Novice – 6yrs to 8yrs. In Novice Classes our GAD dancers really get to explore dance. This is where friendships are made and they form bonds with teachers. During this time our Novice dancers really fall in LOVE with dance, and they surprisingly adapt well to dance class discipline. They learn the tools to concentration, how to focus and memorize. The dancers learn to work as a team and get to enjoy the creative side of group choreography. GAD Novice classes are the foundations to dance and once a GAD dancer graduates from Novice, they can move smoothly into the more advanced levels in Intermediate.
Intermediate – 9yrs to 12yrs. Our pre-teen Intermediate Classes are some of the best standard classes in our school and were some of the most popular at GAD in 2022. Last year we have introduced a community Cheer Squad and the girls in the squad are just loving the dynamic of this class. Our Intermediate dancers are a very dedicated pillar within the Academy. There are over 15 Intermediate classes running throughout our dance week, and a waiting list for most classes. Our Intermediate Acro Program has been formulated by our graduate Shannon Vitali, who is a world-renowned Cirque performer. Once a dancer has gone through this pillar we find our Intermediate dancers move seamlessly into Senior classes.
Seniors – 13yrs to 17yrs. This pillar is where there is a great divide. We have teenagers who dance for pure pleasure and social interaction whilst others want to take a more serious approach to their classes. For our Senior dancers, DANCING, or performing within the performing arts world, can now potentially become a career option. At GAD we definitely welcome both types of students and understand each dancer wants something different from their time at GAD. We encourage our 21st-century teens to mature and grow at their own pace. Being the longest pillar at GAD, as well as competing with the many other options in a modern-day teenager’s life – we are always humbled and delighted to watch our GAD dancers graduate as a GAD Senior. And feel extraordinarily privileged to witness their growth through the pillars at GAD and to share their childhood. Then with a heavy but also proud heart, fondly wish them all the very best as they venture off to a new adult life.
Adult – 18yrs +. In 2018 GAD introduced an Adult class. 2019 saw our Adult class take to the stage in their own show “Floret” – and what an incredible evening it was, brilliantly attended – a night that continued long after the curtain closed and we had the profound pleasure of donating $5000 to World Animal Protection from the proceeds of the night. This class has been a great addition to our weekly timetable. Unofficially called “Ladylicious” the ladies that attend this class are a pure pleasure to spend time with. They try hard, have ready smiles and laugh throughout their class. And amongst the fun, these gorgeous ladies even manage to get a gentle workout within their hour class. Our adult class motto – leave your life at the door, it will find you soon enough when you leave the studio.
For all 2024 updates – follow us on Instagram @grahamacdemy_of_dance
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At GAD, our classes are pillared in social and milestone age groups.
Twinkle Star classes – 2yrs to 5yrs
Novice classes – 6yrs to 8yrs
Intermediate classes – 9yrs to 12yrs
Senior & Young Adult classes – 13yrs & over
For more information regarding 2024 classes, email our admin: shire365@hotmail.com
Click here to Enrol your child at GAD
Fawn Westerhuis
We have been part of the GAD family for eight years and absolutely love it. Our girls have tried many styles of dance and have loved them all with their passion being ballet. Miss Karen has created a warm, supportive and fun environment where the dancers support each other. It’s particularly lovely to see the older dancers helping the younger ones and being amazing role models. We are thrilled with how our girls have thrived. They have developed skill, discipline and a love of dance, and have made beautiful friendships.
Karen has also created an adult class which I have been part of for 3 years. We have so much fun each week, learning new routines and laughing a lot together. Even if I’m tired and worn out, I always feel amazing after class. Dance really is good for the soul!
