Dance
This translation is a brief summary of the text in Dutch. The full version is available in Dutch.
Children aged between 6 and 7 learn simple techniques, such as the first pliés, jumping and skipping in time to the music. The children learn to imitate the movements as precisely as possible. They watch one another and can discuss the results. Step by step, the children become aware of suppleness and physical strength. Imagination and expressiveness play an important role. Regular performances are arranged for parents and a wider audience throughout the year. Giving and preparing for these performances form a major part of the course.
The introductory course for children aged between 6 and 7 is not compulsory to follow the ‘dance’ course later on. Children do not have to take any assessment tests at this age.
Some Dutch-language academies in Brussels also offer a cross-disciplinary introductory course. This means that children can combine ‘dance’ with one or more other disciplines.
As of the age of 8, children learn the basics of dance through classical dance techniques. The children become increasingly aware of their bodies. Using simple movement patterns, children develop musicality, a sense of rhythm, gracefulness and precision. Self-discipline is important: to execute the combinations of steps as well as possible, alone but also together with others in the hall or on the stage. In addition to these basic techniques, the children learn other dance styles, such as jazz dance, contemporary dance, dance theatre, improvisation and expressive dance through choreographies. This allows the students to choose which direction they want to go in later on.
Here again, regular performances are arranged for parents and a wider audience throughout the year. Giving and preparing for these performances form a major part of the course.
From the age of 12, students choose classical dance, contemporary dance or urban dance.
In classical dance, you improve your basic classical ballet technique. This involves intensive exercises to practice movement control, agility and coordination. You refine your technique with new, challenging steps, more complex combinations and choreographies.
In contemporary dance, a great deal of attention focuses on classical dance techniques, which are the basis of such dance forms as jazz dance, contemporary dance and hip hop. You also do choreographies to contemporary music and learn to improvise.
Urban dance involves more than just developing dance moves from the hip hop culture. Artistic elements from musical and clip dance are also included. You do a lot of power training and stretching exercises.
A separate course is available for adults, which differs from one academy to the other.
Conditions of admission may apply for the disciplines of Music, Word and Dance. Contact the academy for more information.
Consult the School Seeker for details of the courses on offer at the academies.
