Modern Theatre

Our Modern Theatre course focuses on the styles and technique of Modern, Contemporary, Jazz, Lyrical and Musical Theatre dance. Students train with the ISTD Modern Theatre syllabus as the main framework while incorporating in-house jazz training system.

This course uses floor work, travelling steps, high kicks, elevated jumps, extended leaps, and strong turns which require strong technique, strength, flexibility, sense of musicality and various style.

Modern – is free form and a break-free from the strict classical ballet technique, with movements that origin from the core of the body, contract and release, oppositions, weight transference, spirals, floor work, fall and recovery such as body drop, deep controlled movements, breathing rhythm to emphasise movement’s momentum, tilt lateral lines and improvisation. Some techniques are the Graham technique, Humphrey-Weidman technique and Horton technique.

Contemporary – Contemporary is a genre celebrated for its divergence from traditional styles, characterised by versatility, fluidity, spatial awareness, and individuality. Dancers blend techniques from various forms, incorporating ballet, modern dance, and even elements of street dance. This style encourages seamless and expressive movement, often involving floor work, intricate partner interactions, and creative use of space. Above all, it empowers dancers to infuse their unique style and emotions into performances, resulting in a dynamic and ever-evolving art form.

Lyrical – Lyrical dance is a genre that combines elements of ballet and jazz with a strong focus on conveying the emotions and narrative of a song’s lyrics through fluid and expressive movements. Dancers often use graceful and flowing motions to tell a story or evoke feelings, making it a style that beautifully blends technical precision with emotional connection to the music.

Jazz – is a highly energetic, creative and showy dance style which combines rhythm, expression and technique. Jazz uses waves, fancy footwork, big leaps and quick turns; often executed with a strong sense of rhythm and musicality to create various routines across many different music. Great versatility and strong performance skills on the face and body is crucial to interpret the various jazz styles such classical jazz, commercial jazz, theatre/ broadway jazz or jazz funk. Some examples are Bob Fosse’s work such as Chicago, Cabaret and Sweet Charity and today’s musical Fame, Wicked, Grease and Hairspray.

Musical Theatre dance – Musical Theatre dance is a captivating art form that combines expressive storytelling through movement and character portrayal. The choreography is often a spectacle of technical prowess, featuring intricate footwork, formation changes, and striking ensemble work. The genre’s versatility allows for different styles, such as ballet, jazz, tap, and even hip-hop, depending on the era and context of the musical. Each dance number is not merely a display of technique but a means of character portrayal, effectively conveying the range of emotions and plot developments, making it an integral and visually engaging component of musical theatre productions.

The Syllabus

Beginner Levels (Primary, Grade 1-2 for age 6+)

Develop natural movement such as walking, running, jumping and skipping to encourage imaginative and rapid response, sense of line, coordinated movements and ability to express a feeling

Graded and Higher Levels (Grade 3-6 for age 9+)

Develop technical accuracy with correct body placement, versatile range of movement, all-round strengths and abilities, sense of self-expression and creative improvisation

Vocational Levels (Intermediate Foundation – Advanced 2 for age 12+)

Develop virtuosity in performance, awareness of audiences and self-expression, comprehensive technique in the styles of modern, jazz, lyrical, contemporary and musical theatre dance, as well as mature improvisation skills

Suitable for boys and girls age 6 and above.

International Examination Board:

Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD), United Kingdom – Established in 1904, the ISTD is a registered educational charity and membership association, and is one of the world’s leading dance examination boards with 12 faculties from ballet, modern, ballroom, dance sport and social dance. ISTD mission is to educate the public in the art of dancing in all its forms, to promote the knowledge of dance, to provide up-to-date techniques, and to maintain and improve teaching standards across the globe. The ISTD is always moving with the times to keep pace with the latest developments in dance. ISTD has more than 6000 members in over 59 countries throughout the world and conduct over 120,000 examinations and 20,000 hours Continuing Professional Development each year.

Reach Out To Us

Join us for modern dance. Contact us today to learn more and schedule your first class!