Classes
Diverse Classes for All Ages
At HPAC, we offer an inclusive range of classes for all ages and abilities, from 2 years to adults. We offer both group classes and private tuition, with the opportunity for students to perform at local and regional eisteddfods as well as at our annual ballet production and variety concert. See our full selection of classes below or contact us for more information.
Classical ballet provides an outstanding technical foundation for a great many dance styles. At HPAC we teach to the highly regarded Royal Academy of Dance (RAD syllabus – the largest and one of the highest standards in the world. The RAD syllabus includes ballet, free movement, and character dance.
Classical ballet is a technical form of dance. It is also, however, an especially musical and expressive dance style. Physically, ballet helps to develop strength and fitness, flexibility, body awareness and co-ordination.
Classical ballet is also known for the self-discipline, self-confidence, and appreciation of the Arts. We strongly encourage all students to consider taking classical ballet, as it provides the technical foundation for our other dance styles. It is also a pre-requisite for some performance opportunities at HPAC.
Contemporary dance has balletic underpinnings but represents a relaxation of the structures of classical dance. At HPAC we teach the foundation of Martha Graham technique, which has the ability to strengthen and stretch students with heightened body awareness. We offer contemporary to students from Grade 2 upwards.
Modern jazz derives inspiration from popular culture. This style of dance is often seen in music video clips, and contains elements of street dance, hip-hop, salsa and musical theatre. Jazz classes include a jazz workout and performance work, which may be entered in eisteddfods or performed at community events.
These classes are open to all students whether they wish to take ballet classes or not and are structured accordingly. However, we strongly recommend that all students consider taking a ballet class.
Group classical & lyrical is an additional class devoted to the teaching of team-based ballet and lyrical performance choreography for eisteddfods and community displays.
Performance work helps students develop confidence, team spirit, commitment, and leadership qualities, and is a particularly inspirational component of a dance education. This class will also benefit both class work and examination preparation.
To be eligible, students must be willing and able to meet the additional performance commitments and possess the required technical foundation which includes attending at least two Ballet classes per week. Students are expected to dance at both Coffs Harbour eisteddfod on the June long weekend and the Port Macquarie eisteddfod in the September school holidays.
Tap is a great workout! It’s fabulous for fitness, co-ordination and rhythmic awareness – and its loads of fun.
At HPAC we teach the Glenn Wood syllabus and offer classes from three years of age. Students work on an eisteddfod / concert dance as well as exam work, according to their age, ability, and readiness to perform.
Hip Hop, also known as street dance, includes ‘breaking’, ‘locking’, and ‘popping’, which were developed in the 1970s in America. It is primarily danced to hip hop music and can contain lots of improvisation known as ‘freestyling’.
Musical theatre is a theatrical performance class that combines songs, spoken dialogue, acting, and dancing. Our classes include a warm up, learning voice control, and learning works from musicals to be performed at eisteddfods and our end-of-year concert.
Drama is great for self confidence and expression. The term ‘Drama’ comes from the Greek word meaning ‘action’. This is an action packed class with a warm up and plenty of innovative pieces for the creative students as well as some improvisation exercises.
Pilates, Flexibility and Conditioning are complementary classes to our dance classes they help young dancers gain strength and flexibility in their growing bodies. They lead to greater awareness of the correct use of muscles while dancing and help injury prevention.
Adult class are a great way to keep the mind and body fit and healthy while enjoying some beautiful or energetic music. Contemporary and jazz movements are a great way to mobilise your body. Our adult tap class is great for your aerobic fitness and it’s great fun.