DANCE
CLASSES IN BOTH DOUGLAS & BLARNEY
Our dance programme offers boys and girls from the age of 3 ½ years to young adults the opportunity to study a combination of Modern Theatre Jazz and Musical Theatre. Students enrolled in the Modern Classes may also take Ballet Classes with us. All are classes are age and ability appropriate. A dance teacher’s objective is to facilitate students learning in dance. The material selected for your child dance class is appropriate for each individual class, bearing in mind the students’ age, abilities and experience .Our classes promote the developments of your child’s self esteem, self confidence, imagination and creativity in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Special Needs Students are also catered for.
Aside from weekly classes students are encouraged to take part in our various performances through out the year including the Modern Theatre Dance Awards, The Christmas Cabaret in Douglas Court and Blackpool Shopping Centre and our very own pantomime in the Everyman Palace Theatre. Dance students also have the opportunity to take Dance Exams, however these are not compulsory.
Modern Theatre Dance Classes
Our dance classes are divided up in to three sections, with the goal of enjoyment being paramount.
- Section 1: Cardio Vascular Warm Up and Stretching
Warming up is a process that prepares the mind and body adequately for the increasing complicated movements that are required of dancing. The benefits of a warm up include increased muscle elasticity, heart rate, respiratory rate and body temperature as well as redistributing the circulation of blood and improvement in the functions of the joints.
- Section 2: Modern Theatre Jazz Dance Technique Work
Our students will study both the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) and the United Teachers of Dance (UTD) grade work for Modern Theatre. The objectives for teaching technical dance skills are to teach correct posture, build a sound technique, promote the understanding and use of dance terminology, gain a good sense of line through body, arms and head, increase an understanding of rhythm, develop an awareness of the use of space, improve responsiveness to an audience and sense of performance and promote self confidence. The grade work consists of various exercises designed to help students develop an understanding of the shaping of movement into artistic forms of expression.
- Section 3: Dance Routines
Each week students will learn a dance routine in class. These routines may be for a performance /showcase or simply for fun. By combining technique and free work in the class, students will have the opportunity to fully understand the discipline of Modern Theatre Jazz and this in turn will help them to produce good quality dancing. This combination also accommodates students show might not necessarily have natural facility or flexibility for technique work, who just enjoy dancing.
LITTLE STARS DANCE PROGRAMME 3 ½- 5years.
These 45minute dance classes introduce young children to the magic of dance and how to use their imagination. Children explore natural movements such as walking, running, jumping, skipping and hopping along with balancing, stretching, body control and simple co ordination in a fun way. Children will also explore music through singing and the use of instruments. The use of props helps to inspire , engage and stimulate children’s imagination and encourage them to explore various movements in dance. Through out the year the children will memorize simple exercises, routines and sequences. The Little Stars Dancers also have the opportunity of performing in the various showcases as listed above.
Ballet Classes.
Ballet classes will develop strength, balance, coordination and flexibility. Your child will start to learn proper body alignment, as well as barre, and center floor exercises. Our classes will challenge the students both mentally and physically, yet still keep that sense of creativity and fun.
Ballet 1 (Ages 5-8years)
This is a beginning level class introducing students to ballet in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Students are taught the basics of movement, rhythm and motor development skills in a fun and developmentally appropriate environment. Rhythm, musicality, flexibility, and discipline are emphasized, as is learning proper alignment. Students are introduced to the terminology and structure of a ballet class.
Ballet 2 (Beginners Ages 9 & up)
This class emphasizes proper foot and body position, bar and centre work, performing combinations and choreography geared towards the younger dancer. Strength and balance are emphasized along with proper placement to prepare them for more centre combinations.
Cheerleading: The Wolfes Cheerleading Squad.
These classes are only available to dance students only who are in secondary school. For more information on joining the squad please contact careen.
Cheerleading uses organized routines that range from 1 minute to 3 minutes made from elements of tumbling, dance, jumps, cheers, and stunting to direct spectators of events to cheer on sports teams at games and matches and/or compete at cheerleading competitions. Aside from attending weekly drill training, our cheerleaders also spend a term training with Blackrock Gymnastics Club.
The Wolfes Cheerleading Squad is a competitive cheer squad.
Careen Wolfe – Director of the Dance & Singing School
All dance classes are taught by Careen Wolfe who is a graduate of both UCC and UL and holds professional qualifications in Dance, Childhood Development and Special Needs. She has just completed her Masters in Dance with University Limerick. She is fully qualified member and teacher of both The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance (ISTD) and The United Teachers of Dance (UTD). Careen is also a qualified Cheerleading Coach with the National Council for Spirit Safety and Education (NCSSE).
Careen is no stranger to the Cork Theatre Scene having performed in numerous Cork pantos and musicals. Also appearances on RTE and BBC television.
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