Ballet
A strong foundation in dance
Ballet is at the heart of our children’s dance training at Lisa Mason School of Dance.
From their first steps through to more advanced work, children learn proper ballet technique, musicality, control and performance skills in a friendly and encouraging environment.
Alongside their ballet training, Lisa also gives children opportunities to learn Modern, Contemporary and Jazz-style routines, helping them experience different ways of moving and performing while Ballet remains the foundation of their training.
Learning Ballet properly
Ballet takes time to learn.
Children gradually build their technique, learning the vocabulary of classical ballet and understanding how movements should be performed rather than simply copying a routine.
Classes develop:
• classical ballet technique
• posture and alignment
• balance and coordination
• strength and control
• flexibility and movement
• rhythm and musicality
• expression and performance
As children progress, they become more confident, more controlled and increasingly able to put individual movements together into longer combinations and dances.
The aim is simple: to help children learn how to dance well.
Working towards Ballet examinations
Children are prepared for Ballet examinations with the British Association of Teachers of Dancing (BATD) when they are ready.
Lisa is an Associate Teacher of the BATD, and examination work gives dancers a clear structure for developing their technique and measuring their progress.
Preparing for an examination also teaches valuable habits. Children learn to practise, listen to corrections, remember their work and perform independently.
There is a real sense of achievement when all that hard work comes together.
More than Ballet
Although Ballet is the main focus, Lisa believes young dancers benefit from experiencing other styles too.
Children are introduced to Modern, Contemporary and Jazz-style routines, giving them opportunities to work with different music, movement and choreography.
These styles complement their Ballet training and help develop versatility, musicality and confidence as performers.
They also give children the chance to experience a wider variety of routines when performing on stage.
Learning to perform
Dance is not only about what happens in the studio.
LMSD dancers have regular opportunities to perform and put what they have learned into practice.
Over the years, children from the school have taken part in:
• LMSD stage shows
• Haverhill Show
• local fêtes and community events
• Christmas productions and pantomime
• performances at Haverhill Arts Centre
• West End performances and workshops
Performing gives children something exciting to work towards and helps them develop confidence on stage and as part of a group.
For many dancers, those performances become some of their favourite memories of being at LMSD.
Learn with Lisa
Children’s Ballet is taught by Lisa Mason, an Associate Teacher of the British Association of Teachers of Dancing.
Lisa has many years of experience teaching children and believes in combining proper dance training with an atmosphere where dancers feel comfortable, encouraged and able to enjoy themselves.
Every child develops differently.
Some arrive full of confidence. Others need a little time before they are ready to perform in front of anybody.
Lisa encourages each dancer to progress at their own pace while helping them develop their technique, confidence and love of dance.
A proper environment for learning dance
Classes take place at LMSD Studios in Haverhill, with:
• sprung dance floors
• ballet barres
• full-length mirrors
• air conditioning
• accessible facilities
• easy parking
Children learn in a studio designed for dance, with the space and equipment needed to develop their technique properly.
What does my child need?
LMSD has a dance uniform for children’s Ballet classes, including the appropriate dancewear and footwear for their age and level.
There is no need to buy everything before your child has tried a class.
Speak to Lisa first and she will advise you on the right class, what to wear and what your child will need.
Come and give Ballet a try
Your child does not need any previous dance experience to discover Ballet.
Whether they are taking their first steps, returning to dance or looking for somewhere to develop further, we would love to welcome them to Lisa Mason School of Dance.
Children’s Ballet
with opportunities to learn Modern, Contemporary & Jazz
Lisa Mason School of Dance
LMSD Studios
Unit 1, 4 Hollands Road
Haverhill
CB9 8PP
Contact Lisa
07958 788292
lisa.lmsd@gmail.com