Ballet training is the backbone of dance training and is strongly recommended for any young dancer (whether it be for the recreational or exam candidate) for developing muscular strength, good posture, coordination, flexibility, balance, control, musicality and gracefulness. Ballet is offered from the age of 4 ½ years.

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For those younger students (3-4 years old), Creative Movement classes are offered. This is an introduction to dance; exploring mime and imagery, musical interpretation, body awareness by coordinating basic dance moves, and fundamental concepts of spatial awareness.

For students in Ballet Grades 1-6, Character Dance, an integral part of classical ballet training, becomes part of the curriculum and helps to develop a child’s natural sense of rhythm.

Pointe work is normally introduced to our pre-professional students around the age of 12. Students are only ready for pointe classes when they can hold their turnout from the hips while performing center combinations, hold a proper ballet position, pull up correctly in the legs, and balance securely in relevé.  Dancing en pointe requires the use of the entire body, including the legs, back, and abdominal muscles.

​Extrava Danse has chosen to follow The Royal Academy of Dance (R.A.D.), an internationally accredited, ballet training program. R.A.D. offers a carefully designed syllabus that prepares the student to become a confident, graceful and fit adult, whether or not they wish to become a professional dancer or teacher. Dancers who have achieved a specific standard are encouraged to enter the R.A.D. examination program offered for their level. Examinations can only be offered in schools that have registered R.A.D. teachers.

Jazz compliments ballet training by offering the student, (recreational or the more serious exam candidates), an energetic style of dance to popular music. Jazz is offered from the age of 5 years. Through a progressive curriculum, teachers motivate their students to discover in themselves the ability to move sharply or smoothly, producing strong flexible bodies able to perform difficult turns and jumps with style.

Jazz classes are based on the Associated Dance Arts for Professional Teachers (A.D.A.P.T.) syllabus. Dancers are eligible for examinations when required level is achieved. Teachers strongly recommend experiencing the examination process, which builds confidence and discipline.

Tap makes dancers aware of the joy and complexity that can be created by the sounds produced by their feet. Tap is offered from the age of 5 years. Building on the elements learned in Jazz and Ballet, the tap student will learn not only to move to, but will make their feet play, the rhythm.

Tap classes are based on the Associated Dance Arts for Professional Teachers (A.D.A.P.T.) syllabus. Dancers are eligible for examinations when required level is achieved. Teachers strongly recommend experiencing the examination process, which builds confidence and discipline.

Contemporary dance takes its roots from various dance styles, among which: Ballet and Jazz. Originating in the United States from Modern Dance techniques in the sixties it has evolved due to its derivatives and numerous influences. Although basic techniques are always at its foundation, several styles are known today as contemporary dance. Its gestures are very expressive and its technique is found between the abandon and control of the body (in slackening and restraint).

The structure of a technical class is similar to other dance classes but the approach resides in expressive movement, its energy and its relationship between the body and gravity (rebound and suspension). Technical exercises, stretching, creations and expressiveness of the body as well as inspiring choreography are at the heart of this dance form to be discovered by all.

The Lyrical dance style has its primary basis in ballet, combining the many technical elements of classical ballet with the freedom, fluidity, expressiveness and airier aspects of jazz, contemporary and modern dance. Lyrical dance is expressive, simultaneously subtle and dynamic, focused on conveying musicality and emotion through movement. It is a combination of intricate, highly technical, and pedestrian/naturalistic moves.

Lyrical dance is commonly set to popular music with vocals as well as rich are (indeed, often) emphasized over the song’s rhythm, but because of the definition of the word lyrical: having a poetic, expressive quality; musical; characterized by or expressing spontaneous, direct feeling; expressing deep personal emotions or observation; highly rhapsodic or enthusiastic.

Hip Hop is also known as street dance. It is one of the most popular forms of dance that can be performed anywhere easily. Hip Hop is offered from the age of 6. Extrava Danse has established one of the most innovative Hip Hop programs, achieving some of the highest awards in competitions for choreography and performance by introducing the students to the “pop” aspect in the hip hop program.

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In addition to the hip hop isolations, swivels and floor work, the students will incorporate Jazz moves, stretching and strengthening exercises. It is strongly recommended that young future dancers should have a Jazz, Ballet or Tap background before attempting Hip Hop.

Following the accredited Acrobatique AcroDance curriculum, these classes are designed to add gymnastics techniques to dance routines while increasing flexibility, stamina and strength. Acro includes a combination of choreography, group elements such as holds, throws and catches, along with individual elements, all in synchronization. These techniques will aid students in becoming stronger and more confident in their overall approach to dancing.