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Syllabus vs Non-syllabus dance classes of children

One of the areas of learning that I covered in my essay was creating free enchainments (or dance sequences) through a syllabus framework. Which got me thinking about why syllabus dance classes and why we do them instead of non-syllabus dance classes.

In the UK there are several dance examination bodies RAD and ISTD being the most prominent. I am qualified with ISTD to teach ballet, tap and modern. 

There are lots of dance schools in the local area I live and teach in (South Wales) that are non-syllabus dance schools. Something that I didn't know was common until I moved here, having grown up in Hampshire where a very big proportion of dance schools teach ISTD and/ or RAD ballet, tap and modern.

A syllabus exists to teach to a certain standard and ensure students have the skills and knowledge at that required level, to provide a benchmark. 

I believe there are pros and cons to both syllabus and non -syllabus dance classes. I think the following website sums up some of these very well: 
https://dance-teacher.com/set-syllabus-or-ever-changing-combinations-5-dance-teachers-weight-in/

I personally think a combination of both is best for young dance students, where possible, having syllabus technical classes (particularly ballet) to get a good grounding in technique is essential but then also having access to classes that are non-syllabus to feel more free and work on choreography and performance skills. 

Comments

  1. Claire McManus6 November 2022 at 05:27

    I agree with you Carys that a mixture is beneficial especially for students who wish to become professionals. That article was very interesting for highlighting the pros and cons and I especially relate to feeling that the classes could sometimes feel monotomous, but by having lots of extra free classes at my old dance school this broke it up for me.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Carys Dickens7 November 2022 at 11:33

    Yes totally agree, syllabus classes are a good solid base but free classes keep the enjoyment! Weren't we lucky to have both as students

    ReplyDelete

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