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Blue Box Ballet

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    Progressing without exams

    in Doing Dance

    Posted · Edited by Blue Box Ballet

    18 minutes ago, Kerfuffle said:

    My daughter took all the RAD exams up to and including intermediate. She’s now doing syllabus free work and it’s so much more interesting for her  as the exercises change with every lesson. Ideally the exercises should be varied until getting near to the exam when they can be taught in a relatively short amount of time - but I guess this is impractical from a teacher’s perspective? My daughter learned g5 in one term and managed to get 90 in an exam so it must be possible! (She was also doing classes in intermediate at the time I think). This was in a group class not one to one. 

    Sounds like you daughter has a great forward thinking teacher! 


    This type of planning structure happens in sports. 
    Let’s take gymnastics for example, they don’t just run the routines over and over, they work on the fundamentals/ individual elements and only then do they put it all together in the run up to a competition to be ‘assessed’.

     

    The same thing happens in vocational dance/ ballet schools. Although they have schemes of work or a system of training, they do not work to pre-prescribed set exercises eg a syllabus. Then in the run up to an assessment they put it all together in a more choreographed form.
     

    Surely this is much better for developing the ‘thinking dancer’ able to respond to different approaches and gives the teacher more flexibility to design classes for the students they see in front of them.


    It’s also worth noting that the hugely successful Vaganova ‘syllabus’ is more akin to a training system with its clear methodical build of of vocabulary and is not a (choreographed) syllabus in the same way we understand the examination bodies such as the RAD - perhaps a translation anomaly. 

    • Like 3

    Progressing without exams

    in Doing Dance

    Posted · Edited by Blue Box Ballet

    This conversation highlights that so many private/ recreational schools simply ‘teach to the test’ by providing syllabus only based classes. A syllabus in the (current) RAD sense should only be used as tool for assessment, not as a training system. I must caveat that from my brief introductions, the old RAD grades and Cecchetti grades seem to be the exception here as they were/ are not overly choreographed and allow the students to concentrate on getting the basics right.


    I would like to believe that most teachers out there would actually break down vocabulary and not simply teach to the set (as current ‘busy’ RAD) syllabus settings. But I have taught so many students over the years who admittedly have all the exam certificates but have little understanding of classical ballet technique away from their set exercises.

     

    As I’ve mentioned elsewhere, I am very much looking forward to hearing more about/ seeing the results of the new RBS Affiliate Training and Assessment Programme. Having attended their amazing Inspire Seminars & Enlighten webinars, I can say that they really are leading the charge to improve and broaden our approach to ballet training here in the UK.
     

     

    • Like 4

    Does anyone have any information about the Dance School of Scotland

    in Doing Dance

    Posted

    4 hours ago, Kez51 said:

    Hi all

    I am hoping someone can be of assistance please. We have recently moved to Scotland and my daughter, 12, has been accepted into the Dance School of Scotland. However we have been told recently that the emphasis is no longer on classical training and more on commercial dance styles. I would really love some input from anyone’s experience about the school please? It’s really difficult to make a decision about where to go from here. It will mean that she needs to give up RCS and Young Ballet company, as well as possibly Scottish Ballet, all of which she loves. Any input would be greatly appreciated! Thanks 🙏🏻 


    commercial dance styles.

     

    For clarity, The Dance School of Scotland has its dance course routed in classical ballet.

    there is also a musical theatre pathway available where dance is part of the curriculum so perhaps this explains the confusion as commercial dance is more appropriate to their training. 
     

    If in doubt call the school and ask for an example timetable or similar. 

    • Thanks 1

    Bleak future for local ballet schools in Britain

    in Doing Dance

    Posted · Edited by Blue Box Ballet

    It seems this thread has shifted to a conversation about the benefits/ disadvantages of online classes. 
     

    To take it back to what I believe was the original topic, I’ve just seen that the RBS Primary Steps On Demand page has been refreshed and includes sample classes at the bottom. 
    Upon a brief viewing, I think it looks pretty magnificent and it’s something I wished I’d been exposed to in primary school.

     

    https://ondemand.royalballetschool.org.uk/primary-steps/
     

    It reminds me of both the BBC & Royal Opera House Learning resources. 
     

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize

    https://learning-platform.roh.org.uk
     

     

     

     

    • Like 1

    Dance examination boards

    in Doing Dance

    Posted

    One Dance Uk have some clear information on the variety of pathways available.
     

    https://www.onedanceuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Dance-Teaching-Pathways.pdf
     

    https://www.onedanceuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Dance-Teaching-Pathways-Flowchart.pdf
     

    Some examples, 

     

    https://www.istd.org/teach/teaching-qualifications/
     

    https://www.royalacademyofdance.org/teacher-training/
     

    https://bbo.dance/train-with-us/teacher-training


    Also, the Royal Ballet School have their own teacher training programmes. 
     

    https://www.royalballetschool.org.uk/train/dancer-training/dance-teacher-training/

     

    I can recommend signing up for their Inspire Seminars as a way to get you going. 
     

    https://www.royalballetschool.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/RBS-InspireProspectus_22.10.18.pdf

     

     

     

     

     

    Bleak future for local ballet schools in Britain

    in Doing Dance

    Posted · Edited by Blue Box Ballet

    On 21/04/2022 at 15:02, Pas de Quatre said:

    Royal Ballet Primary Steps on Demand

     

    There has been a certain amount of discussion among dance teachers about how pupil numbers dropped during Covid, and although they have picked up again, we are very apprehensive about the future.  As prices of energy, interest rate rises (mortgages) and general inflation stretch people's budgets, they may need to cut back with dance classes among the first to go.

     

    For some years now dance has been taught in schools, but the qualified Dance teacher could always reply that it was often little more than music and movement delivered by the regular teachers, (not qualified dance teachers) often as part of PE.  Now we have this initiative from the Royal Ballet School which may well reduce enrolment in private dance schools.   Why should parents pay for classes at a local dance school, even if the teachers are well qualified and experienced, when they can be taking classes direct from the Royal Ballet School through their Primary school? 

     

    RBS has also introduced its Affiliate Training and Assessment scheme for dance teachers, but it is very expensive to pay for the initial training and then ongoing fees each year, make it out of reach of all but the largest dance schools.

     

    Why are RBS undermining us in this way?  I would be very interested to hear everyone's opinion on this, parents, dancers, teachers and all ballet lovers.

    I wholeheartedly disagree with your take on this.

     

    Lets take the examples of Music & Drama, these have always been taught in schools to a greater or lesser extent. To my knowledge having access to these subjects does not negate students appetite to learn more/ specialise in a particular area or seek out private instrument lessons or enrol in a local drama club.

    Primary steps on demand is an astute way of adapting to the opportunities that online learning can bring. 
    My understanding is that it is up to the schools/ teachers on how they wish to use the online material.
    To my understanding it is NOT a replacement for in person classes but rather an introduction to the art form as a whole.
    Students will also be learning more than just ‘technique’, there will be crisis curricular activities to link and support other subjects. 
     

    I also appreciate the upscaling of teachers who do not have a background in dance.

    Surely this is better than having no dance in school at all. 
     

    I do understand the fear that this will may appear to be a ‘barrier’ to the employment of the local qualified dance teachers.

    However I believe firmly that this type of scheme can only build the case for having more visiting teachers once the head teachers & powers that be see the broad benefits. 
     

    Regarding the affiliate program, I have spoken positively on this matter elsewhere on the forum.

    I have long believed that the current model for exclusively exam based/ syllabus learning is doing our students a disservice. 

    Around a year ago I followed a discussion with interest on a private FB group where one teacher had the breakthrough moment of actually building up the movement aims & vocabulary of the grade before teaching the set exercises and was astounded by the results.

    Of course there are MANY excellent teachers in the recreational/ private sector who enter students for exams without teaching simply to the test. 


    I believe it takes an institution like RBS to get us all talking like we are now and truly reflecting on how best to inspire the next generation of dancers and dance enthusiasts. 
     

    As ever, I’m a glass half full! 

    • Like 8

    RBS Affiliate Training and Assessment Programme

    in Doing Dance

    Posted

    53 minutes ago, Sadielou said:

    If you are accepted course fees are just shy of £6000 plus an ongoing £550 yearly membership, plus (not yet priced) a yearly 3 day mandatory CPD course.


    It says on the website that the CPD is part of the annual fee. 

     

    Annual Membership Fee including 3 days CPD, access to video on demand materials, ongoing support £550


     

    I totally understand about UCAS points etc. 
    They acknowledged this in the launch that they hope to have the assessments measured on the regulatory framework so I’m guessing UCAS points for the upper levels. 
     

    Unfortunately there are a lot of teachers out there who do not currently teach in a holistic way and simply use their examination syllabus as a training tool. 

    I am heartened to hear that so many teachers who enter students for exams don’t simply teach to the test but I do agree that it takes an institution like RBS to re-ignite this conversation even if ultimately their programme isn’t right for you.  

    • Like 2

    RBS Affiliate Training and Assessment Programme

    in Doing Dance

    Posted · Edited by Blue Box Ballet

    34 minutes ago, Jan McNulty said:

    Hello Blue Box Ballet,

     

    Your enthusiasm for this is fantastic but may I ask if you have a commercial interest in this initiative?

    Ha! 
    No, I just have a lot of time on my hands this week. 

    Happy to step back so I don’t dominate the thread.

    RBS Affiliate Training and Assessment Programme

    in Doing Dance

    Posted · Edited by Blue Box Ballet

    1 hour ago, drdance said:

    I've just seen that the recommmended learning hours is 100 per level! My school operates 38 weeks per year so assuming pupils have 1 x 45 minute lesson a week it'll take them 3.5 years to get to 100!


    I guess this model might be tricky for you personally to implement. 

     

    Perhaps this could be an opportunity for you to add some additional classes, or partner up with another affiliate teacher to take the children up to something like 2 hours per week. 
    Running 38 weeks per year this would take around a year and a quarter. Sooner if you/ RBS added some special affiliate events/ classes that they mentioned as part of the ‘perks’. 
     

    I’m very glass half full on this and see it as an exciting development. 
    It’s not going to work for everyone and I guess it’s about an individual teachers priorities and values. 
    If they align it’s a no brainier but if they don’t there are lots of other well established models that are fine. 
     

    Personally, I’m not ok with ‘fine’.
    ‘We’ve always done it that way’ is guaranteed to make me ask ‘why?’.

    Watching sports, if every generation was trained in the same way as the previous generation then we wouldn’t see the huge rise in physical ability that is clearly evident. 


    RBS seem to be doing their best to follow the research in child development, dangers of early specialisation and a clear effort to train the whole person as an artist.


    I’m VERY excited for this. 

    RBS Affiliate Training and Assessment Programme

    in Doing Dance

    Posted

    1 hour ago, drdance said:

    .They haven't said what the recommended hours per week are for students, and I personally wonder how you can fit in teaching technique, choreography and explore repertoire all in one 45 minute lesson a week.

     


    They’ve just answered this in a mail out. 
     

    ‘For Levels 1-3 we recommend 100 learning hours per level. The teacher has flexibility over how they deliver these, depending on the needs of the students. For example, teachers can vary the class length to suit their and their students’ needs as well as deliver one or two classes a week. The time frame is left to teacher to decide and they can certainly deliver one hour per week to their students if they feel this is appropriate.’


    https://mail.royalballetschool.org.uk/76ZA-3SIF-0C9966EB387733C815GTJCF29A31C12A2D449D/cr.aspx

     

    RBS Affiliate Training and Assessment Programme

    in Doing Dance

    Posted

    Perhaps there might be student/ teacher taster days eventually once it’s up and running as a proof on concept. 
     

    It does seem to closely align with how training at both Primary Steps & JA’s currently work where there are always creative tasks etc. 
     

    Also this article mentions that the initial years at White Lodge are changing their training structure, all following a similar/ broader Dance Education model. 
     

    The Foundation Programme is the first programme at The Royal Ballet School and it comprises Years 7 to 9. In this programme we give the students the foundations of The Royal Ballet School’s System of Training and introduce them to genres that will develop their creativity and imagination, to support their journey as they grow into the artists of today. This programme happens at a crucial time in the development of these students (11-14 years old) and our goal is to ensure they have a supportive and holistic system in place that will allow them to safely develop, prevent injuries and build the roots for a successful career. The focus is not only on training dancers but educating the human being as a whole while creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment for all.


    https://www.royalballetschool.org.uk/2022/02/11/in-conversation-with-jose-carayol/

     

     

    RBS Affiliate Training and Assessment Programme

    in Doing Dance

    Posted

    Great launch event. 
     

    a few takeaways, 

     

    It’s designed to teach children how to learn, not what to learn. 
     

    The creative work is linked to the Royal Opera House creative platform. 
     

    Teachers will gain access to a wealth of RBS materials with ongoing support and 3 CPD session per year as part of the cost.
     

    Although not in place at launch, the hope is to have the higher levels acknowledged on the regulatory frameworks (I’m guessing carrying UCAS points etc). 
     

    This is not a replacement for syllabus work and can in fact be run in tandem with the exam societies.
    Although teachers will be provided with levels of appropriate content, students are assessed against the learning outcomes with no pre requisite exercises/ enchaînements. 
     

    Exciting times! 

     

    RBS - ‘a change in recreational dance training’

    in Doing Dance

    Posted · Edited by Blue Box Ballet
    Clarity

    I think it’s worth pointing out that this isn’t just going to be a vocabulary list to help further the teaching of ballet as a practical skill.
    It is a new holistic approach to dance education. 
     

    ‘Each level will contain both movement and contextual studies to provide a holistic approach to training. Movement studies will include areas such as foundation movement skills, generic movement skills, qualitative movement skills and ballet technique and vocabulary. Contextual studies will include the study of repertoire, choreography, creative tasks, and art form appreciation.’

     

    https://www.royalballetschool.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ATAP-Prospectus.pdf



    ‘For the repertoire, Annear explains that the School is linking up with The Royal Ballet through their Creative and Learning Programme and with Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Learning, Engagement, Access and Participation teams.’
     

    https://www.seeingdance.com/royal-ballet-school-affiliate-training-and-assessment-programme-220124/

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