An introductory foundation programme designed for young dancers at the beginning of their formal dance education.
First Step provides a structured and age-appropriate foundation in theatrical dance. The programme focuses on ballet-based fundamentals, coordination, musical awareness, physical development, expressive movement, and safe training habits. Through a clear yearly framework, students are gradually introduced to jazz dance, musical-theatre movement, floorwork and safe movement skills, and performance awareness.
Dance Fundamentals
First Step
Foundation Programme 2026–2027
ABOUT THIS PROGRAM
Who This Is For
This programme is intended for:
Children aged approximately 9–14
Beginners or young dancers with limited prior training
Students who demonstrate curiosity, motivation, and openness to structured learning
Young dancers who enjoy movement, music, and creative expression and would like to build a stronger foundation
No prior professional training is required
First Step is designed for young dancers who are ready to begin formal dance training in a supportive yet structured environment.
Rather than encouraging early specialisation, the programme builds a broad foundation for theatrical dance through ballet-based fundamentals, musicality, coordination, body awareness, expressive movement, and age-appropriate physical development.
Jazz dance, musical-theatre movement, floorwork, and performance-oriented tasks are introduced progressively throughout the year, helping students develop confidence, discipline, creativity, and a strong foundation for future dance training.
Entry Requirements
Age: generally 9–14
Training Background: no previous professional dance training required
Admission: a trial or placement session may be requested before enrolment
Consent: legal guardian consent is required for participants under 18
Duration and Schedule
Programme Period
September 2026 – July 2027
Academic Structure
Weekly training is coordinated with the school year and designed to complement students’ academic commitments.
First Step is organised as a small-group foundation programme, not as private coaching. The programme follows a shared yearly structure, allowing students to progress together while offering different levels of training intensity depending on the selected weekly participation option.
Weekly Participation Options
Students may attend 2, 3, 4, or 5 days per week. A minimum of 2 days per week is required.
All students follow the same yearly programme framework. The selected weekly participation option determines the depth, frequency, and pace of training.
Students attending 2 days per week focus on the core foundation and the current semester focus. Students attending 3, 4, or 5 days per week receive more repetition, refinement, and broader application within the same framework. This allows the group to progress together while still offering greater training intensity for students who attend more frequently.
Start times (indicative)
Each training day typically includes 90–120 minutes of instruction. Exact timetables (including end times) are confirmed after grouping.
Start times are planned as follows (subject to minor adjustments):
Monday: 17:30
Tuesday: 17:30
Wednesday: 17:30
Thursday: 17:30
Friday: 14:00
Structure
Training in Dance Fundamentals – First Step includes:
Fundamental Ballet Technique
Basic ballet vocabulary, posture, coordination, alignment, balance, and musical awareness as a foundation for broader dance training.
Core Dance Principles
Movement principles such as body awareness, spatial orientation, rhythm, coordination, balance, and safe use of the body.
Jazz Dance Foundations
In the first semester, students are introduced to jazz dance elements that support rhythm, coordination, musicality, dynamic movement quality, and expressive confidence.
Musical-Theatre Movement
In the second semester, students are introduced to age-appropriate musical-theatre movement. This helps students connect music, movement, expression, and stage presence in an accessible and engaging way.
Floorwork, Rolls & Safe Movement Skills
Using mats where appropriate, students explore basic rolls, floor transitions, coordination tasks, and safe movement patterns. These exercises build confidence, body awareness, spatial awareness, and dynamic movement quality in a playful but structured way.
Theatrical and Expressive Movement
Introduction to expressive movement and performance awareness, supporting creativity, artistry, and confidence on stage.
Conditioning and Flexibility
Age-appropriate physical preparation, mobility, flexibility, and strengthening exercises adapted to developing bodies and safe training habits.
Classes balance discipline with encouragement, supporting technical learning, musical awareness, creativity, body confidence, and enjoyment of movement within a structured and age-appropriate environment.
The exact balance of training content may vary depending on the selected weekly participation option, group structure, and the student’s level of readiness.
Progression and Development
First Step serves as a preparatory stage within SADA’s educational framework.
The programme supports young dancers in building the technical, musical, physical, and expressive foundations needed for future progression in dance. Development is guided by the faculty team and is based on each student’s individual growth, consistency, motivation, and readiness.
For students who demonstrate the appropriate commitment and development, First Step may open a pathway towards SADA’s higher-level training options, including the Professional Programme: Dance Vision. This allows motivated students to continue their dance education within a structured framework, whether towards advanced training, dance-related studies, or a possible future professional pathway.
Progression does not imply automatic admission to professional programmes. Suitable next steps are advised individually by the faculty team.
TUITION
Tuition and Financial Information
Tuition follows the academy’s standard fee structure for the 2026–2027 academic year.
The applicable fee depends on the selected weekly participation option.
Full tuition information is provided with the enrolment confirmation following the trial/placement.
Flexible payment arrangements may be available, including instalment plans or a one-time payment.
