Dunsborough School of Ballet
Cecchetti Ballet Syllabus
Dance for All Ages
A Variety of Classes
Annual Production at Happs Wines
Ballet • Contemporary • Spanish
Dunsborough School of Ballet offers something to students of all ages. We offer creative and fun classes for the very young; Exam Preparation for older students; the fabulous rhythm and passion of Classical Spanish; the dynamic and evolving movement of Contemporary dance. Each year culminates in a full length production at the Old Dunsborough Hall and Happs Winery. Students learn both the discipline of technique as well as a love for the stage.
"The idea of Dunsborough School of Ballet is to impart my passion and love for the art of dance to students of every age."
Dunsborough Ballet offers classes to suit all ages; including Classical Ballet, Contemporary, Spanish Dance and Adult Barre classes.
These classes are a creative introduction to dance for the very young. In Little Stars, Mum or Dad participates alongside their child with an emphasis on learning through watching and repetition. We have lots of fun dancing to songs and classical music as well as venturing onto the stage for our end of year show! For ages 2–3. In First Steps, Kindy and Pre Primary children begin to learn classical technique and co-ordination with an emphasis on improvisation and creative dance. Children take part in the end of year production and each class performs their own creative story. The children adore dressing up and just love getting up on stage at this age. For ages 4–5
These classes follow the internationally recognised Cecchetti Ballet syllabus. Students have the choice of attending for recreational purposes or have the opportunity to prepare for Cecchetti Ballet Examinations which take place in August each year before a national examiner. The syllabus work builds strong ballet technique and the exams really increase confidence and discipline. Improvisation during class continues to play a role in the younger years, while older students are able to train to an advanced level including pointe work. After the examinations we begin rehearsals for our annual production, which include an outdoor performance at Happs Winery. Past productions include: The Nutcracker; Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan. For ages 6 and up.
Spanish offers classes for threes different age groups. Beginners (6-8) class is an introduction to Spanish Dance with a focus on learning the foundations of good technique and basic flamenco rhythms. Children learn to play the castanets, clap and stamp out rhythms and experiment with Filigrana (wrist and finger movements) and the use of a long, frilled skirt. The older classes are also suitable for those with no experience in Spanish Dance, students are taught the essentials of good technique and musicality through study of the Primer I.D.E. exam syllabus. Senior Spanish (Year 6 and above depending on dance experience) is suited to those who have studied Spanish dance before or are older with a background in ballet and considered able to participate in the level. Examinations are available when students are considered ready for their level.
These classes are a wonderful addition to the study of classical ballet in which students are able to explore other ways of moving their bodies. Contemporary dance is very interpretive in its choreography and often focuses on emotions; it can be performed barefoot, with ballet or pointe shoes, and with or without music. Music may be classical or contemporary. Contemporary dance almost defies description because it can be balletic or wholly abstract, jazz-influenced or lyrical, structured or unconventional. Contemporary dance can be both fun and challenging as it pushes the boundaries of dance and forces audiences to think and take chances. Students can study contemporary alongside ballet from Grade 1 to Advanced.
Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) is an innovative and internationally recognised program developed by classical ballet teacher, Marie Walton-Mahon for students to understand the depth of training muscle memory in achieving their personal best in both classical ballet and contemporary. The programme is built into contemporary or ballet classes from grade 1 and above and involve the use of fit balls and resistance bands. It is sometimes difficult for students to feel what muscles initiate the correct alignment in ballet training. However, as the fit ball is continually mobile under the student’s body it gives the students a proprioception for their posture and weight placement whilst feeling each correct muscle group. The programs have received positive feedback from teacher’s and students worldwide. Caroline Jensen and Danielle Phipps both have their teacher’s certification in the PBT programme.
This class is an energising, hybrid workout class for adults. Combining elements of yoga, ballet barre and pilates, these classes aim to stretch, tone and strengthen your muscles. Previous ballet experience is not necessary to take part in this class. Classes combine standing barre work with mat work focusing on core strength, flexibility and muscle endurance. Based on the nationally recognised Barre Body programme and instructed by a practicing Ballet teacher these classes will sculpt your body towards the long, lean body of a dancer.
Caroline began Ballet in South Africa at the age of 3. She has trained in both Cecchetti and the Royal Academy of Dance attaining teacher qualifications in both methods. Caroline attended the University of Cape town ballet school where she also explored Contemporary, Spanish and National Dance; She was awarded best final year student teacher. Caroline also has teaching qualifications in Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) and Barre Body (Adult Barre Class) She is also a keen yoga practitioner. Caroline has stage experience both within and outside of Ballet school. She choreographed and performed in art festival programmes. Caroline ran a large studio in South Africa before moving to Australia. She began the Dunsborough School of Ballet in 2006. Over the years the school has become known for her annual full length Ballet productions of well known Ballets adapted for her students to perform.
Trained by the founder of the IDE Syllabus (Instituto de la Danza Espanola) and Australia's premier Spanish Dance Academy and Company, Danielle holds the highest level teaching qualification in the IDE syllabus. She has been fortunate enough to study and perform with numerous internationally renowned artists, some of Australia's finest Flamenco dancers and Perth's own local talent. She loves teaching children and is also a qualified Early Childhood Teacher. Danielle attained her teaching certification in Progressing Ballet Technique in 2020 and is a qualified Pilates matwork instructor.
Caroline began Ballet in South Africa at the age of 3. She has trained in both Cecchetti and the Royal Academy of Dance attaining teacher qualifications in both methods. Caroline attended the University of Cape town ballet school where she also explored Contemporary, Spanish and National Dance; She was awarded best final year student teacher. Caroline also has teaching qualifications in Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) and Barre Body (Adult Barre Class) She is also a keen yoga practitioner. Caroline has stage experience both within and outside of Ballet school. She choreographed and performed in art festival programmes. Caroline ran a large studio in South Africa before moving to Australia. She began the Dunsborough School of Ballet in 2006. Over the years the school has become known for her annual full length Ballet productions of well known Ballets adapted for her students to perform.
Sarah began dance in a variety of styles at the age of 3. Sarah continued her studies as a young adult at WAAPA, Australia’s highest regarded Performing arts school, attaining a Bachelor of Arts in Dance there in 2019. Throughout her time at WAAPA, Sarah choreographed contemporary works and performed works from local, national and international contemporary dancers and Choreographers. Sarah loves working with people of all ages and endeavours to create a fun and inspiring work atmosphere to develop safe and exciting contemporary dance development. She is excited to be joining DSB in 2021 as a Contemporary teacher and assistant ballet coach.
| Time | Class | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 9:15–10:15am | Adult Barre Class | Monday |
| 3:30–4:30pm | Spanish Primer | Monday |
| 3:45–4:45pm | Ballet Grade 5 | Monday |
| 4:30–5:30pm | Ballet Grade 3 | Monday |
| 4:45–5:45pm | Ballet Grade 4 | Monday |
| 5:45–7:00pm | PBT INT/ADV1 | Monday |
| 3:30–4:15pm | Spanish Beginners (6+) | Tuesday |
| 3:30–4:15pm | First Steps (Kindy and Pre-primary) | Tuesday |
| 4:15–5:15pm | Spanish Grade 3 | Tuesday |
| 4:15–5:15pm | Ballet Grade 3 | Tuesday |
| 5:15–6:30pm | Spanish Senior | Tuesday |
| 5:15–6:30pm | Ballet Grade 6 | Tuesday |
| 6:30–8:00pm | Ballet Advanced 1 (ADV1) | Tuesday |
| 3:30–4:30pm | Ballet Grade 1 | Wednesday |
| 4:30–5:45pm | Ballet Grade 5 | Wednesday |
| 5:45–7:00pm | Ballet Intermediate (INT) | Wednesday |
| 9:15–10:15am | Adult Barre Class | Thursday |
| 11:00–11:40am | Little Stars | Thursday |
| 3:30–4:30pm | Ballet Primary | Thursday |
| 4:30–5:30pm | Ballet Grade 2 | Thursday |
| 5:30–6:30pm | Ballet Grade 4 | Thursday |
| 4:45–6:00pm | Ballet Grade 6 | Thursday |
| 6:00–7:15pm | Ballet INT/ADV1 (alternating) | Thursday |
| 6:30–7:45pm | Ballet INT/ADV1 (alternating) | Thursday |
| 3:30–4:30pm | Contemporary and PBT, Grades 1–3 | Friday |
| 4:30–5:30pm | Contemporary and PBT, Grades 4–6 | Friday |
| 5:30–6:30pm | Contemporary Senior, for INT and above | Friday |
You can contact Caroline Jensen by phone ( 0403155289), by email ( dunsboroughballet@icloud.com)