About HS Dance Academy

Welcome to HS Dance Academy! 

Established for over 30 years, HS Dance Academy (formerly known as The Dance Theatre School) offers dance classes in Hitchin and Sandy for children age 2+. The school is lead by Principal Caroline Wright, who is a Cecchetti Ballet examiner.

Classes are available in Cecchetti Ballet and ISTD Modern and Tap. All abilities are welcome and each student is given the care and attention they need to help them to reach their potential and most importantly - enjoy themselves! At HS Dance Academy, our classes are all about nurturing confidence, creativity and passing on our love of dancing. 

Students have the opportunity to take graded examinations, performance awards and vocational examinations as they progress. Students have gone on to take part in the Cecchetti Associates programme in London, pursue full-time vocational training leading to dance careers and many continue to dance long after they have left us to go to University!  Students are also encouraged to get involved with performance opportunities wherever possible, both within and outside of the school. We hold an annual performance recital, and most recently some of our ballet students took part in the B.A.T.S production of Cinderella. 

Classes

Cecchetti Classical Ballet 

"The Cecchetti work has given me strength, discipline and co-ordination. It wasn't until I got into the Company that I realised how lucky I was to have had that training."  Darcey Bussell

The Cecchetti Ballet method was developed in the 19th Century by Enrico Cecchetti, who was considered to be one of the most important influences on modern Classical Ballet training. The Cecchetti method provides outstanding training for all - from the young child just discovering their love of ballet through to vocational students, professionals and aspiring teachers - with a focus on technique, artistry and enjoyment.

As a faculty of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD), the Cecchetti method offers examinations which are recognised nationally and internationally. From the class examinations and performance awards, to the more technically challenging grades along with the vocational examinations and teaching qualifications, the method offers opportunities at all levels.

ISTD Tap

From the familiar stompings of Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly, to contemporary shows such as 'Tap Dogs', Tap has evolved as an American dance form, popularised throughout the world. It is an enjoyable, rhythmic dance form where the dancer uses their feet to strike the floor, beating out different rhythms. Tap dance is a theatrical art form often seen on stage in musicals and provides dancers with an innate understanding of rhythm which transfers across into other dance forms. Examinations are offered from children's work through to professional teaching qualifications. 

ISTD Modern Theatre

Modern Theatre is a fun, high energy dance style often seen on the stages of musicals. Originating from America, Modern Theatre uses a range of travelling steps, high kicks, leaps and turns; developing strength, flexibility and flair. The examination syllabus exposes students to a wide range of dance styles, from jazz, to lyrical, to commercial, creating versatile and imaginative dancers.

Timetable

Ballet Timetables 

Monday (Sandy):

 4.30-5pm Beginners ballet

5-5.30pm Standard 1

5.30-6pm Standard 2

6-6.30pm Standard 3

6.30-7.15pm Standard 5

Tuesday (Hitchin):

4.40-5.10pm Standard 2/3

5.45-6.30pm Standard 4

5.45-6.45pm Standard 5

6.45-7pm Beginners Pointe Work

7-8pm Senior Ballet

8-8.15pm Intermediate Pointe Work

NEW beginners ballet class suitable for children ages 2-5 starting in Hitchin after Easter, 4.10-4.40pm. Get in touch to register your interest!

Tap and Modern Timetables

Monday (Sandy):

3.55-4.20pm Grade 1 Tap

4.20-4.50pm Grade 2 Modern

4.50-5.20pm Grade 2 Tap

5.20-5.50pm Grade 3 Modern

Tuesday (Hitchin):

4.40-5.10pm Grade 2 Tap

4.40-5.10pm Grade 3 Tap

5.10-5.40pm Grade 3 Modern

5.45-6.15pm Grade 1 Tap

6.15-6.40pm Grade 6 Tap

6.40-7pm Inter-foundation Modern