DANCE TRAINING

The dance component of the course makes up approx 20% of your training. Whilst we are not a ‘dance' college, we are aware that all professional actors nowadays are required to have at the very least some movement skills. All of the dance classes are compulsory, and as in all classes you will be expected to be professional at all times.

Ballet

All students will take part in a weekly ballet lesson. Ballet is at the core of every dance style, so a basic understanding of the art is essential in your body development. This class will also enhance your posture and general body awareness.

Jazz

There is a weekly jazz lesson. With jazz dance being one of the main dance forms in musical theatre it is imperative that you learn and feel comfortable with this style of movement. The jazz dance is one of the highlights of the annual Musical Moments show, and competition is fierce to make the grade for the show. Despite not being a dance college you will be pushed and encouraged to develop this skill. The class will again improve your self awareness and your all important spatial awareness.

Show Dance

Your other weekly dance class is called show dance. Studying past styles of musical theatre dance, this is another chance to put your history of musical theatre styles into practice. The show dance class also produces a piece for Musical Moments, and just like the jazz piece you have to audition to get in the show.

In addition to these regular classes you will have occasional workshops in different styles of dance from ballroom to flamenco. It is surprising in today's theatre how much dance is required from actors even in ‘straight' plays.

You will also have a regular fitness class to improve your general stamina. Today's actor needs to be fitter than ever before – it is hard work, both physically and mentally doing the 8 show a week schedule, month after month, and you have to be fit enough to sustain that work rate from the moment you leave HTS.