Classes, Entry and Term-Dates
Nicola Tarry offers two class groups:
Pre-Vocational 1: pre-vocational training for 7 years plus, and
Pre-Vocational 2: pre-vocational training for 13 years plus.
The entry process for each group involves first watching a class, and then having a one-to-one audition with Nicola.
Places are limited.
Pre-Vocational 1 ("Mids")
Pre-vocational training for 7 years plus.
Mondays and Wednesdays 5pm until 8pm, and Saturdays 10am until 1.30pm during term-time.
Nicola has developed a programme based on the fundamentals of ballet, with a focus on posture, turn-out, correct alignment, articulation of feet, and strength in the abdominals, glutes and back.
The classes are key to ensuring that students are prepared to enter vocational schools aged 11 or 12, and there is an emphasis on nurturing young talent.
Strengthening and conditioning the correct muscles allows classical training to begin. All aspects of class are taught developing adage, pirouettes and allegro. Pointe-work is introduced slowly and carefully.
Discipline is key but is developed in a nurturing and lively way. There are also elements of creativity and acting; with the classes designed to inspire and nurture a real love of dance and performance.
Pre-Vocational 2 ("Seniors")
Pre-vocational Training for 13 years plus.
Tuesdays and Thursdays 5pm until 8pm and Saturdays 12.30pm until 4pm of term-time.
In the Pre-Vocational 2 classes, contemporary dance is introduced.
The world of ballet has changed dramatically, and students need to discover different ways of moving.
The pre-vocational 2 ballet classes have more focus on extensions and on picking up choreography quickly; all while continuing to use correct alignment and to progress the students' technique. The classes are much more intense: so that students develop stamina.
The students learn a vast vocabulary of steps, and are expected to be highly disciplined and self-motivated in order to achieve a place at a vocational dance school either in year 10 or year 12.
Extra Pointe and Extra Mondays
Extra Mondays: Pre-Vocational 2 Students can join Monday ballet class from 5pm to 8pm for extra ballet and body-conditioning. This is an optional extra.
Extra Pointe: One hour additional pointe class on Tuesdays with Nicola from 8pm until 9pm during term-time. Principally for Pre-Vocational 2 students. This is an optional extra.
Term-Dates
2023-2024
and
Provisionally 2024-2025
Term-Dates are as follow but are subject to change at the discretion of the Principal:
Winter Term 2023: Key Dates
Monday 11 September 2023: term starts.
Saturday 21 October 2023 to Thursday 26 October 2023 (inclusive): no dance, half-term.
Friday 27 October 2023: Performance Platform one-day rehearsal workshop for Nicola Tarry students, 11am to 3pm.
Friday 8 December 2023: last day of term.
Spring Term 2024: Key Dates
Saturday 6 January 2024: term starts
Saturday 10 February 2024 to Sunday 18 February 2024 (inclusive): dates for RTWDF (Royal Tunbridge Wells Dance Festival). There will not be normal classes but will be rehearsals (see below) and festival attendance but, for the purposes of payments and/or notice, this week counts as half-term.
Saturday 10 February 2024: RTWDF Group Rehearsals
10am til 12 noon: Mids
10am til 4pm Vocationals and Seniors
Saturday 17 February 2024: RTWDF Group Rehearsals
10am til 12 noon: Mids
10am til 4pm Vocationals and Seniors
Monday 19 February 2024: no dance
Tuesday 20 February 2024: no dance
Thursday 28 March 2024: last day of term.
Summer Term 2024: Key Dates
Monday 15 April 2024: term starts
Monday 6 May 2024: no dance (Bank Holiday)
Tuesday 7 May 2024: Pre-Vocational 1 students (Mids) join Pre-Vocational 2 students (Seniors) for class from 5pm until 8pm.
Saturday 25 May 2024 to Sunday 2 June 2024 (inclusive): no dance, half-term.
Saturday 13 July 2024: last day of term.
Provisional dates for 2024-2025
Winter Term 2024: Key Dates
Monday 9 September 2024: term starts.
Saturday 19 October 2024 to Friday 25 October 2024 (inclusive): no dance, half-term.
Friday 6 December 2024: last day of term.
Spring Term 2025: Key Dates
Saturday 4 January 2025: term starts
Saturday 15 February 2025 to Sunday 23 February 2025 (inclusive): possible dates for RTWDF (Royal Tunbridge Wells Dance Festival). There will be rehearsals and festival attendance but no normal lessons and, for the purposes of payments and/or notice, this week counts as half-term.
Monday 24 February 2025: no dance
Tuesday 25 February 2025: no dance
Friday 4 April 2025: last day of term.
(Note: Easter Sunday 20 April 2025)
Summer Term 2025: Key Dates
Tuesday 22 April 2025: term starts
Monday 5 May 2025: no dance (Bank Holiday)
Tuesday 6 May 2025: Pre-Vocational 1 students (Mids) join Pre-Vocational 2 students (Seniors) for class from 5pm until 8pm.
Saturday 24 May 2025 to Sunday 1 June 2025 (inclusive): no dance, half-term.
Sunday 29 June 2025: possible all-day show rehearsals TBC
Saturday 5 July 2025: possibly no dance TBC
Sunday 6 July 2025: possibly end-of-year-show TBC
Saturday 12 July 2025: last day of term.
Notice
Half-A-Term’s Notice Required
Half-a-term’s notice must be given and paid for if lessons are to be discontinued.
Lessons missed by dancers will not be deducted from the bill.