JMDS troupe in black feathers and fishnets with red fans

Classes.

From Tiny Tots to Advanced 2, beginners to advanced, for fun or serious training.

Classical ballet: Royal Academy of Dance

Tiny Tots Ballet

Ages
3-4 yrs
Focus
Creativity and imagination

Not just "play" dance. Children use their imagination while learning the basics of ballet: correct posture, balance, coordination and agility, with tiaras, wands, bubbles, hoops and musical instruments to spark their love of dance. They're having so much fun they don't realise how much they're learning.

Pre-Primary & Primary

Ages
5-7 yrs
Syllabus
RAD
Assessment
When ready

The first formal level of classical training. Classes build physical skills, stamina, creativity, expression and musicality to a range of music, and introduce the class structure that prepares dancers for the grades.

Grades 1-5

Ages
7-12 yrs
Syllabus
RAD
Exams
Optional

Progressive grades, each building on the last, covering traditional classical technique along with free movement and national character work.

Major levels

Levels
Inter Foundation to Advanced 2
Syllabus
RAD
Entry
By selection

Vocational levels (Inter Foundation, Intermediate, Advanced Foundation, Advanced 1 and 2) that continue to develop classical technique, with pointe work introduced and developed.

From Primary level, two ballet classes a week are recommended to cover every part of classical technique, and they're required to sit an RAD exam.

Three Tiny Tots in lilac leotards and skirts peeking into a painted Cheshire cat teapot
Tiny Tots Ballet
Four senior JMDS ballet students in black tutus posed around a barre
Major ballet levels

Modern & tap: Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing

Modern

Levels
Primary (5-6 yrs) to Advanced 2
Syllabus
ISTD
Exams
End of each grade

An internationally used graded syllabus that builds solid technique and a strong understanding of rhythm, taking in lyrical, percussive, jazz, contemporary and hip hop styles.

Tap

Levels
Pre-Primary (5-6 yrs) to Advanced 2
Syllabus
ISTD
Exams
When ready

A graded syllabus that builds strong tap technique, with dancers learning rhythm, musical interpretation and performance, and sitting exams once they reach the required level.

Four JMDS modern dancers in teal costumes linked in a flowing pose
Modern
JMDS tap troupe in sailor costumes and tap shoes with their trophy
Tap troupe

Open & technique classes: no prerequisites

Open Choreography

Ages
10 yrs+
Week 1
Contemporary
Week 2
Commercial jazz & hip hop

Workshop-style classes where dancers of all abilities learn and perform new choreography each lesson. Contemporary blends ballet and modern: contraction, contrasting rhythms, breath and floor work with technical turns and leaps. Commercial jazz and hip hop is the energetic style of today's music videos.

Jazz & Acrobatics

Ages
10 yrs+
Entry
Skill level required

The dance industry increasingly wants dancers with both technical and acrobatic skills. This class builds strength in jazz leaps, turns and tricks, with acrobatics and tumbling taught safely on air mats.

Progressive Ballet Technique

For
Major ballet levels
Focus
Conditioning

An established body conditioning and strength program that builds muscle memory through ballet-specific exercises, using stretch bands and Pilates balls to improve flexibility, posture and alignment, control, muscle tone and endurance, and to help prevent injury.

JMDS jazz dancers in black mesh costumes performing high kicks on stage
Jazz on stage
JMDS troupe in black sequins lined up behind one dancer so their arms fan out like a burst
Competition troupe

Competition troupes

Entry
By selection
Groups
8 & under to seniors
Also
Solos, duos, trios

High-calibre troupes that perform and compete locally and occasionally around Queensland, including Innisfail, the FNQ Tropical Dance Festival and Cairns. Dancers are chosen for ability, commitment, attitude and the routine's needs. Solos, duos and trios are also available. See fees for costs.

Not sure which class fits?

Check the timetable, or tell us about your dancer and we'll suggest a starting point.

Enrol