Dear RAD Families and students
Welcome to Term 4!
Firstly we would like to thank you for your ongoing support, flexibility and understanding during these uncertain times. The Arts in general has really suffered. However what we do know is that there is light at the end of the tunnel and soon the Arts will flourish, once again bringing joy to all. We are all hopeful that 2022 will bring an abundance of performance opportunities for all to enjoy.
Until NSW Health and the Department of Education NSW have reviewed Level 3 restrictions for schools, we will be required to continue with the online delivery of our RAD classes. In light of this we have made a few changes to the timetable.
Some of these changes include:
- All afternoon classes will commence at 4:30pm.
- Primary ballet will run for 30 minutes, Grade 1, 45 minutes and Grade 6, 1 hour.
This adjustment to class running times is in response to the ability of our younger students to concentrate for 1 hour on a screen delivered class. The RAD team have adjusted the online activities conducive for students to have the opportunity to build and develop a variety of skills for each of their relevant RAD Grade levels. A focus on intrinsic skills with foot work, alignment, port de bras and centre work to enhance technique and quality of line are examples of detailed work that can be achieved with success online. In a normal face to face session, some of the time is spent building skills with across the room leaps, combinations and repetitive jumps as well as organisational aspects of the class.
Once we return to face to face teaching in the near future we can then see these more developed techniques and intrinsic skills permeate in application to complex combinations in our larger purpose built dance studios here at SCAS. It is with this in mind that although we understand online delivery is not as personal as face to face lessons, we encourage your child to continue with the development of their technique in their RAD online classes. As it has been very beneficial having the time to work on many other strengthening activities that support and enhance their overall technique.
If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us.
Yours sincerely
Mrs Pringle and Mrs Mistry