Barking Abbey School

A full time programme of contemporary dance technique and performance that supplements the academic timetable for students aged 16 – 19 to start in September 2007.

Barking Abbey School is a Sports College and within these targets Dance has been identified as a second subject focus. This means that Dance has a high profile in the school and is taken very seriously.

Barking Abbey School is recognised nationally and has been involved in high profile projects such as The Royal Ballet School project with Dagenham Park School last year.

How might this programme benefit and develop future plans?

The Academy is supported by several highly distinguished dance institutions, such as East London Dance Agency, the LABAN Centre, London Contemporary Dance School, The Royal Academy of Dance and Union Dance Company.

Many dance institutions will therefore have an understanding of the training academy members have undergone, helping them to make informed decisions should candidates apply there for further training.

The Dance Academy programme will give students ideas about possible career opportunities and will enrich their FE applications as the Academy will:

Create performance opportunities at high profile performance venues and will attend workshops at The Place and the LABAN Centre.

Be taught by some of the leading professional dance artists in the country.

How is the Dance Academy different to other dance training?

The Academy will be largely led by a professional dance company. This company will be in residency throughout the year ensuring candidates are trained by some of today’s leading dance artists.

Academy members will also undertake training led by specialist dance teachers in the Barking Abbey dance department in order to supplement the sessions they receive from the professional dance company.

Training will be varied to ensure Academy members have a broad knowledge and understanding of dance and performing in a wide context.

Training will be further supplemented by a schedule of visits, workshops and performances.

Each Academy member will receive regular 1- 1 and group mentoring on issues such as performance skills, performance analysis, professionalism, mental strength, dance fitness, diet/nutrition and career development.

What is expected of a Dance Academy member?

A Dance Academy member must be available for all performances, training sessions and individual tutorials.

A Dance Academy member must work towards achieving set targets throughout the programme.

It is expected that Dance Academy members will undertake A level dance as part of their academic studies.

It is imperative Dance Academy members are completely committed to the programme and attend every session.

How do I gain a place within the Dance Academy?

There are 12 scholarships available to candidates, these places will be awarded to students via an audition and interview process.

The candidates must demonstrate the potential both physically and mentally to undergo the intensive training programme and therefore prior dance training is necessary.

5 GCSE’s at grades A – C gives you access to the widest range of courses, although candidates with slightly lower grades may be considered for some courses if references are particularly strong.

If you have any further questions about this programme please contact either Miss Lowe or Miss Fulham on 0208 270 4100.