STEPS2 PROGRAMME
STEPS2 is a 1-year training programme that runs on Fridays from 4.30 to 6:00 pm. during term time only. As a member of STEPS2 you will receive:
Weekly dance sessions taught by specialist teachers in ballet, contemporary and jazz
Opportunities to perform at least once a year
The chance to watch professional dance performances
One-to-one meetings with the team and their parents/ carers to discuss their progression, aspirations and goal planning
Written reports two times during the year
Sharings of work for family and friends at the end of each term
Graduation sharing when the student leaves the programme
Certificate once the student has graduated
Many dancers progress from Steps2 to the Centre for Advanced Training (CAT).
ENCOURAGING POTENTIAL AND PREPARING FOR THE NEXT STEPS
STEPS2 is a training programme for children aged 9 – 13 years and provides a stepping stone for aspiring young dancers to develop their dance skills and natural ability.
STEPS2 aims to develop physical confidence, inspire creativity, musicality and an individual’s performance and dance skills in contemporary, ballet, jazz, and creative dance. It encourages potential and prepares them for the next step in their training.
AIMS
Develop physical confidence and ability
Inspire creativity and musicality
Provide a solid base in ballet technique
Encourage development in contemporary dance
OUTCOMES
Physical confidence and ability in Ballet,
Contemporary, Jazz and Creative Dance
Technical, creative and artistic skills
Independent learning
CLASS TIMES
Fridays 4.30pm - 6:00 pm
All classes take part during term time only
WHAT TO EXPECT
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1 Open Evening
If you are interested in becoming a part of STEPS2, we highly recommend that you come along to our Open Evening on Friday 7th June 2024 from 4.30pm – 6.30pm. It is a wonderful opportunity to find out more about STEPS2, see current students in action and ask any questions you might have about auditioning. Book your place using the link below.
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2 Audition
Entry into STEPS2 is audition based. We are particularly interested in hearing from 11-13 years who have previous dance experience. It will involve a practical dance class consisting of Jazz and Contemporary technique and a short creative task. You will NOT need to perform a solo.
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3 Core Subjects
The STEP2 Programme have 2 core subjects throughout the year; Contemporary and Jazz and it is set out as follows:
Term 1 (Sept-Dec): Technique and strengthening in Contemporary, Jazz and Ballet
Term 2 (Jan-March): Performance opportunity with core teacher and guest tutor working with one group each
Term 3 (April-July): Creative, Choreography and Technique in Contemporary and Jazz
NB. Term 2 and Term 3 may switch dependent on performance scheduling
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4 Levels
The STEPS2 Programme runs with 2 levels taking place simultaneously. The levels are set by the STEPS2 team at the beginning of the year based on ability, strength, maturity and technique. If the STEPS2 teachers or team feels any student is in the wrong level at any point throughout the year then this can be amended in discussion with the student and the parent/carer.
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5 Parent & Student Pathway Meetings
Parent and student pathway meetings take place in the Autumn for both levels. These are designed to allow students and teachers the chance to talk over how the year has been going and discuss the student's next steps in their development.
Meet your team
Sarah Fletcher
HEAD OF EDUCATION & DEVELOPMENT
Sarah trained at Swindon Dance Centre for Advanced Training and Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. After completing an MA with Transitions Dance Company, she became a freelance dance artist. Sarah joined the Swindon Dance team in 2016 working in various roles before joining the Education Team, working her way up from Assistant Coordinator to Programme Manager and now Head of Education & Development. Sarah is also a member of Swerve Dance Theatre Company and FlickerrDance Company. Sarah most recently gained a level 6 diploma in Dance Pedagogy.
Meet your team
Abbie Biscoe
ASSISTANT MANAGER EDUCTION & DEVELOPMENT
bblah blah
Meet your instructor
Sarah Josh
Sarah began her training at Swindon Dance on to the Youth Talent Programme. From there she continued her training on the Foundation Course and then Northern Ballet School where she completed a 3 year Musical Theatre course and her teacher training. After performing she became the course leader for the Youth Talent Programme and is a core tutor for the Swindon Dance Centre for Advanced Training. She is also the lead tutor on the Steps2 development programme. Sarah currently teaches both children and adult classes at Swindon Dance including: Jazz, Tap and Ballet. Plus, Sarah is a guest choreographer for both the Ballet and Street CAT.
FAQs
What do the fees cover?
All STEPS2 training sessions; performance trip ticket & a Swindon Dance T-shirt is included in your fee.
What is the cost per year?
The annual fee for 2024/25 is £285 / £225*. There maybe a slight increase per year. *concessionary rate
What are the payment options?
Fees can be paid in full at the beginning of the Steps2 year or in 3 equal instalments:
By 13th Sept 2024
By 10th Jan 2025
By 25th Apr 2025
Are there any additional costs?
Cost of travel to performances or events may need to be covered by the STEPS2 member. We may ask for a contribution to travel and shall endeavour to keep the costs as low as possible. Fundraising may be arranged whenever this occurs.
We will attempt to provide costumes needed for performances, however we may ask that you source items from home or contribute towards costume purchases.
When do assessments take place?
There will be 2 reports during the year
Jan - Mar focuses on:
Physical Skills/ Strength/ Technique/ Behaviour Skills/ Attendance
Apr - Jul focuses on:
Creativity/ Choreography/ Musicality/ Performance Skills/ Behaviour Skills/ Attendance
Addtionally, parents/ carers are also invited to a sharing display by the STEPS2 team at the end of December (Autumn/Winter term), and one in either March (Winter/Spring term) or July (Summer term), demonstrating their class work. STEPS2 level 2 parents, will also to be invited to the CAT (Centre for Advanced Training) open days throughout the year, ahead of the CAT auditions.
What opportunities are there for performances and trips?
Both levels work towards a performance either at the end of the year during the Summer Term or during Winter/Spring term. Both levels will have the chance to attend a trip to see a performance either locally or regionally. The cost of the performance trip is included in fees. This will be a compulsory performance trip, which we advise students to attend to broaden their knowledge and experience of live dance.
Is there a Graduation?
At the end of the year (Summer term) those students that are moving on to the next steps in their training will graduate from the STEPS2 Programme during an open/sharing class in front of their family and friends.
Please note: In the event that a student choses to leave half way through the year or before then they do not complete/graduate from the programme.
Required attendance?
Once you have successfully gained a place on the STEPS2 Programme then it is yours until you graduate/ leave. There is no need to re-audition.
STEPS2 requires 100% commitment from the student. It is essential that you contact the STEPS2 coordinator either by phone or email at your earliest opportunity to report an absence if your child is unable to attend a session/s or project. Attendance will be assessed each term by the STEPS2 management team, and we will be in contact with you if we would like to discuss your child's attendance. We also ask that students arrive 5 minutes before class so that the teachers can start promptly at 4.30pm.
What should I wear?
Black leotard or tight-fitting vest and tights/leggings OR tight-fitting vest/t-shirt and tracksuit bottoms/shorts. A Swindon Dance t-shirt is included in the fees. Please ensure all hair is tied back, no jewellery and no socks are worn.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
For further information contact: Abbie Biscoe on 01793 601700 or email: abbie.biscoe@swindondance.org.uk
