Alan Foley’s Academy of Dance (AFAD) promotes dance as a vibrant and enjoyable art form through classes, workshops and performances in ballet, jazz and modern dance for 3 to 18 year olds. AFAD is part of Cork City Ballet (CCB) which embraces a policy of engaging dancers from international companies as well as Ireland's finest classical and contemporary dancers, to perform to audiences all over Ireland.
The Company has worked in partnership with WCAC for over 15 years, developing programmes for children which offer continuous academic development and engagement with professional dancers. Annual performances, featuring professional dancers, in Cork Opera House are an integral part of the programme.
Courses are held on Wednesdays in the WCAC workspace during school term and are facititated by dancers Amy O'Sullivan and Sarah Moriarty.
To get some further information, please have a look at our partner's website:
Junior Ballet
Junior Ballet is the perfect stepping stone into the world of dance. Each week through a different story the class will bring ballet basics to life. Participants will enjoy walking on their toes around a magic castle, catching butterflies in an enchanted garden, pointing their feet at a snapping crocodile and jumping in icy puddles. This session places emphasis on creativity, musicality and enjoying the learning process.
Pre Primary / Primary Ballet
In each session the participants will practice exercises from a syllabus that is designed to build on the foundations of formal dance training and basic technique. Emphasis is bases on a balance of activities that will make learning enjoyable. The sessions will inspire children from beginning to end as the exercises were developed to engage children. From sailing in a boat to rocking a doll, bouncing a ball and reaching for the stars. We aim to make the fundamentals the building blocks of fun.
Grade 2 / Grade 4 / Senior Ballet
In these sessions we teach ballet in a more formal manner. Each session begins with exercises practiced at the barre. The class moves to the centre where we practice exercises designed to improve balance, strength and coordination. The sessions progress to movements such as turns, pirouettes and faster jumps and leaps before finishing with a cool down and some stretching. Senior students will also practice pointe work.
Pre Primary Modern / Primary Modern
Modern dance is also known as Modern Theatre Dance and is the type of dancing seen in musicals such as Chicago, The Lion King and Fame as well as numerous pop videos. These sessions are perfect for energetic children who enjoy moving, stretching, jumping and interacting with other children while enhancing an appreciation for music.
Grade 2 Modern / Jazz
Jazz/Modern is a fast paced energetic dance. A typical jazz session will involve a warm up then moves on to learning separate moves such as turns, jumps and leaps that travel across the studio. A short routine is taught in stages to pop, hip hop and rock music finishing with some stretching and a cool down.
Alan Foley's Academy of Dance
WCAC continues to work with Alan Foley’s Academy of Dance to deliver an expansive dance programme for children and young people. The programme has diverse features including special pre-school ballet sessions especially for young children to develop key skills in an enjoyable way. For older children sessions are available in modern and jazz exploring choreography and high energy dance, hip-hop and also classical and contemporary ballet for all levels. Participants can elect to take part in an end of year production dancing alongside professional dancers and full-time students. This annual event takes place mid June at Cork’s Opera House.
Suitable dance wear will be needed and Academy uniforms can be purchased at Molloy’s, Castle Street, Cork and Moderne on the Grand Parade, although these are not essential for new enrolments.
Session are delivered by dancers Amy O'Sullivan and Sarah Moriarty. These professional dancers bring visual imagery and familiar music to engage the children and explore ways of learning the discipline of Ballet and Modern dance.
Classes take place each Wednesday at WCAC at the following times:
2.45pm - 3.30pm Ballet (baby)
3.30pm - 4.15pm Ballet (primary)
4.15 pm - 5.15pm Modern (intermediate)
5.15pm - 6.15pm Ballet (intermediate)
6.15pm - 7.15pm Jazz (senior)
7.15pm - 8.15pm Ballet (senior)
Term 2 - 10 weeks, 9 January – 20 March (excluding 13 February)
Term 3 - 9 weeks, 10 April – 5 June plus rehearsal on Saturday 8 June and performance on 9 June (tbc)
Fees
For ¾ hour
€ 135 for 14 sessions
€ 100 for 10 sessions
€ 95 for 12 sessions, (inclusive of show and extra rehearsal)
(35 sessions € 9.43 per session)
For 1 hour
€ 160 for 14 sessions
€ 120 for 10 sessions
€ 110 for 12 sessions (inclusive of show and extra rehearsal)
(€12.10 per session)
For 2 hours
€ 285 for 14 weeks
€ 210 for 10 sessions
€ 189 for 12 sessions (inclusive of show and extra rehearsal)
(€21.00 per session)
Note: 50% concessions apply to third and consecutive children in the same family
From time to time Alan Foley Academy of Dance will issue letters directly to parents with additions or changes to the programme.
