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 16 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 12 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..
Ballet, Modern and Jazz with Amy Foley and Alan Foley
3 to 18 year olds every Wednesday
Fees from €100
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. Theses 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.
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