The Marisa Wood
School of Dance
School of Dance
Dance classes run six days a week for children and adults. Classes are held in Cecchetti Classical Ballet, Modern Theatre Dance, Tap Dance, and Swans. Examinations are held twice a year, a Choreographic Competition is held every other year as is the Schools Performance.
Our dance lessons
• Children & Adult Classes
• Classes 6 Days a Week
• Easily accessible
• Summer School
• Holiday Workshops
• Fully Qualified Staff
About Cecchetti Classical Ballet
The Cecchetti method of Classical Ballet was founded by the Italian Dancer and Teacher Maestro Enrico Cecchetti.
The method has a rich heritage and history. Enrico Cecchetti was one of the most important influences on the foundations of modern Classical Ballet training.
He evolved a method of training in the 19th Century that is as relevant today as it was when he first created it. His influence on British Ballet has been far reaching and resulted in the creation of The Cecchetti Society.
The Cecchetti principles of training continue to produce outstanding artistic and technically accomplished dancers, able to work with today’s directors across a spectrum of ballet and contemporary companies. The dancers at The Marisa Wood School of Dance follow the Cecchetti Classical Ballet Grade and Standards Syllabus from Pre-Primary up to and including Advanced One Ballet. Examinations are encouraged by not compulsory and are held twice a year at the studio.
Tap Dance Lessons
Tap Dance is a theatrical art form. Tap combines a love of dance, music and performance. It teaches the dancer about choreography, improvisation and syncopation. Tap Dance can be adapted for any age or fitness level, from young children to those who are young at heart.
Tap dance improves balance, co-ordination as well as fitness levels, the steps can be complex which is also great exercise for your brain. The dancers at The Marisa Wood School of Dance study the ISTD Tap Dance Syllabus from Primary to Grade Five.
Modern Theatre Dance Classes
Modern Theatre Dance is a rhythmic dance style which originated in America before travelling to the rest of the World. It is seen on the stages of Musical Productions and is known for its theatrical qualities. You will learn how to leap, turn and kick your way to developing the essential dance skills for the stage. The dancers at The Marisa Wood School of Dance study the Modern Theatre Dance syllabus from Primary to Grade Six including the Jazz Medals.
The Swans
The Swans classes were developed for people over the age of 55 years, although many people who come to our Swans classes are under 55 years. The classes are non impact classes so no one has to worry about landing badly or getting dizzy.The classes start with a general warm up more often than not in a circle, sometimes developed from a folk dance. We get our strength and co ordination from the barre work before moving into the centre and performing port de bras and allegro with no bounce or as little bounce as people feel they want to do.
The pinnacle of the class is learning Repertoire over several weeks from ballets, since the classes started in 2017 we have learnt Repertoire from Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, La Fille Ma Garde, Les Patinere, Romeo and Juliet, currently we are learning two variations from Sir Frederick Ashton’s Rhapsody.
Our Swans have performed at The Venue in Uffculme and at The Community Centre in Cullompton as well as on stage with the rest of The Marisa Wood School of Dance during the school Productions.
Highlights
Currently, we are delighted to have a pupil who is dancing with Birmingham Royal Ballet in Swan Lake Dreams, a Ballet Cymru Associates, the Winner of the 2019 Wales and West Senior Cecchetti Classical Ballet Competition, a pupil attending London College of Performing Arts from September 2020, several pupils auditioning for the English Youth Ballet and Ballet Boost as well as previous pupils who have gone on to have Professional Dance Careers.
