Classes

Our pupils study the Imperial Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) syllabus in Ballet, Tap and Modern.

Ballet
Classes start with Primary Ballet and continue to Grade Six. There are also Vocational Grades which can be taken. Ballet is the core subject of all dance and is based on a classical technique. Our classes are structured in a way in which Ballet is taught correctly, encouraging the pupil to develop good technique. We are very in tune with today’s child and remember that Ballet should be enjoyable.

Modern
Our Modern classes start with Primary and continue to Grade Six. There are also Vocational Grades which can be taken. The Modern syllabus is based on warm up exercises, floor work, a rhythmical section leading to travelling steps and progressing to an amalgamation and dance. This Modern work strives to offer a current form of dance encouraging freedom of movement and expression.

Tap
Tap Classes start with Primary and continue to Grade Six. There are also Vocational Grades which can be taken. Tap classes enable children to improve their rhythm. The Tap work has recently been re-developed and is very current using the fundamental technique of Tap while bringing it up to date using music children love listening to.

Ballet, Modern and Tap are three styles of traditional dance with the purpose of teaching the understanding and use of dance terminology, a knowledge of good lines through the body, arm and head, and good posture. As well as this, they will develop spatial awareness and teach new methods of self expression, and give a sense of self confidence which will translate to all aspects of life.

Street Dance
Street dance is a very popular and more relaxed genre of dance. Pupils will really enjoy learning routines inspired by the latest chart music and videos, and will be keen to show off that they can dance like their favourite pop stars. There is no syllabus for street dance, as the emphasis is on teaching a natural sense of rhythm and a style of dance that is now massively popular. Classes are very sociable and a brilliant way to keep fit and have fun!

Theatre Performance Company
Does your child like to sing, dance and act? If so this is the class for them. Pupils will learn material from their favourite musicals, learn script work, prose and poems as well as performing their favourite songs. Children will also have the opportunity to develop their own theatrical skills, learning improvisation and choreography. As pupils progress into the older Theatre Performance Company classes they will be challenged according to their age group with the introduction of harmonies in singing, more advanced script work, will learn dialects and the introduction of renounced pronunciation. The dancing will also become more advanced .

Singing
Singing classes will teach pupils correct breathing and vocal warm up techniques, all with the aim of developing the vocal range in a way suited to each individual. Common techniques used include correct breathing, posture, diction and vocal warm ups, all of which help to develop the voice. As well as developing breathing, posture and technique, singing classes are a great social activity. Lessons are taken as a group. In our Advanced Singing Classes pupils are encouraged to build up the confidence to sometimes sing in small group or on their own. This is based on when the children are ready for this and only if they would like to do so. The classes are suitable for all abilities. Singing is the basis of all music, so anyone can learn to sing.

Drama
Drama is an art which demands three main elements, complete mastery of mind, body and technical craft. Whilst acquiring these skills, drama will also teach teamwork, self confidence as well as an awareness of self image. Classes are suitable for all abilities, and learning is through the use of drama games, in addition to group and individual script work and poems. Through learning drama, the subject will also teach other skills, including improving self -confidence, projection of voice and improve memory skills.

Shinin Stars Theatre Group
Shinin Stars Theatre Group teaches singing dancing and acting, We aim to have a termly theme, for example where the children study a certain musical culminating in a performance at the end of term for family and friends of pupils attending this class. This Theatre Group is great way to meet new friends, we provide a drink and a snack and the children have fun whilst learning a new skill.

Elite Performance Teams
The Academy is very proud of its Elite Performance Teams. The teams are split into Junior, Intermediate and Senior. Pupils are selected by the teachers. Many of our pupils have dancing as their main hobby and this class gives the children the opportunity to learn at a faster pace with like- minded children. Pupils of the Elite Teams regularly perform in prestigious events including performances at famous London Theatres such as Her Majesty’s Theatre, Haymarket and local social events. The Elite Team has a reputation of high quality performance and the professional way in which the children conduct themselves is often commented on by the event organisers and guests.

Pre-school Classes
To see details of Pre-school Classes, please click here

Adult Classes
To see details of Adult Classes, please click here

Student Testimonials

“The classes are great fun and the shows offer a great experience. The teachers are understanding and fun to be taught by. From going to Lucy Griffiths Dance Academy I have had fun, met some great friends, increased my confidence in dancing singing and acting.” Molly Carew

“Hi my name is Heather, I’m 15 years old and I have been going to the Academy since January 2001. I attend most of the classes at the academy- Ballet, Tap, Street Dance, Theatre Performance Company, Advanced Drama and Singing, Limbering and Elite Performance Team. I have passed many exams and taken part in lots of performances and find it challenging and fun. We work really hard and it is all worth it in the end when I receive my certificates from exams taken and experience the buzz of performing in shows! Recently I have taken my I.S.T.D 2012 Award and it was really fun having 2 solo’s to show the examiner and other students in the Academy. I can’t wait to do the next show as personally that’s my favourite part in being involved in the Academy.” Heather Godden

“All the classes (Tap, Ballet, Modern, Street Dance, Theatre Performance, Drama and Singing) are really fun and you make lots of new friends too. You learn new skills and gain confidence. You get to take part in lots of fun shows and competitions and the examinations are a great experience too.”
Francesca Telling, age 13

“My name is Holly Smith and I have been dancing at The Lucy Griffiths Dance and Theatre Academy since 1999. I am currently doing intermediate tap and modern and grade six ballet. Dancing has always been something that I have loved. During my time at the academy I have enjoyed taking part in the numerous shows and choreographic competitions put on. I have worked with both the Ravensbourne Light Operatic and West Wickham Operatic Societies and performed in the professional production of the Sleeping Beauty Pantomime at the Churchill theatre in 2009. Originally I started helping out in the children’s dance lessons as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award however once started I realised that being able to use my knowledge and love of performing to help others improve their own skills was something that I thoroughly enjoyed and wanted to commit fully to. I look forward to helping the children realise their potential in this wonderful form of art.

I have recently successfully completed 12 GCSEs including dance in which I achieved an A*. I will now be studying Biology, Chemistry, English Literature and Maths at A-Level and am working towards a World Challenge expedition to Madagascar in 2013.” Holly Smith

“I started dancing with Lucy Griffiths Dance and Theatre Academy at the age of three in 2000 and quickly developed an avid love of performing, so much so that I have been dancing with Lucy Griffiths ever since. In 2008 when Miss Lucy told me about auditions for the West End show Oliver! I nearly didn’t turn up for the audition because I thought I had the wrong dance shoes and wouldn’t be professional enough for the production. I went into the audition purely to gain audition practice but was given a call back for that afternoon. During the two auditions, they taught me, along with the other auditioned girls, a dance and a song from the musical and then we all had to perform singularly. Three days later I was told I was in and genuinely could not believe it. My contract was for 6 months which comprised 3 months of development rehearsals, 1 month of previews and 2 months of official performances including preview opening night, press review night and the cast party at The Waldorf Hotel. Being in Oliver! taught me how the business works, how to take direction and best of all I made life long friends.

Now that I am too tall for children’s roles in the West End, I have continued performing locally and in 2011 Miss Lucy put me forward for a juvenile role in the professional Sevenoaks pantomime Mother Goose but was asked to return later to audition for a senior role with the adult dancers of the same height. Both auditions consisted of being taught a dance routine. At the end of the senior audition they handed me an envelope with performance dates and confirmation that I had been chosen. I felt extremely privileged to have been selected because most of the other candidates were all over 18 and danced to a high standard. My school was incredibly supportive and authorised me to miss some school during the two weeks before the Christmas holidays to perform in the daily shows. I enjoyed the experience and the company of the cast so much that I’m going to audition again this Christmas. Fingers crossed I get in!

Almost every year, I take at least one examination meaning I take extras classes throughout the week. These lessons boost my confidence and my knowledge of the ISTD syllabus so I am suitably prepared for the oncoming examination. This year, Miss Lucy put me forward, among others, to participate in an innovative and unique award designed for the 2012 Olympics called the ISTD award. The preparation for the award consisted of private lessons with a teacher, in which two dances of either tap, modern or both were specially designed for each candidate. I especially enjoyed this aspect of the award because it meant I could create the foundations for a dance made solely for me. I was encouraged to pick the music for each dance, the style of each dance and whether I wanted any props meaning my two solos were entirely in my own control. I think the private lessons really helped build the dances and in the end I scored 90/100, meaning I received a distinction and the award. I am so pleased to have had the opportunity to take part in such a distinguished award.”  Anne Cockshott