Ms Brown is qualified in ballet, modern and tap and has performed in both Europe and Latin America. She is an Associate of the Imperial Society of Teachers and Dancing.
Ballet
St. Philip's has a long-standing relationship with the Weston School of Dance and Performing Arts, a local school with 60 years of teaching experience. Lessons in classical ballet (Checchetti method) are conducted by Ms Brown, ISTD, once a week for pupils of each age group in the Old Hall. We encourage your child, boy or girl, to participate because of the many benefits dance can offer, including improvement in posture, co-ordination, strength, an appreciation of the arts and the confidence and social skills that are gained from individual and group performance.
Training and performance
Ballet lessons are provided for pleasure. However, pupils are encouraged to take graded examinations (Imperial Ballet Examinations Board) when their teacher feels they are ready. Because classes are organized by year group, there is the opportunity for pupils to be entered in groups to make the examination process enjoyable. Pupils typically reach grade 2 by the time the leave Prep 4.
Dance is both about performance and personal development. Parents are therefore invited to a performance from the ballet students at the end of every term. This provides the children with a sense of accomplishment and progress. At Easter, the ballet students perform in an evening concert for parents and pupils. Our latest production was 'Harry Potter'.
Beyond school
The Priory also plays host to some of the Weston School's private evening classes. Even after your child has left the Priory, there is the opportunity to continue training within a familiar environment and with the same teachers.