Annual Performances

The opportunity to gain performing experience is essential to a professional dance training. However we feel at a young age technical classes and performance work must be carefully balanced as we are possibly laying the foundations for a child's future training. For this reason we choose not to do festivals and consider our involvement in outside engagements very carefully. Within the school there is a healthy competition and a friendly atmosphere.

In ballet, modern and tap dance, expression, emotions and characterisation are communicated via a technically trained body and enhance the quality of movement but as French ballerina Sylvie Guillem aptly stated,

'Technical perfection is insufficient. It is an orphan without the true soul of the dancer.'

Whilst building confidence, performing enables the student to develop that 'soul'.

Above all, both students and teachers have tremendous fun in putting a show together. Showtime is an exciting but hectic period and parents can expect the following changes-

In the two months before a show timetables are subject to alteration to allow for rehearsals. During the last 4-6 weeks, sunday rehearsals are occasionally scheduled. In the week of the show we hold a dress rehearsal and technical run at the theatre.

Prior to a show we send out consentment forms for parents to sign telling us whether they wish their child to take part in the show. Parents are asked to consider the prospect of extra sunday rehearsals and their child's attendance at the dress rehearsal and technical run in the week before a show. We advise any student going on holiday in the month before a show or unable to commit to sunday rehearsals to refrain from taking part. A child cannot perform to the best of their ability if they are unsure of their work, equally other children have difficulty rehearsing script or dance patterns when friends are absent.

Costumes are ordered or are made by our dressmakers and can cost from £25-60 depending on size and style- we try our upmost to keep costs to a minimum. We ask for a deposit in advance for costumes and it is only on receipt of this deposit that costumes are made.

At this busy time observing the notice board is a necessity as we reaffirm the information given to children concerning rehearsals and appropriate accessories such as tights, socks, footwear and hair requirements.

Show tickets are sold on two specified dates and we would be grateful if parents can purchase the tickets at these times so that we can focus all our time and energy on the show itself. To ensure we cover theatre costs, fill the theatre and provide the children with this experience we ask for parents to support us by purchasing a minimum of 6 tickets.

'The essence of all art is to have pleasure in giving pleasure'.

-Mikhail Baryshnikov

Calender

To read a Press review of our most recent performance, click HERE.

Internal Cups and Trophies

We have six internal awards that are awarded to students at Counterpoint for Ballet, Tap and modern choreography. To Learn more about these awards and the people to whom they are dedicated, click HERE.

Summer School

During the last week of July or first week of August we hold our annual Summer School. This is an action packed week of classes and activities culminating in an end of week barbeque for students and a performance for parents to watch. We ask for a deposit in advance from those students who wish to attend so that we can invite professional dancers and guest teachers to Swansea to provide a varied and exciting programme.

Half term Courses

Dependant on student availability intensive courses for exam preparation, rehearsals or visiting teachers are arranged in half term or holiday breaks.

Open days

During the year we offer the opportunity for parents and guardians to watch the students at work within their classes so they may see how they are progressing.

Christmas Ball

At Christmas time we host a ball at the Dylan Thomas Centre for Counterpoint pupils and parents to attend. Bookings are taken in advance and the evening includes a meal and cabaret entertainment provided by our students.

Newsletter

Every 8 weeks a school newsletter is printed and posted with the school fee invoices to provide useful information on forthcoming events, school successes, theatre visits etc.

Dance Shop

On a Saturday, hair accessories, leotards, tights, dance shoes, school sweaters, t-shirts and class uniforms are on sale in the foyer area.

'Dance is so important in the world. It needs no language. Our bodies speak a language of their own'.

-Ibrahim Farrah