Our Story
The Metropolitan School of Dance has been providing classes in classical ballet for all ages from Pre-Primary to Advanced 2 and Pre-Professional since its foundation in 1945 by our patron Patricia Joan McCarthy.
At our school, we welcome children from 3 years of age to the magical world of ballet, from their first steps in a dance studio through their pre-professional training. We offer classical ballet training of the highest standards in a friendly and encouraging environment. Children are entered for Royal Academy of Dance examinations and excellent results are consistently awarded at both graded and vocational levels.
Classical ballet training encourages and develops self-confidence, poise, musicality, core-strength, flexibility and co-ordination. Students enjoy the excitement of participating in our school performances in the O'Reilly Theatre, Belvedere College.
School Policy
The aim of the Metropolitan School of Dance is to foster a love of dance in all our pupils, through teaching the syllabi of the Royal Academy of Dance.
Uniform
The following guidelines regarding uniform were circulated to all teachers by the Royal Academy of Dance and are closely observed by this school:
“The Academy has always stressed the importance of good uniform for young people studying ballet. Looking one’s best aids self-esteem promotes confidence and gives pride in performance. Leotards, tights, socks and shoes should be clean and well fitted. Elastic or ribbons should be firmly sewn in the correct position and securely fastened. ‘Briefs’, if worn, should not show below the leotard. No jewellery may be worn. The hair should always be neatly groomed and appropriately styled.”
You should also ensure that all items of footwear and clothing are clearly labeled.
Fees & Pricing
There are two fourteen week terms per year, Septmber to Christmas and January to May. Fees must be paid on the first day of each term.
Young Dancers Program
Our Young Dancers Program is specially designed for pre-school and junior students. Through imaginative and creative story-telling children are encouraged to develop in confidence and expressiveness.
Props and the use of musical instruments ensure a positive and fun-filled learning environment. Specially chosen music introduces the children to different musical rhythms and dance styles and stimulate their listening skills. Exercises have been designed to help children develop strength, control, co-ordination and correct posture. These encourage children to move expressively and help build the children’s confidence and self-esteem. Working in groups and with a partner enhance social skills.
The basic principles of ballet are introduced with the positions of the arms and feet. Correct use of ballet terminology such as demi-plié (bend of the knees) and Sauté (Jump) are an integral part of our classes ensuring understanding from a young age.
Grades 1-8
From the age of 7 classes are based on the study of the syllabi of the Royal Academy of dance. The children, building on the strong foundations established in our young dancer’s program further develop their classical technique.
An ethos based on positive and constructive feedback ensures continued self-confidence and builds self-esteem. Children are given the opportunity to enter for the Academy’s examinations encouraging individual performance and self-expression.
Vocational Training
We provide vocational training for those students who would like to take their ballet to a higher level. This program of study is for those students who wish to challenge themselves technically, artistically, musically and creatively, to achieve their maximum potential.
Students should demonstrate a willingness to practice and perfect their work. These classes are very rewarding but require time, energy, patience and commitment from the student. Some of our vocational students take the vocational examinations of the Royal Academy of Dance; many have trained on the Academy¹s teacher training program and a very select few have auditioned for full time training in London. All our vocational students have greatly benefited from the experience.
Teacher Training
The school is also involved in mentoring student teachers enrolled on the Royal Academy of Dance Certificate in Teaching Ballet Studies. Many of our former students are now teaching throughout Ireland, England and Australia.
At the Metropolitan School of Dance, we hope to help each child to develop their maximum potential according to their own particular talents and abilities. We aim to create a happy working atmosphere based on mutual respect.
With this in mind, we would like all of our students to enjoy their classes as much as we enjoy teaching them. Whether you consider ballet as a hobby, a way to keep fit or as a vocation, we have a class for you.
