Pro Dance11-17 years
This intensive, professional two-week dance course takes place at Dicker centre, home of Bede's Senior School, and is open to students who are trained in Classical Ballet / Contemporary Dance from intermediate to advanced levels. Students receive 13.5 hours of English and at least 17 hours of dance training per week. The core programme includes classical ballet, contemporary and choreography. Students also receive improvisation, conditioning, fitness and Pilates sessions. All dance training is delivered by the ex-ballet dancer and industry professional, Mr Paul Liburd MBE.
The Programme
Course Description
This intensive and exclusive Dance course, delivered by the ex-ballet dancer and industry professional Mr Paul Liburd MBE, helps students to develop their technical dance (ballet and contemporary), choreographic and performance skills. Throughout the course, dancers also improve their creativity and critical thinking.
Course Content
Pro Dance students receive at least 17 hours of dance training per week. The core programme includes classical ballet, contemporary and choreography. Alongside the core programme, students receive Pilates, conditioning, fitness sessions and improvisation sessions.
Training is delivered in a group of up to 20 dancers, who receive both individual and group training, in line with the philosophy of learning academic dance concepts through practical sessions.
Paul Liburd is a former member of London Contemporary Dance Theatre, Rambert Dance Company and Scottish Ballet as a soloist and he has danced works by some of the world’s most prominent contemporary-modern choreographers.
His awards include the Cosmopolitan/School Award in 1985, the BBC Yorkshire Black Achievers Award 1992, Critic’s Circle Award for Outstanding Male Dancer 2004 (Contemporary) and Critics Circle National Dance Award 2009 (The Dancing Times Award for Best Male Dancer). He was awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 2009 for services to Dance.
After retiring from performing, Paul has taught at a number of UK and international dance schools including the Legat School of Dance at Bede’s School. At present, he is teaching at Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance and London Studio Centre.
On the last Friday, students will perform a demonstration and sharing of the work covered in both
Classical Ballet and Contemporary training sessions in front of an audience. The performance will include new choreography, created in participation with the students during the course.
Description
English Skills focus on developing students' general knowledge in English and ability to communicate effectively and accurately in everyday situations and different contexts. Students will be tested, challenged, supported and stimulated.
Aims
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Improve students' receptive (reading and listening) and productive (speaking and writing) English skills.
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Extend students' knowledge and range of vocabulary.
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Deepen students' understanding of grammatical concepts in English.
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Build students' confidence to use the English they know in speaking situations.
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Improve students' pronunciation.
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Train students to be effective learners.
Description
A full programme of organised and supervised social events is offered every evening to encourage students to make new friends and develop their social skills. By actively encouraging the mixing of nationalities, we are helping to create a harmonious international community in which students can live, study in a safe and comfortable environment and enjoy themselves.
Aims
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Promote students' relaxation and enjoyment.
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Explore some typically English social events, games and activities.
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Nurture social skills in an environment of different cultural traditions.
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Use English in natural real-life speaking situations.
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Forge new friendships.
Examples
Bede’s Got Talent, Disco, House Competitions, Fashion Show, Formal Dinner & Dance, Karaoke, Messy Games, Music Quiz, Musical Workshop, Pool Party, Soft Ball Sports, Tennis, Tournaments.
Description
Excursions are a mandatory part of the programme. We offer students the opportunity to visit places of cultural and historical interest, as well as the chance for sightseeing, shopping and amusement.
Aims
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Deepen students' cultural experiences.
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Create opportunities for interaction with the real world in fun, relaxed and genuinely interesting ways.
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Enhance their knowledge of England and the UK.
Wednesdays
Wednesday trips are a half-day afternoon/evening visit and may involve visiting a local place of interest in a nearby town or an off-site activity, such as Adventure Golf, Beach Volleyball, Castle, Country Park, Indoor Rock Climbing, Museum, Pier, Skating, Street Markets.
Saturdays
Saturday excursions are a full day trip and include a cultural, touristic or recreational visit to London or another place of interest such as British Museum, Buckingham Palace, London Dungeon, London Eye, London Zoo, Madame Tussauds, National Gallery, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, Thorpe Park, Tower of London, Westminster Abbey.
An alternative sightseeing tour of London will be available every Saturday.
Sundays
Sunday excursions are often more relaxing trips to a local seaside town, such as Brighton, Chichester, Eastbourne, Hastings or Worthing, where students can stroll along the beach, have lunch in the park or do some shopping. Sometimes students will partake in off-site activities.
Dates & Fees
This intensive 2-week Dance and English course runs from 9 July to 22 July 2023 only. Students must do both weeks of the course and must be trained in Classical Ballet / Contemporary Dance to an Intermediate or Advanced level.
The fully inclusive course fee is £1,695 per week. This includes a return transfer from selected airports (any time of the day) and travel insurance. There is no supplement for collecting a UM.
For a longer stay, students can do a combination course if they wish, for example Pro Dance + English Plus at Dicker/Lancing.
The Course
Age range 11 to 17 yrs. 20 spaces available on the Dance course. Maximum 250 students per week at Dicker. Limits for each nationality to ensure a good mix.
Excursion Schedule. Pro Dance Students join English Plus students for English Skills and then undertake intensive Dance training from 12pm to 5.30pm. There are social events every evening and weekend excursions. All Dance and English lessons, recreational activities and excursions are mandatory and included in the fee.
Daily Timetable. 17 hours of Dance and 13.5 hours of English per week. English classes have a maximum of 14 students. Weekly progress checks to monitor performance.
6 levels are available from A1-A2 (Elementary) to C2 (Proficiency). Entry test on first Monday with a speaking, grammar and writing component.
This course is open to students who are trained in Classical Ballet/Contemporary Dance from intermediate to advanced levels.
The centre
Tennis courts, sports hall, swimming pool, gym, squash courts, astro-turf, playing fields, drama theatre, dance studios, small golf course, IT suites, art studios.
Separate accommodation on campus for boys and girls. Most bedrooms have 2 to 4 beds (some single and larger bedrooms are available). Storage space is available. Bathrooms are shared. Students share their bedroom with children of a similar age and from different countries. Every boarding house has its own communal space for students to relax.
Bede’s staff provide excellent care for students 24 hours a day and live in the same sleeping areas as the students. Dedicated House Parents look after the students in each boarding house. Excellent staff:student ratios (typically 1:5). Individual attention provided. There is a surgery led by a qualified nurse a couple of times a week and students have access to a doctor if required.
Healthy meals with a mix of English and international dishes served in the Dining Room. Vegetarian options are always available. Special dietary requirements are accommodated.
Internet is available and an extensive Wi-Fi network across the campus. Skype is available. Students can make and receive telephone calls. Bede's Shop and a Village Shop for refreshments and snacks. Laundry is done for students at least twice a week. 24 hour emergency contact service for Parents.
Transfers from/to Heathrow and Gatwick Airports and Ashford International and Ebbsfleet Train Stations are included in the fees and provided at any time of the day (but preferably between 10:00 and 17:00). Students are met on arrival by Bede's Staff and Bede's Airport Coordinators are also available to provide extra care.
Course Aims
- Improve skills and technique in Ballet and Contemporary Dance
- Improve all language skills in English
- Build confidence to speak English more fluently
- Have a better understanding of the British way of life
- Earn respect for other people and different cultures
- Develop personal and social skills
- Motivate students to continue learning after they leave Bede's
