Classes
DADA offers a wide variety of classes to suit all age groups. Classes are led by our professional drama teachers who create a focused and energetic learning environment.
The Drama Class (all ages):
At DADA we believe the emphasis is twofold: each student who attends a drama class should learn to have an appreciation of drama, acting and theatre but in a relaxed and friendly environment where the needs of the individual student are catered for. Students will work on theatre games, improvisation, scripts, mime, movement etc. but will also gain confidence, improve their social skills and work on inner development.
The Speech Class (all ages):
The basic priority of the Speech Class is the development of the voice. This will involve each student working on relaxation, breathing, resonance and articulation, but again in a relaxed atmosphere. Along with this, students will be entered for Speech examinations with either The Irish Board, The Royal Irish Academy or the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, depending on the student’s age and level of experience. Of course, beginners are always welcome! The benefit of the Speech Class is that each student will work towards acquiring a clear, interesting voice and good communication skills, but will also have the reward of having completed an exam.
Kindergarten Speech & Drama (3-5yrs):
The kindergarten class combines elements of both the Speech and Drama classes, but is specially designed for very young children. Students will be introduced to theatre games, storytelling, poetry, movement and mime and will learn to improve their confidence and social skills. This class also helps to develop and foster the imaginative and creative side of the child from a very early age and is always extremely popular with the children.
Kindergarten Dance (3-5yrs):
These dance classes are for students aged 3-5yrs. Our classes are designed to introduce children to the basics of dancing, movement, co-ordination, rhythm and timing. But most of all, these classes aim to teach children to appreciate dance and all the fun that goes with it!
Pre-junior Speech & Drama (6-7 yrs):
Students will continue to develop skills in poetry, mime and movement and will be introduced to the area of improvisation. At this level, students also have the option of taking an examination with the Irish Board of Speech and Drama or the Royal Irish Academy. This class prepares students to move on to more senior classes and includes all the elements mentioned in Speech and Drama training (above).
Pre-Junior Dance (6-8yrs):
Students will continue to improve their skills in the area of dance, and will be introduced gradually to the many different styles of dance that are so popular today.
Hip-Hop Class (all ages):
Hip-Hop has evolved from Jazz, a form of American music developed from rag-time and blues in the late 1950s. Jazz dancing tends to have a bit of everything – ballet, classical, tap, street and salsa. Over the years this has grown into Hip-Hop. This style of dance is very popular with teenagers and is used extensively within the pop music industry.
The Musical Theatre Class (all ages):
The Musical Theatre class is designed for students who like to combine all the elements of dance, singing and drama in one class! Students will focus on songs from musicals as a starting point.
Singing Classes (all ages):
Students will cover all different singing styles, and will learn about musicality and “how to perform a song”. Places are limited to 10 students per class! DADA Youth Theatre (16-20 yrs): This class is for more experienced students who are considering a career in acting or who have a real passion for the subject. Students from this class will produce a play a professional theatre at the end of the year. Students must have experience in drama training in order to join DADA Youth Theatre.
Street Tap (8yrs+):
This class is a great introduction to Tap dancing. It uses traditional tap steps but in a more up-to-date setting, so that students can learn tap but listen to more modern music.
Jazz Ballet (14yrs+):
As the name suggests, this class is a mix of jazz and ballet, so it involves combining both dance styles in a new and creative way.
The Drama League of Ireland