Training
Training, Examinations & Certifications
Training
Bella Academy offers training from Pre-Primary through Level 7. The syllabus itself is not based on one specific ballet, but there are moments based on particular steps, part of a classic dance heritage. Pre-Professional Level is also offered as well as seasonal Master Classes with internationally renowned teachers.
Certifications
Bella Academy is affiliated with three of the world’s most recognised examination boards – Royal Ballet School London, The Royal Academy of Dance London, and The American Ballet Theatre New York. Our students enter for annual examinations under these boards as per the faculty’s discretion.
Coursework
The course offerings at Bella Academy’s progress considerably in terms of expression, musicality, understanding of movement qualities and dynamics, sense of performance and communication. Under the watchful eye of talented teachers, our students grow and flourish.
What Our
Students Learn
Each Level will contain both movement and contextual studies to provide a holistic approach to training. Each Level will have four key areas of study:
Body Awareness and Conditioning
The development of students’ foundation movement skills, body awareness and body conditioning.
Creative Practice
Enhancing the student’s ability to improvise, compose, choreograph and appreciate movement.
Ballet Vocabulary
The advancement of students’ knowledge, understanding and performance skill of selected ballet vocabulary relevant to each Level.
Repertoire Study
Expanding the students’ understanding and appreciation of a range of repertoire throughout all Levels. Students study two dance works per Level with at least one ballet per Level from The Royal Ballet and American Ballet Theatre’s repertoire.
Our programme is based on providing high-quality training and not only on student examinations.
Bella Academy
Core Values
Student Focused
Students are at the heart of everything we do
and their training and welfare are the basis of all decisions.
Innovative and Pioneering
We are a bold, forward-thinking organisation and bring this approach to all areas of our work with the utmost integrity.
Promoting Excellence
We maintain the highest standards of excellence in classical ballet training.
Training Versatile Dancers
Our highly-skilled dancers are able to adapt to a broad range of styles.
Respectful of our Heritage
We ensure the rich heritage of the ballet is at the heart of our training.
Faculty
We support each other, creating a warm, caring environment for students to maximise their potential.
Nurturing of Students
We are respectful of our dancers as aspiring artists and as individual, intelligent human-beings.
Fair Treatment and Opportunity for All
EDI is embedded within all operational activity and
teaching.
Faithful to our Core Mission
By providing students with the best possible all-round dance education and in so doing opening up their opportunities beyond ballet.
Students who participate in our programme should expect to gain:
• A love, passion and knowledge of the art form as a whole
• Enjoyment of the learning process
• A solid technical foundation both in balletic and generic movement skills
• An understanding and appreciation of classical ballet repertoire
• The ability to work creatively and with imagination and purpose
• The ability to develop problem-solving, observing, and evaluation skills
• Social skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
Master Classes
Elevating Dance:
Master Classes at Bella Academy, Mumbai
Nestled in the heart of Mumbai, Bella Academy has established itself as a premier destination for aspiring dancers. With a commitment to excellence and a curriculum designed to nurture talent, the academy offers master classes that are nothing short of transformative. This season, students have the unique opportunity to learn from two distinguished ballet maestros: Jane Lawton and Amanda Paterson. Their wealth of experience and passion for dance promise to elevate the skills and artistry of every student.
Meet
the Maestros
Jane Lawton is a name that resonates deeply in the ballet community. Her training at The Royal Ballet School of London equipped her with a comprehensive foundation in various aspects of dance, from Classical Ballet and Repertoire to Classical Mime and Child Psychology. Lawton’s approach to teaching integrates the technicalities of ballet with an understanding of the emotional and psychological facets of performance.
Having collaborated with choreographers such as Leonard Massine, the creator of the world’s first symphonic ballet, Les Présages, Lawton brings a wealth of experience and creativity to her classes. As a Registered Teacher and Life Member of the Royal Academy of Dance, her expertise spans multiple dance forms, including Classical, Modern, and Tap. She is also a Licentiate in Cecchetti and has contributed to the American Ballet Theatre® National Training Curriculum.
Lawton’s classes at Bella Academy will focus not only on refining technique but also on developing a strong stage presence and emotional expression. With her guidance, students will explore the depths of their artistry, pushing beyond technical proficiency to connect with the audience in a profound way.
Jane Lawton
Joining Lawton is Amanda Paterson, a highly respected figure in the ballet world with a rich background in performance and education. Paterson began her journey at the Oakville School of Dance before honing her skills at Canada’s National Ballet School, where she was mentored by renowned instructors. Her experience performing with esteemed companies such as the National Ballet of Canada and Ballet Nacional de Cuba has endowed her with insights that are invaluable for aspiring dancers.
As the Artistic Director of the Oakville School of Classical Ballet, Paterson has directed over 80 productions, including a beloved full-length Nutcracker for two decades. Her commitment to storytelling through dance makes her classes at Bella Academy particularly special. Paterson’s approach emphasizes the importance of narrative in ballet, encouraging students to convey emotion and character through movement.
Amanda Paterson
What to Expect from
the Master Classes
The master classes at Bella Academy will cover a diverse range of topics designed to cater to dancers at various skill levels. Students can expect:
Technical Training
Instructors will provide rigorous technical training that focuses on classical techniques and proper body mechanics. This foundational work is essential for any dancer looking to excel, ensuring that students build strength, flexibility, and precision.
Performance Skills
With their extensive performance backgrounds, instructors will guide students in developing stage presence and character interpretation. This aspect of the training will help dancers learn how to engage with their audience, transforming technical dance into a compelling narrative.
Creative Choreography
Classes with professional instructors will culminate in opportunities for students to engage in creative choreography sessions. Participants will explore the process of bringing a piece to life, from concept to execution, emphasizing collaboration and innovation.
Personalized Feedback
One of the most valuable aspects of these master classes is the individualized attention that students will receive. Instructors are dedicated to nurturing each dancer’s unique abilities and will provide personalized feedback to help them grow.
The master classes at Bella Academy represent a unique opportunity for dancers in Mumbai to elevate their skills under the guidance of internationally recognized instructors. As students immerse themselves in this rich learning experience, they will not only refine their technique but also deepen their understanding of the artistry behind ballet. For those ready to take their passion for dance to the next level, Bella Academy is the place to be.
Embrace the chance to learn, grow, and express yourself through the transformative power of dance at Bella Academy!
