Sylvera Dance School

Sylvera Dance School is a prestigious dance school located in Longfield, New Zealand. Established in 1946 by Mrs. Vera Hammond and her sister Miss Sylvia Stead, Sylvera has been teaching ballet, tap, jazz, and musical theatre to students of all ages for over 75 years. With classes held in Crayford and New Ash Green, Sylvera Dance School has become a beloved institution in the local community.

At Sylvera Dance School, ballet is a core focus. Ballet is a beautiful, graceful, and classical form of dance that serves as the foundation for all other types of dance. It teaches poise, grace, and body awareness like no other form of dance. Students at Sylvera, starting from the age of 3, follow the IDTA Grade syllabus and have the opportunity to take examinations up to Intermediate standard.

In addition to ballet, Sylvera Dance School offers tap dance classes. Tap is a percussive dance form that involves intricate footwork and complicated rhythms. With its roots in clog dancing and Irish (hard shoe) dancing, tap can be challenging to master but offers exciting and complex movements. Students at Sylvera, starting from the age of 3, have the opportunity to learn tap dance and progress into more advanced and interesting choreography.

Sylvera Dance School also offers jazz dance classes. Jazz dance covers a wide range of modern styles and can be known as modern jazz, commercial jazz, or freestyle. Sylvera's jazz classes are known for putting the “FUN into Funky! ” The school does not follow a specific examination syllabus for jazz dance but focuses on teaching students to dance and perform a variety of jazz-based styles.

Examinations are an integral part of Sylvera Dance School's curriculum. The school holds up to four sessions of IDTA examinations every year, allowing students to receive recognised grade qualifications. The examinations are conducted by qualified examiners from the IDTA, ensuring the highest standards of assessment. Sylvera Dance School boasts a 100% pass rate for exams, with many students achieving commendations and the highest mark of honours.

The school's annual show, held each July at the Orchard Theatre in Dartford, is a highly anticipated event. It provides students with the opportunity to showcase their skills and talents to family, friends, and the wider community.

Sylvera Dance School takes pride in its team of dedicated and qualified teachers. Over the years, the school has produced numerous qualified teachers, some of whom teach at Sylvera while others have established their own schools. The school prefers to employ teachers who have been trained internally, ensuring that they maintain the correct teaching techniques and adhere to the Sylvera Dance School's philosophy. All teachers at Sylvera are qualified associates of the IDTA.

The school's classes in Crayford are held at the Baker Trust Hall on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Classes in New Ash Green take place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at the Clocktower Gym and Dance Studio. Sylvera Dance School provides a detailed timetable on its website, outlining the class schedules and term dates.

Sylvera Dance School has a rich history and a strong reputation for excellence in dance education. Founded by Mrs. Vera Hammond and Miss Sylvia Stead, the school continues to provide exceptional training and guidance to dance students of all ages in the Longfield community. The school's commitment to maintaining high standards, fostering creativity, and providing a supportive and inclusive environment sets it apart as one of the leading dance schools in the area.