Find the right level for you

The levels applied to our classes give you an indication of how much prior experience you’ll need to have the right amount of challenge and comfort.

It is just an indication though, because individuals vary in how comfortable they are being challenged and how quickly they pick up new movement.

In addition to the levels (which describe previous dance experience) we also offer two categories of class:

  • regular
  • mature (designed for people who prefer a class with people aged over 50, or those who require a more low impact class)

Need more guidance?

If you are not sure which level suits you, or if you should go higher or lower than what is recommended based on how much dance experience you have, please get in touch with Anne, our Client Relationship Officer on info@movethroughlife.com.au or call her on 0408 240 772.

Outline of levels

Beginner levels

L1 (Complete beginner)

Suitable forComplete beginners
Duration12 weeks (offered as 12 week courses running over 1 term)
Minimum experience requiredNone

Our L1 classes are offered as 12 week courses. Sign up for a L1 beginner course

L2 (Experienced beginner)

Suitable forPeople who have completed Level 1, or have done at least 3 months to 2 years in that dance style
Duration1 year
Four sub-levels - 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, each of which generally takes 12 weeks (1 term) to complete)
Minimum experience required• Completed Level 1 at Move Through Life; or
• Taken class regularly recently for at least 3 months; or
• Haven't danced for 5-10 years but danced for 2 years before that

If you've had a longer break from dance this level may be fine, or you might like to start at L1 and then switch after a few months.

Intermediate levels

L3 (Early intermediate)

Suitable forPeople who have completed Level 2 or have done at least 3-4 years in that dance style
Duration2 years
Four sub-levels - 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, each of which generally takes 24 weeks (2 terms) to complete
Minimum experience required• Completed Level 2 at Move Through Life; or
• Taken class regularly recently for at least 3-4 years’ or
• Haven't danced for 5-10 years but danced for 4-5 years before that

If you've had a longer break from dance this level may be fine, or you might like to start at L2 and then switch after a few months.

L4 (Experienced intermediate)

Suitable forPeople who have completed Level 3 or have done at least 4-5 years in that dance style
Duration2 years
Four sub-levels – 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, each of which generally takes 24 weeks (2 terms) to complete
Minimum experience required• Completed Level 3 at Move Through Life; or
• Taken class regularly recently for at least 4-5 years; or
• Haven't danced for 5-10 years but danced for 6-7 years before that
If you've had a longer break from dance this level may be fine, or you might like to start at L2 or L3 and then switch after a few months.

Advanced levels

L5 (Pro-Am)

Meaning of Pro-AmPro-am is a contraction of ‘professional amateur’ and refers to the pursuit of dance at a near professional level by people who have another job or career, and aren’t pursuing dance as a profession, but may be professional dance teachers or educators.
Suitable forPeople who have completed Level 4 or have done at least 6-7 years in that dance style and have achieved a high standard, such as:
• preparing to audition or being accepted into a tertiary dance course (Diploma level of above) or
• entered the higher levels in a technical training syllabus for that dance style.
DurationOngoing (this is an ‘open’ style class that doesn’t work with a set syllabus but exposes participants to a broader variety of combinations and exercises than would be found in Levels 1 to 4.
Minimum experience required• Completed Level 4 at Move Through Life; or
• Taken class regularly recently for at least 6-7 years
• Haven't danced for 5-10 years but danced for 8-9 years before that
If you've had a longer break from dance this level may be fine, or you might like to start at L3 and then switch after a few months.

L6 (Professional)

Meaning of ProfessionalA professional dancer is someone who is seeking to maintain a level of technique and fitness that will enable them to be employed as a dancer.
Suitable forSuitable for people who are pursuing dance as a profession and have achieved a level required to perform in a professional context.
Dancers will have done at least 8 years in that dance style and have achieved a high standard, such as graduating from a tertiary dance course (Diploma level or above) or completed highest levels in a technical training syllabus for that dance style.
DurationOngoing (this is an ‘open’ style class that doesn’t work with a set syllabus but exposes participants to a broader variety of combinations and exercises than would be found in Levels 1 to 4.
Minimum experience required• Taken class regularly recently for at least 8 years
• Haven't danced for 5-10 years but danced for 10 or more years before that
If you've had a longer break from dance this level may be fine, or you might like to start at L4 and then switch after a few months.

Note: we do not currently have any L6 classes available

Categories

Regular

The Regular category will be suitable for people who:

  • are able to participate in the more high impact and strenuous aspects of class, such as jumps and floor work
  • generally, people aged in their 20s, 30s and 40s participate in these classes, although this is only a guide, and people aged over 50 who have the physical capacity to jump and move in and out of the floor (relevant mostly for contemporary and to some extend jazz) are welcome in the regular classes.

Mature

The Mature category will be suitable for people who:

  • prefer dancing with other dancers who are aged over 50 years
  • finds the regular classes too strenuous for their body, for example, if you have knee or ankle problems, the elevation in regular ballet and tap classes may be off putting, but in the gentle class there will be fewer jumps, grand plies, and any movement that puts strain on those joints
  • want to ease into dance and build up their strength, flexibility and fitness before going into our regular classes
  • pregnant or returning to dance after having a child

Move Through Life Dance Studio offers dance classes to adults of all ages in ballet, contemporary, jazz, tap, and dane mix.  We pride ourselves on offering you a place to indulge your love of dance, whether you’re a complete beginner, had a long break from dance, or danced all your life.  Our classes have a broad mix of ages, and our philosophy is that you are never too old to dance, it is never too late to start, and you can dance forever!

If you have any questions, get in touch with Anne on 0408 240 772 or info@movethroughlife.com.au

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