You don't have to pick one. At Top Jazz Ballet, new students can trial two weeks of classes in one style or several, at $15 a class, with no lock-in. Most children find their favourite within a few classes. Here's a quick guide to help you choose where to start.
Ballet: for the child who loves twirling, tutus and doing things "properly"
Ballet is the foundation of dance technique: posture, balance, control and grace. It suits children who enjoy structure and music. Ballet runs from age 3 to senior pointe, with optional APDA exams. Ballet classes →
Jazz: for the child who never stops moving
Jazz is big kicks, turns, leaps and sparkle, danced to upbeat music. It builds energy, confidence and stage presence. Jazz is where Top Jazz Ballet got its name. Jazz classes →
Hip Hop: for the child who dances to everything on the radio
Grooves, tricks and attitude to music kids love. Hip hop is especially popular with boys and teens. Hip hop classes →
Other styles worth a look
- Acrobatics: for the cartwheel kid. Taught safely and step by step. TJB wrote Agility, the APDA acrobatics syllabus. Acro →
- Tap: rhythm, timing and musicality. Boys are often naturals. Tap →
- Contemporary & Lyrical: storytelling through movement, for juniors to seniors. Contemporary →
- Musical Theatre & Singing: sing, act and dance, taught by Courtney and Chelsea. Musical theatre →
A simple way to decide
| If your child… | Try |
|---|---|
| wears a tutu to the shops | Ballet |
| cartwheels across the lounge room | Acro |
| knows every word to the latest song | Hip Hop or Musical Theatre |
| can't sit still | Jazz |
| taps on everything | Tap |
Exams and competitions are optional
About 70% of our performers dance purely for fun. If your child gets serious later, APDA exams are taught in class from about age 6, and competition troupes are selected by teachers from performers who show interest.
Book a trial
Register interest and list the styles you'd like to try. We'll call you to set up the trial.
Questions parents ask
Can my child try more than one dance style?
Yes. New students can trial two weeks of classes in one style or several, at $15 a class, with no lock-in, in any term.
Which dance style is best for a beginner?
Any of them. Ballet builds technique, jazz builds energy and confidence, and hip hop suits kids who love music with attitude. Many children do two or three.
Is ballet necessary?
Not for recreational classes. Ballet is the technical foundation, though, so competition team members do a ballet exam (except performers who are only in a hip hop troupe).