(i) The
main school performing arts course runs in the Blackheath, Catford
and Essex schools;
(ii) The
Glee Club version of the main school performing arts course runs at
Sunfields Methodist Church on Monday evenings from 5.15pm to 7pm.
Full
details of the above courses and fees are detailed below.
FEES
All school fees must be paid
on the first day of term. For all schools other than Bromley, the fees are £225 for one child, £225
+ £150 for two children and £150+£150+£150
for three or more children. Fees can be paid in cash or by credit
card or cheque (payable to Step Up). All existing payment
arrangements still stand. If you have any difficulties with paying
the fees on the first day can you please call or email me.
Glee Club Fees - Non-Step Up students £6 per junior child/£8 per senior. Step Up students get a 50% reduction on these fees.
FREE SESSION
Many of you
have asked if you can bring friends or relatives to try the course at
Step Up. Of course they are welcome. They can simply turn up on the
first day and have a trial session to see if the course is right for
them. You do not need to inform me in advance. Just complete our Student Information form.
UNIFORM
Step Up T-shirts and Step Up hoodies (supplied by Step Up) must be worn with black trousers/leggings and black jazz shoes. No jewellery can be worn to the classes and can girls please tie their hair back. Click here for Uniform order form
COURSE DETAILS
(i) Main School Performing Arts Course (Blackheath, Catford and Essex schools)
This course is for 12 weeks and the year is divided into 3 terms (for dates see News page). Any student aged from 4 years to 20 years can enrol onto the course. Step Up maintains strict enrolment limits for each class with a maximum of 15 students per age group.
The course divides into three parts - an hour each of singing, drama and dance
Singing - Students begin each class witha warm up exercise. Students are encouraged to increase their range, develop their breathing technique, learn about vocal projection and develop a strong repertoire of songs from jazz to pop and musicals. There is a very strong vocal tradition at Step Up
Drama - Students will learn skills and develop techniques that will serve them throughout their life both on stage and off. Vocal training, mime, script work and ensemble improvisation are just some of the skills taught.
Dance - Many styles are covered in dance from street jazz to flamenco. Students are encouraged to develop greater flexibility on stage and to learn to co-ordinate dance and song.
(ii) Glee Club
For details of the Glee Club at Sunfields Methodist Church please see the news page.
Exams: All students take group exams inperforming arts every year. They do The Trinity Guildhall exam board. Anexaminer comes to each branch of Step Up. We have had a 100% pass rate.Students also have the option of doing individual exams in drama, singing orperforming arts which covers all 3 disciplines. Extra private tuition is required to participate in these solo exams.
Performance
Every school does an end of term presentation to show what they have been working on throughout the term. Friends and family are invited to watch.
Other focuses include:
Autumn term: Step Up “All Stars” contest. A competition for any child in the school in singing,dance and drama. We always have a judge who is a performer in the industry. Prizes in the past have included recording a song in a studio as well as trophies and medals
Spring term: Every student undertakes a group Trinity/Guildhall exam in Musical Theatre/Drama. Exceptional students can also be entered for solo exams. You gain UCAS points from doing these exams. As part of Step Up involvement in afterschool clubs in Southwark, the council hire The Broadway Theatre in Catford for a combined show of Step Up students and Southwark club students
Summer term: The Step UpGala show takes place in July where all the schools are brought together for a big show at a professional theatre. Most of the drama in the shows is written by the Step Up team. This is an annual event.
Additional activities on offer to Step Up students:
Step Up students are involved in numerous competitions such as UK Unsigned and Festival4stars
Step Up students are offered at least on trip to a West End Show each term at greatly reduced prices
Step Up takes part in the European Festival of Dance and Performing Arts each year
Step Up Agency
All Step Up students immediately become part of the Step Up Agency when they join the school., We have many students currently performing in The Lion King, Oliver, Billy Elliot and Les Miserables to name but a few.
Step Up and the Step Up logo are registered trade marks of Nathalie Richardson trading as Step Up UK.