The Octagon Academy is the place to sing, dance and act with the emphasis on fun and enjoyment. With many classes to choose from for all ages and abilities. So if you love to sing, were born to dance or want to get fit The Octagon Academy has something for you!

Classes run term-time with some classes continuing through the school holidays. Participants in our classes perform regularly both at The Octagon Theatre and Westlands Entertainment Venue.

SUMMER TERM 2019

Monday

The Octagon Choir

Time: 7 – 9pm                         Age Group: 14+ years                         Price: £4 per week

Teacher: Adam Burgan

If you love singing, then why not join our choir! Make new friends and generally have fun. The ability to read music is an advantage but is not essential, first and foremost we want people who love to sing.

Tuesday

Octagon Tappers

Time: 12:30 – 1:30pm            Age Group: 16+ years                         Price: £4.50 per week

Teacher: Katey Leader

Get those toes tappin' with these fun sessions, great for developing rhythm, co-ordination and keeping fit.

*Term-time only

DV8

Time: 5 – 5:45pm                    Age Group: 6-14 years                        Price: £4 per week

Teacher: Keri Hill

Mixed style dance class for ages 6-14yrs. To include hip hop, street, contemporary, lyrical, jazz, disco freestyle and rock'n'roll.

*Term-time only

Commercial Dance

Time: 7 – 8pm                    Age Group: 15+ years                        Price: £5 per week

Teacher: Georgia Green

Struggle to find a class without the termly commitment? Want to learn NEW routines each week to the latest songs? Then join this pay as you go, upbeat Commercial Class! Varying in commercial styles, something different each week!

Wednesday

Toddler & Parent Dance

Time: 1:30 – 2pm       Age Group: 15months – 3 years                     Price: Term fees apply

Teacher: Helen Laxton School of Dance

Fun filled music and movement classes for toddlers from 15 months and their parents. The classes aim to improve co-ordination and basic movement skills in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

*Term-time only

Pre School Ballet

Time: 2 – 2.30pm                   Age Group: 3 – 4 ½ years                   Price: Term fees apply

Teacher: Helen Laxton School of Dance

These classes are based on The Royal Academy of Dance Pre Primary Ballet Syllabus. They are carefully structured to inspire young children, to promote creativity and to make them aware of their bodies and how they move. The class teaches the basic Ballet positions, steps and techniques in a fun filled, imaginative way.

*Term-time only

Advanced Street Dance

Time: 4:45 – 5:45pm              Age Group: 10 – 14 years                   Price: Term fees apply

Teacher: Keri Hill

This class is by audition and is suitable for dancers aged 10 - 14 years. For more information, please contact Keri Hill: kerihilldance@gmail.com

*Term-time only

Latin Fit

Time: 6 – 6:45pm                   Age Group: 16+ years                         Price: £4 per week

Teacher: Keri Hill

Join the fitness craze that is sweeping the nation! Blending Latin-inspired dance-fitness with red-hot international music.

Pilates

Time: 7 – 8pm                        Age Group: 16+ years                         Price: £6.50 per week

                                                                                                                          OR £30 for six weeks

Teacher: Gill Bray

Thursday

Octagon Street Dance

Time: 5 – 5:45pm                    Age Group: 5-9 years                          Price: £4 per week

Teacher: Carrie Madgwick

Energetic, lively, structured classes which improve fitness, flexibility, co-ordination, muscular strength and confidence. Learn the latest funky moves, routines and dance styles with all your favourite music.

*Term-time only

Octagon Street Dance

Time: 6 – 6:45pm                    Age Group: 10-16 years                                  Price: £4 per week

Teacher: Carrie Madgwick

Energetic, lively, structured classes which improve fitness, flexibility, co-ordination, muscular strength and confidence. Learn the latest funky moves, routines and dance styles with all your favourite music.

*Term-time only

Friday

Under 10’s Street Dance

Time: 3:50 – 4:30pm              Age Group: under 10 years                             Price: £4 per week

Teacher: Keri Hill

*Term-time only

Advanced Street Dance

Time: 4:30 – 5:15pm              Age Group: 10 – 14 years                   Price: Term fees apply

Teacher: Keri Hill

This class is by audition and is suitable for dancers aged 10 - 14 years. For more information, please contact Keri Hill: kerihilldance@gmail.com

*Term-time only

Pure Drama

Time: 5:30 – 6:30pm              Age Group: 8 – 15 years                     Price: Term fees apply

Teacher: Sarah Lowery

Our syllabus will include looking at different scripts, improvisation through imagination, voice projection and techniques, audition process and of course lots of fun!

*Term-time only

Saturday

Castaways Theatre Group

Time: 10am – 3pm                  Age Group: 5-16 years                                    Price: £5 per week

*paid monthly

Teacher: Lynn Lee Brown

Venue: Westlands Entertainment Venue

Drama and singing. We perform two shows a year to help raise money for St Margaret's Hospice. Run by Lynn Lee Brown and Musical Director, Helen Green. For more information please contact castawaytheatregroup@outlook.com or call 01935 414662.

COMING SOON IN 2019

Boys Dance Company

We want to get more boys dancing. Dance will help boys build confidence, resilience, focus and motivation. Attending regular dance classes will support boys in developing social skills, friendship groups, a healthy physical and mental wellbeing, and simply make them feel happy and more engaged with learning. Dance for boys has wide reaching benefits.

Here at the Octagon we are planning to run a boys dance programme and develop an all-boys youth dance company. The class will be highly physical, fun and most importantly creative. We want to help boys find their own creative voices and collective strength.

Throughout the year dancers will work with professional dance companies, have exclusive access to rehearsals, and get to meet artists at private events.

On Tuesday 17^th September from 6 – 7pm we will be holding an open session for boys to attend free of charge. Classes will commence on 24^th September 2019 from 6 – 7pm for ages 10-16 at £3 per week*.

*We believe that the cost of our dance classes should not be a barrier to participation and support the Passport to Leisure Scheme.

If you require more information or are interested in signing up please contact Gemma Gubb. Gemma.gubb@southsomerset.gov.uk

 Youth Dance Company

At the Octagon Theatre we are developing a Youth Dance Company which will teach both girls and boys various dance styles and choreographic techniques. Dancers will devise, create and receive multiple opportunities to perform across South Somerset. Throughout the year dancers will work with professional dance companies, have exclusive access to rehearsals, and get the opportunity to meet artists at private events.

We are looking for talented, committed, enthusiastic and motivated dancers aged 12-18 to join our Youth Dance Company. To join, budding dancers will be asked to attend an audition workshop. Prior dance experience is desirable; however we encourage dancers of all backgrounds to have a go as we are looking for dancers with natural flair and creativity.

Auditions will be taking place on 17^th September 7 – 8.30pm with classes starting a week later on the 24^th September and running every Tuesday 7 – 8.30pm. Classes will be £3 per session*, however we believe that the cost of our dance classes should not be a barrier to participation and in light of this support the Passport to Leisure Scheme.

*We believe that the cost of our dance classes should not be a barrier to participation and support the Passport to Leisure Scheme.

If you are interested or require more information please contact Gemma Gubb. Gemma.gubb@southsomerset.gov.uk

What to Wear For Dance and Fitness Classes

Anything comfortable that allows you to move freely. Tracksuit bottoms or leggings and a t-shirt are suitable for all classes. Please remove all jewellery before taking part to avoid injuries. Please note we do not allow black-soled trainers or outdoor shoes as they can damage our floor.