Program Overview

The FINESSE level places students firmly within Senior School, supporting dancers who are training and performing at an advanced level. At this stage, students access broader opportunities, increased responsibility and higher expectations as they continue to develop technical excellence, performance quality and leadership skills.

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Dance Styles & Training

Students at the FINESSE level continue with the same dance genres as the previous level, including Classical Ballet, Pre-Pointe/Pointe, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Acrobatics and Encore (Musical Theatre). Contemporary and Lyrical classes are also offered, with students required to study a core technique class in Ballet and/or Jazz to meet the technical requirements of these genres.

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Classical Ballet Training

More dedicated Ballet students training within our Elite stream will continue to undertake two Ballet classes per week — a general Ballet class and a Grade 6 or Intermediate Cecchetti Exam class (the first of the major levels) — to ensure appropriate preparation for Ballet examinations, typically held in August/September.

Students are also encouraged to participate in the next Ballet Exam class above at no additional cost. While the exam is not sat, this advanced training supports accelerated technical development and progress across all dance genres.

Students who have completed their Ballet examinations in the ELEVATE level, continue with Ballet exams during FINESSE, and demonstrate the required technical standard, commitment and maturity may be invited to join the Elite Competition Team in the 12 & under or 14 & under age groups.

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Elite Competition Pathway

Elite Competition Team students train in an additional 60-minute class per week. Throughout the year, students learn three routines which are performed at two major competitions. Two routines are also showcased at the end-of-year performance in December.

All FINESSE students are celebrated at the Presentation Evening in December as they graduate into the ACHIEVE level and receive their certificate and medal. Elite Competition Team and Ballet Exam students are further acknowledged for their commitment to additional training and performance achievements.

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Leadership & Development Opportunities

FINESSE students have access to a wide range of extended opportunities as the year progresses. These include participation in our in-house Student Choreography Competition, attendance at our Summer Intensive in January with industry-renowned teachers, regular Master Classes, school social events, and external opportunities such as prestigious awards days run by Cecchetti Ballet Australia.

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Eligible students may also be invited to participate in the nationally recognised Dance Step Junior Teacher Program, assisting main teachers with younger classes. Participation is by invitation and requires a high level of Ballet training, enthusiasm and commitment.

Please note: Entry-level beginner students aged 12 or 13 may be required to commence in the ACCELERATE level before entering FINESSE, depending on experience and class selection, to ensure a strong foundation in basic technique.