With many years of involvement in the ballet world I have experienced a lot of changes. Changes in the way we live, in communications, attitudes, etiquette, speech, manners, behaviour and dress. But there is one thing that has NOT really changed…..the training of classical ballet itself.

There is still self-discipline, dance etiquette, grooming, musical appreciation, beauty in movement, agility and emotional expression. These in my view are the essences of good training which I have always tried to incorporate into my classes. But in some ways I believe even ballet training has changed just a little……… it has evolved for the better!

The teacher training is more concise and demanding and the standard of dancers to audition level has risen dramatically as more and more students try to gain entry to vocational schools and colleges such as The Royal Ballet School, Elmhurst School for Dance, English National and Central Schools.

The standard of examinations has also risen and students now have to make more demands of themselves both physically and through dedicated commitment and focus, and it is this that enables them to achieve those high standards.

During the years of running my schools in East Devon 38 students went on to further their dance training to vocational level with most achieving great things. Even the students who travelled down a different career path have achieved because, in the end, it’s about people.

That’s where all the disciplines of dance training come in and, in my opinion, it nurtures youngsters to fulfil their potential to become better people. I have been privileged to contribute to this wonderful art and look forward to passing on my experience and expertise to the next generation of teachers and students.

About

Jan Cload was a teacher of classical ballet for many years and as principal, built up her own dance schools in East Devon to become one of the largest in the South West of England. During this time she produced and directed ten major dance shows working to a professional standard, using the latest in sound and lighting technology. Jan’s students have been inspired and nurtured by her over the years. Classical students have progressed on to top vocational ballet schools and subsequently have won contracts and joined: The Birmingham Royal Ballet, English National Ballet, La Scala-Milan, Europa Ballet, Bejart Ballet, Ballet de Geneve, Ballet Russe, Irish Ballet, Vienna Ballet and Mathew Bourne’s ‘Adventures in Motion Pictures’ company. Many other students realised their dreams of performing in the professional theatre, films and on television.

 

Jan’s earlier ballet years were spent in the Torbay area where she trained under her teacher and mentor Cynthia Vittles with whom she attained the Royal Academy of Dance Advance Executant Examination Certificate with a commendation (Now ADV 2). She then attended several Teacher’s training courses at The Royal Academy of Dance in London before teaching ballet at St. Margaret’s School in Exeter. She later started Sidmouth Ballet School and over the years it continued to grow. East Devon Dance was formed a few years later and, in addition to Sidmouth, classes were also held across East Devon. Over the years, student numbers gradually increased to over 500 with 81 dance classes being held each week. Large shows were staged every two years and soon became known as Triple Fantasy, a name that was to stick for many years. These shows were big with sometimes over 400 children and students taking part in the 12-13 performances. The productions were to a professional standard with superb sound and wonderful lighting.

 

Jan has also written many articles for newspapers and dance magazines including show reviews for the major dance schools and colleges. She wrote a journal of events for the Dancing Times on a week’s student trip to Russia. She is a member of the Association of Freelance Writers, a life member of The Royal Academy of Dance, a past RAD regional panel member and has Enhanced CRB clearance (2010). With her valued experience working with students and her personal interest in child psychology, Jan has a rapport and understanding of the young mind which she puts to full use in her teaching.