Our Approach

Whether you are born for the stage or are the shy, less confident type, our drama and dance classes will be committed to nurturing all children, regardless of talent, where equal attention will be given to all participants in the course. Its objective is to instill in students a love of the arts while enhancing positive self-image, self-esteem and self-expression. Confidence will be built in a non-competitive environment by learning invaluable social skills through drama games, dance and contemporary theatre.

About Drama & Dance

Studying drama develops emotional maturity, and gives pupils a deep understanding of themselves. Because it involves using not only their voices and bodies, but also emotions and creativity, it is able to engender a deep sense of self-esteem. It is also a subject that requires a great deal of peer trust, and so it plays an important role in teaching communication, listening and empathy skills. Studying drama is demanding, and teaches pupils that success only comes from hard work. The skills that are learned by studying drama are invaluable in later life. Studying dance develops a sense of self confidence through accomplishment. By learning skills such as balance, rhythm, poise, creativity, focus, and discipline, each student is able to see themselves as an achiever. With a skilled teacher who cares about each dancer and strives to maintain a nurturing environment, every student in WAMA can learn to dance to the best of their own ability. In an environment that features age appropriate music, costuming and choreography they will grow in confidence, grace and beauty. For children age 4-5 years, classes last for one hour (a half hour of Drama with Pat Grant, and a half hour of Dance with Deirdre Dempsey or Trish Roche). For children age 6-7 years, classes last for an hour and a half (a half hour of Drama with Pat Grant, and a half hour of Dance with Deirdre Dempsey or Trish Roche). For children 8+ classes last for 2 hours (one hour of Drama with Pat Grant, and one hour of Dance with Deirdre Dempsey or Trish Roche). Students will work on many aspects of musical theatre throughout the year including Public Speaking, Script Work, Improvisation, Social Personal & Health Education, and Contemporary Dance. Students will perform in a play in January and in an end-of-year variety show in June in our own Live Room Theatre. Special events for this department take place throughout the year as well such as performance workshops, trips to the see professional productions, and performances in festivals such as Winterval. Students also have the option of additional classes such as Tap, Group Singing, and LAMDA exams

About Singing

The Waterford Academy conducts a fun and modern choir (called Exploring Singing) to suit students of the WAMA Stage School. Students from the other departments within WAMA are eligible to join also, as indeed are the general public. Students of WAMA get a special rate of just €36 per term! The general public rate is €72 per term. Exploring Singing aims to: • Ensure the development of good singing habits. Since the body is the instrument, warming up for singing includes stretching and vocal warm ups. • Establish good breathing and develop breath control• Sing together as a group• Sing together in harmony (10 year olds and upwards) • Develop aural skills • Sing a capella as well as with backing Through listening and repetition the students will learn to sing together. They will learn expression and performance skills in a fun and confidence building environment. The repertoire will cover a variety of genres Pop/Jazz/ R&B/Gospel and Traditional. Available Times: Tuesdays 7-9 yrs 5pm-6pm 10-12 yrs 6pm-7pm Teens 7pm-9pm Wednesdays 7-9 yrs 5pm-6pm 10-12 yrs 6pm-7pm Teens 7pm-9pm

About Tap

Tap dancing is an exciting form of dance in which dancers wear special shoes equipped with metal taps. Tap dancers use their feet like drums to create rhythmic patterns. Tap dancing is beneficial in many ways including increasing cardiovascular conditioning, strength, flexibility and coordination. Tap builds strength in the legs and feet in addition to increasing flexibility in the hips, knees and ankles. Cognitive abilities are also enhanced, as tap dancers must develop both mental and muscle memory to become proficient at tapping.

Tap dancing also develops a great sense of rhythm and timing. Students learn to focus on music awareness while incorporating tap steps and combinations.

This class is optional and is suitable for those attending the WAMA Stage School. WAMA students receive the discounted rate of just €67.50 per term

Led by Ali Reville