The AD programme is the standard two-year programme of the NBA, with a balanced and didactically well-thought-out curriculum. Each learning year consists of 5 blocks of 8 weeks each.
The emphasis in dance technique lessons is on the development of classical and contemporary dance techniques. The teachers offer a synthesis of French and Russian techniques in accordance with the requirements of contemporary, Western ballet ensembles. The main goal of the technique lessons is to give the dancer a feeling of harmony with his body, so that he can perform all movements with a natural coordination of the body as a whole. With a thorough technique as a basis, the dancer can fully concentrate on interpreting the choreography. Lessons are given in groups. The teacher uses various forms of work, including demonstration, instruction, analysis, side-coaching, rehearsal and presentation. The classical dance teachers supervise the students, both individually and collectively, during the dance-technical learning process. In addition, presentations and performances are an important part of the curriculum. In these, attention is paid to repertoire and rehearsals and performances of new choreographies, through which the student gains experience with the way in which different components of a choreography come together in an artistic work.
In addition, dance supporting training is offered: Pilates & Floor Barre, Body Conditioning, strength training for boys, and improvisation.
In the AD programme, students take theory lessons in dance history, Anatomy and injury prevention and music. In addition, the NBA study offers dance theory lessons that focus on the knowledge and attitude required for professional ballet practice.
The AD program’s goal is to train the dancers to a place in the Junior Company, the Dutch National Ballet or other ballet or contemporary ballet companies.
AD classical ballet year 1 and 2
Year 1 builds on the knowledge and technical experience gained during the seven years of NBA Lower school education (or an equivalent programme). In year 1, it is the first time that the student will dance for an average of 6 hours a day and this requires a caring construction of the various subjects and asks for involved teachers. In the first year, the student also learns to make connections between the various subjects and gains initial performance experience within the programme and with companies. In this way, the ability to collaborate and communicate is addressed and step by step the problem-solving ability and the learning and development skills are worked on.
In year 2, the emphasis is on developing the discipline with repertoire pieces, performances, internships, audition preparation and conducting auditions. In this way, problem-solving skills and learning and development skills are further developed.