ICB Training Programme in association with DFA

She auditions students from all over Cape Town who train towards Royal Academy of Dancing (RAD) examinations. Ingrid's system is a synthesis, developed over many years, of the basic principles from various methods and styles that she has studied and been exposed to in her professional career. These include the Russian (Vaganova), Italian (Cecchetti), British (RAD) methods, some elements from the French and American schools, as well as her own methods developed over time.

 

Ingrid says, ‘As the principles are set down in a skeleton syllabus, new generations can use this intensive programme as a solid and thorough base for future professional dancers. Professional ballet teachers in South Africa can study and use this training programme to benefit future generations and the programme may be modified over time to suit emerging dancers in South Africa.’

There are five technical training levels in the ICB Training Programme. Auditions are held annually and committed and talented dancers are accepted from all over Cape Town. Children begin training at the age of six and seven with the two junior levels. They then move on to the student training levels of 1 to 5, for which annual examinations are held. Students also have the option of being trained in the RAD Vocational Graded Examinations, in addition to the main programme.

Through the ICB Training programme, Ingrid hopes to take classical ballet training to new levels and to identify and train others in her method. Her intention is for the programme to benefit many dancers and teachers and for it to live on into the future.

The goal is to train professional dancers of the future by providing a strong base in a pure classical ballet style. The system prepares dancers to perform well at all levels in classical ballet, but it also prepares them for any other styles that they may take on during their careers.

Performing is considered a very important part of the ICB Training Programme. Students are prepared for the stage with performances such as the annual DFA end-of-year production, eisteddfods and other performing platforms. Performing develops artistry, stage experience and brings joy to the heart of the dancer and audience.

To broaden their experience, students are encouraged to attend professional dance performances and to appreciate other art forms.

Ingrid also dedicates time to structured improvisation classes, which often lead to original choreography – and the development of new choreography and choreographers in South Africa.

 

16:15 – 17:45pm      Level 2 (9yrs)