The Gemini School of Dance in Griffithstown has been running for 40 years and classes are currently held at St Hilda's Church Hall in Griffithstown, NP4 5DJ. Jacqui is a fully qualified member
of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance, teaching the Cecchetti method of ballet. She also taught
Performing Arts Dance at Crosskeys Tertiary College and St. Albans RC High School for 7 years.
Jacqui was a founder member of Independent Ballet Wales formerly known as Gwent Ballet Theatre and danced in the
early years with Darius James, artistic director of Independent Ballet Wales. Jacqui is also responsible, along
with Newport Cecchetti teacher Carol Goode, for organising monthly Associate classes for the Wales and West
Cecchetti Ballet Associates and its annual Cecchetti Awards competition.
Gemini School of Dance has around 130 pupils teaching Ballet and Jazz.
Ballet classes for young children start from the age of four. Classes
for the very young are based upon syllabus work and the first examination can be taken from the age of five. The
set syllabus work is gradually introduced and dances with stories and costumes using mime all make for an enjoyable
way to experience the early years learning the discipline of Ballet class. Pupils learn about correct posture,
co-ordination and the technique of ballet, which all leads to a confident and happy dancer. Ballet technique is the
foundation of all dance genres.
The decision to start pointe work should only be decided by the qualified dance teacher and pointe shoes should
only ever be purchased and fitted by a
trained fitter of pointe shoes with several pairs of shoes with differing
widths and vamp lengths fitted. Students are not to attempt pointe work before the age of 11 or 12. This is due to
the pressure of bodyweight on the bones of the foot and toes, which are still growing. From the age of 11 or 12
the bones start to harden and this is the reason why this age is chosen for pointe work. It is not compulsory for
students to have pointe shoes as going on pointe is not key to studying Ballet, but it should be the decision of
the dance teacher who would have the best interests of the student at heart.
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