ACADEMIC YEAR STRUCTURE

Academic Year Structure

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The Figoura academic year is divided into three terms, allowing students to learn progressively whilst also recognising the importance of rest, holidays, and family commitments throughout the year.

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Term 1 (Autumn Term)
September to December

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Term 2 (Winter Term)
January to March

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Term 3 (Spring/Summer Term)
May to July

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Between terms, Figoura generally observes:

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• Christmas Break (December/January)

• Easter / Spring Break (usually aligned with the Greek Orthodox calendar where practical)

• Summer Break (July/August), which is typically our longest break of the year​

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Term dates are published in advance wherever possible to help students plan their attendance throughout the year.

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Joining Throughout the Year

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Whilst the Figoura academic year is divided into three terms, students are not required to start in Term 1 in order to participate in Terms 2 or 3.

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We understand that personal commitments, work schedules, family responsibilities, holidays, and other factors may mean that joining at a particular time of year is not always possible. For this reason, each term is designed as a self-contained unit of learning with its own unique programme of dances, cultural context, and teaching objectives.

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Students are therefore welcome to join at the beginning of any term throughout the academic year, subject to availability.

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Whilst there will naturally be some overlap in skills and techniques across the year, each term explores its own selection of dances and regions, allowing both new and returning students to enjoy a fresh and rewarding learning experience regardless of when they join.

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This structure enables students to participate with greater flexibility whilst maintaining the progressive and supportive learning environment that is central to the Figoura School of Greek Dance.

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Progression & Returning Students

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A common question we receive is whether the same dances are taught each year. The simple answer is no.

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Greek dance is an incredibly rich and diverse subject, encompassing hundreds of dances, musical styles, traditions, and regional variations from across Greece and Asia Minor. As a result, it would be impossible to cover everything within a single academic year.

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Our Beginner/General Level programme is therefore designed to provide students with a broad foundation in Greek dance. We typically find that around two years of regular attendance allows students to develop a strong grounding in many of the core dances, rhythms, and regional styles that form the basis of the wider repertoire.

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Whilst some dances may occasionally be revisited to reinforce learning, the content of each academic year will vary. Students returning for a second year can therefore expect to learn new dances, explore different regions, and continue to broaden their knowledge and experience.

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For those wishing to progress further, the Intermediate/Advanced Level classes offer a significantly larger and more detailed programme of study. These classes explore a wider range of regions, musical traditions, stylistic differences, and choreographic variations, requiring a greater time commitment and a stronger technical foundation.

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The aim of the Beginner/General programme is not to teach every dance, but rather to provide students with the confidence, understanding, and skills needed to enjoy Greek dance socially and culturally, whilst preparing those who wish to continue their journey into more advanced study.