How To Choose The Proper Class

Creative Movement:  If your child is independent and likes to do things on her own, this class for 2 and 3 year olds helps them explore the beginnings of dance.  Ballet basics are taught through fun activity and dance games. 

Combination Class (Ballet and Tap):  This class combines the fundamentals of tap dance and the basics of classical ballet to introduce students to the joys of rhythmic movement and the elegance and beauty of ballet.   During the 45 minute class, 3 to 6 year olds are introduced to age appropriate work in both disciplines that develop the young dancer in a fun but systematic way.  

Combination Class (Jazz and Tap):  This is a high energy class in which students can continue with their Tap training and learn the fundamentals of Jazz.  This 45 minute class  is specific for 6 and 7 years olds who want to focus on the execution of skills necessary to move the student forward both technically and artistically.

Acrobatics:  This class teaches basic tumbling skills such as cartwheels, backbends, hand stands and rolls.  Level 1 is for students who have never tumbled before.  Level 2 is for students who have already mastered cartwheels and backbends.  It is an energetic class that is great for children wanting something other than a traditional dance class.  We offer this class to children who are age 5 years and older. 

Ballet:  Ballet is a structured discipline of specific dance steps.  In this class, dancers will learn grace and balance.  Many of the steps used in other dance disciplines have their origins in ballet thus ballet is an excellent discipline in which to start dance training.  This year, we have restructured our Ballet program.  Each teacher will be following a syllabus to ensure continuity and consistency in instruction.  The numbering system includes Level 1a, 1b, and 1c for Beginning to Intermediate students and 2a, 2b, and 2c for Intermediate to Advanced students.  Pointe classes are levels 3a, 3b, and 3c; admission into Pointe classes is by invitation only.  Students who enroll in Pointe must also take a regular Ballet technique class. 

Pointe:  This class is for experienced ballet dancers.  Dancers will be working in specialized Pointe shoes in order to dance on the tips of their toes. Students must be enrolled in a Ballet Level 2 class and have permission from their teacher in order to participate in this class.  This class provides an excellent opportunity for serious ballet students to further their ballet technique.

Modern:  Modern dance pioneers looked to shed the constraints of ballet technique in the early 20th Century.  It was called “free dance” and centered on a dancer’s interpretation of music instead of structured steps.  Typically, Modern is performed in bare feet and is characterized by an earthy quality; dancers use emotion and moods to create new steps.  We offer modern to students who are 11 years or older.  Experience in Ballet is recommended in order to participate in this class.

Contemporary:  This class combines the techniques of Ballet and Modern.  By combining the two styles, dancers can use the lift and elevation characteristic of Ballet as well as the floor work characteristic of Modern. This class is for experienced dancers age 11 and older.

Jazz:  Jazz technique emphasizes individual style and originality.  Classes are energetic and consist of unique moves, big leaps and fast turns done to today’s hottest contemporary music  We offer 5 levels of jazz starting at age 6.  Dancers can expect to stay in each level for 2 to 3 years.  It is recommended that all Jazz dancers also be enrolled in Ballet.

Pre-professional Jazz:  This NEW offering is for young adults who have finished high school but are still serious about continuing their jazz dance education.

Lyrical:  This class is a fusion of Ballet and Jazz technique.  Dancers are challenged to convey the emotion of the lyrics of the music.  Lyrical requires excellent technique as the moves are often difficult and precise.  We offer 3 levels of Lyrical starting at age 7.  Dancers can expect to stay in each level for 2 to 3 years.  It is required that all Lyrical dancers also be enrolled in Ballet.

Hip Hop:  This class teaches the latest dance moves from the streets of our urban communities.  It is fast, fun and funky and has a high aerobic value. We place dancers in classes based on age starting with our Hip-&-Hop class for 5-7 year olds.  Regular Hip Hop is offered in classes for ages 8-10 years, 11-13 years and ages 14 and older.  To participate in classes for ages 11-13 years or ages 14 and older, students must have previous experience in Hip Hop.

African:  There are many variations of African dance and each reflects the mood of the community from which the dance arose.   In African tribal dance, the beat of drums calls the community together and sets the mood for the dance.  Dancers may be asking for prosperity, celebrating ceremonies or just expressing their inner feelings.  This fast moving NEW class explores the fundamentals of African dance and is appropriate for teens and adults.

Tap:  Tap is an American theater dance form that gets its name from the tapping sound made by metal plates that are attached to the bottom of the dancers’ shoes.   Tap dancers are light on their feet and they apply rhythm to the melody of the music they dance to. This fun, lively dance discipline teaches dancers precise rhythmical movements of the feet.  We offer 4 levels of tap starting at age 6.  Dancers can expect to stay in each level for 2 to 3 years.

Clogging:  American clogging is a blending of folk dance forms from around the world created by immigrants who settled in the Appalachian Mountains.  The fast and fancy footwork work borrowed from Irish jigs is the most recognizable element of American clogging.  Dancers are challenged to keep up with the music!  This unique dance style is performed in America today in shoes with metal taps attached to create intricate rhythms.  Clogging is done with up and down body movement and is danced to the beat of the music with emphasis on the heels.  We offer 6 levels of Clogging starting at age 6 and going all the way to adults.  Dancers can expect to stay in each level for 2 to 3 years.

Dance Twirl:  Baton Twirling is not just for marching and parades.  Dance Twirl incorporates the beauty of dance with the excitement of Baton Twirling.  Children 6 years and older are invited to join this unique class.

Technique for Color Guard: This NEW class is for students who are interested in improving their technique in order to participate in school color guards or cheerleading squads.  Students will learn Jazz and Hip Hop combinations with emphasis placed on learning the proper execution of leaps, kicks and turns.  This class is for students 13 years and older.