Class Descriptions
Talls and Smalls
This class includes a parent, guardian or loved one as the joy of dance is introduced to young dancers. The knowledgeable instructor will guide dancers through exercises that will develop spatial awareness, movement comfort, basic rhythm, coordination, and locomotor skills. The extra benefit of this class is that parents get to take an active role in encouraging the dancer as they try new things and use their imagination!
Creative Movement
This class exposes the young child to the art of creative dance in a nurturing and inspiring environment. Spatial awareness, movement comfort, basic rhythm, coordination and locomotor skills are developed.
Pre-Ballet
Instilling a love and an appreciation for the art of dance, this class lays the foundation for the development of the future ballerina and danseur. Basic ballet vocabulary is introduced and strength, flexibility, and musicality as it relates to classical ballet technique are developed.
Jazz/Tap Combination Classes
Jazz/Tap Combination classes are designed to stimulate the young child’s interest in dance by offering a diversified experience. Students are exposed to the styles of jazz and tap and are taught basic technique and choreography in both disciplines. This class develops a wide range of skills including rhythm, coordination, movement comfort, spatial awareness, and flexibility.
Mini Tappers Beginning
A beginning level tap class designed to teach students ages 5-7 basic tap skills. Fundamental techniques, steps, skills, and terminology are taught in a fun and stimulating environment. This class supports the student’s development of rhythm, musicality, and coordination.
Ballet—Levels 1-2
Traditional classical ballet, with influences of English methods, is taught. The training follows a sound curriculum that guides the dancer through a methodical process of technical advancement. The student develops strength, flexibility and movement quality with attention to correct body placement, and the development of line and grace as demanded by the classical discipline.
Ballet—Levels 3-6
In addition to the skills acquired in levels 1 through 2, Pointe Prep. and Pointe classes are added to the curriculum and emphasis is placed on the development of foot and ankle strength. Instructors will focus on speed and proficiency as well as more advanced ballet terminology as they move through these levels. Students can expect an increase in core classes as they progress.
Pointe-Prep
Pointe Prep classes are for students not yet on pointe. The class is designed to further develop and strengthen the muscles necessary to go en pointe. Focus is on strengthening muscles of the foot, ankle and core, with attention to alignment and classical technique. Theraband equipment will be required.
Pointe
Pointe classes are for students that have met the age, strength and technical requirements, as defined in our handbook, to go en pointe. These classes further prepare the dancer for classical repertoire. Classes focus on strengthening muscles of foot, ankle, and core, with heavy emphasis on correct foot and body alignment. Difficulty and stamina will increase as students advance through each level.
Pointe/Variations
These classes will explore classical ballet variations that have been historically performed by female ballet dancers. Classical variations are traditionally performed en pointe by an advanced level dancer. Placement is required and the degree of difficulty will vary depending on level placement.
Pas de Deux
Pas de Deux class is designed to help dancers learn the art and skill of partnering. This class teaches essential partnering techniques and skills for both male and female dancers. Within each session, students will also learn a variety of partnering repertoire to support the development of dance vocabulary and repertory. Class attendance is by invitation only.
Foundation Classes
*No experience required * These classes are geared towards dancers wanting to take the leap into exploring the world of dance. With little to no experience necessary, we take the time to teach your dancer the basics of vocabulary, rhythms, steps, and skills.
Tours and Turns
This advanced level class will explore classical ballet variations that have been historically performed by male ballet dancers. These classical variations include technical skills such as tour en l’air, pirouettes, petit, and grand allegro, and more. In addition to learned repertoire and technique, dancers will also perform supplemental strength and conditioning exercises. Placement required.
Modern
Modern technique classes focus on developing fundamentals, including asymmetry of the body, moving off-center, working with internal rotation, movement of the spine in all planes, yielding to gravity, floor work, and inversions.
Contemporary Dance
Contemporary dance combines the technical elements of classical ballet, modern, lyrical, and jazz dance, weaving them into a highly expressive dance form. Contemporary dancers strive to connect the mind and body through fluid dance movements.
Jazz—Levels 1–6
Professional division jazz classes follow a specific curriculum designed to achieve the mastery of complex rhythms and patterns as well as supporting the development of a well- rounded dancer. Students are exposed to various styles of jazz from traditional to contemporary. Class curriculum is based on a foundation of ballet technique and incorporates traditional jazz movement. Class follows a structured format, including warm-up, stretches, isolations, across-the-floor progressions and combinations. As students progress through each level, the curriculum becomes increasingly complex and intricate.
Beginning/Intermediate Tap
Beginning/Intermediate Tap is designed for students ages 8+ with previous experience and that love to move and groove! Dancers will enjoy creating their own sounds, while gaining a better understanding of rhythm and musical structure. Focus is on footwork, tap vocabulary, pattern building, and fun! Tap is a wonderful style to broaden an existing dance education, or for movers new to dance. Join us for this classic dance style and get ready to make some noise!
Intermediate/Advanced Tap
Intermediate/Advanced Tap focuses on the development of a strong technical foundation to support more intricate rhythms and footwork. Students in upper division classes work on improving speed, clarity, dynamics and the ability to execute increasingly complex, rhythmic combinations.
Hip Hop
Hip Hop is a high-energy upbeat dance style that combines jazz technique and street dance movements, which support the development of overall body strength, flexibility, and coordination. In these fast-paced and fun classes, students also have opportunities to explore spontaneous self-expression through movement. No suggestive movements or lyrics are used.
Stretch Flex
Stretch Flex is designed to supplement your dancer’s training, by strengthening, stretching, and toning your dancer. Strength, flexibility, and better body mindfulness are gained by using core abdominal, spinal, hip, and thigh muscle groups. The sequence of exercises lengthens, strengthens, and corrects muscular/skeletal imbalances.
Progressive Ball
Progressive Ball class uses a revolutionary program to enhance the dancer’s technique. The Progressive Ballet Technique (PBT) uses props and equipment to simulate challenging positions for the body in order to activate deep muscles. These props facilitate work on core activation, balancing, turnout, and more.
Acro
Acro class is the fusion of classical dance technique and the precision and athleticism of acrobatic elements. Students progress through a variety of tumbling skills from basics to more advanced aerial stunts, depending on the level. This class supports the development of physical strength, flexibility, power, agility, coordination, grace, balance, and control. Designed specifically for dancers interested in the Contemporary realm.
SportsDance
Bending, extending, rising, jumping, turning, and darting are encouraged through games and imagination in this innovative dance class that incorporates natural movements. Students are exposed to dance fundamentals which hone balance, strength and coordination. Ideal for students who have a creative edge to their athleticism. Lightsabers and Superheroes fill the student’s imagination in this exciting fun-filled class.