Our studio offers three levels of dance coursework designed to meet a variety of ages and levels of experience. The Preschool Program is designed specifically for the needs of the very youngest aspiring dancer and houses our students ages 3 to 5. The Primary Dance program offers our younger dancers a more formal dance curriculum and excellent foundations in ballet, jazz, and tap. This program is also designed to teach prerequisite skills and knowledge needed for coursework at the Performance level. Our Performance Level classes are designed to address the needs of the more experienced dancer by furthering their study of ballet, jazz, and tap while also offering more opportunity for exposure to different dance styles and additional performance opportunities.
Although there is some loose age based structure to our programs, age is not a criteria for advancement to a higher level class. Instructors will be constantly assessing the progress of students during the course of the year. If an instructor observes a student exceeding his/her current class expectations, the parent will be contacted to discuss a change in class.
Preschool Dance Program ( Ballet & Creative Movement )
Level 1 Program
Ages 3-4 is an introduction to dance. The primary goal is to foster a love of movement. The creative component is quite large. Several fun or special activities happen in each class. For example, a scarf or flag dance at the end can facilitate the dancer’s own physical expression. Taking part in dancing out a narrative helps children to understand that dancing is expression. It is a means of communicating feelings and actions. Children will learn the basics of tumbling on a mat. The vocabulary covered in Preschool Dance 1 is all steps which a 3 year old can master and they build self-confidence. The vocabulary is also set up to prepare students for Preschool Dance 2. Parents will receive assessment of progress of their child two times a year. This evaluation will give parents a sense of class content and goals of the program. These students will have the opportunity to perform in one number in the annual recital. ( 45 min. weekly )
Level 2 Program
Ages 4 ½ - 5 covers a basis of movement found in all dance forms. The goals of Preschool Dance 2 are to foster creativity, freedom and expression in movement, and a love for dance. The class includes concepts that are found in an older child’s dance class. The concepts will prepare the students for the following year when they graduate to Primary Ballet I and/or Primary Jazz I. 1 or 2 creative or free components are also included within each class. By the end of the year the students can dance set work independent of the teacher, memorize simple exercises and sequences, and make a start of musical interpretation. Parents will receive assessment of progress of their child two times a year. This evaluation will give parents a sense of class content and goals of the program. Preschool Dance II program students will have the opportunity to perform in two numbers in the annual recital. ( 45 min. weekly )
Jazz and Hip Hop
What is the difference between Jazz and Hip Hop?
Jazz style of dance is what is seen in many Broadway type shows such as "Cats". It is a more structured, stage style of dance. Much of the technique taught in a jazz class has its roots in basic ballet technique. Center control is also important in jazz technique. The body's center is the focal point from which all movement emanates, thus making it possible to maintain balance while executing powerful movements. Although, not required, we recommend jazz students also enroll in a ballet class at the same time in order to maximize their learning experience. Our Jazz classes begin at age 5 years and continue through adult.
Primary Jazz I
Primary Jazz II
Jazz I - III
( 1 hr weekly )
Hip Hop is a fast, high energy type of dance seen in music videos and commercials. Dance moves seen in performance by artists such as Beyonce, Justin Timberlake and J Lo would be typical examples of Hip Hop. Our Hip Hop classes begin at age 5 years and continue through adult.
Primary Hip Hop I
Primary Hip Hop II
Hip Hop I - II
( 1 hr weekly )
Tap Classes
Our school does not start children in tap until the age of 6. Tap requires a great deal of coordination and can be a challenging style of dance. Students younger than 6 can compromise their backs if they start in tap too young. Between the ages of 6-8 our tap classes are traditional tap. Ages 9 and older can participate in street tap which is a funky, hip-hop inspired style of tap.
Primary Tap I
Primary Tap II
Tap I - II
( 1 hr weekly )
Adult Classes
Our adult classes are geared for beginning recreational students. Classes are structured as combination classes incorporating ballet, jazz, and modern dance. Adult classes are offered in ballet, jazz and hip hop. These classes are excellent for increasing physical fitness, flexibility, and de-stressing. (1 hr weekly)
Ballet Programs
Our ballet classes offered begin with Primary Ballet I and continues through the leveled Ballet I-II classes. Students will be introduced to traditional ballet positions and correct ballet terminology. The emphasis of the program is instruction on proper ballet technique and execution. The ballet students progress through a structured set of classes designed to improve grace, flexibility, strength, and fitness.
As there are concerns with growth and development issues, as well as safety for young dancers, pointe classes will be offered at the discretion of the instructor, for the student 12 years and older with a minimum of three years of ballet training. Pointe students must also be enrolled in a ballet class at the same time as their enrollment in the pointe class. Our school highly recommends ballet classes be taken in conjunction with other classes as they build a strong technique foundation.
Primary Ballet I
Primary Ballet II
Ballet I-II
( 1 hr weekly)
Young Adult/Adult Recreational Classes
These classes are geared for the beginning and the recreational student who wants an opportunity to take class without commitment to an annual recital. Classes are structured as combination classes incorporating ballet, jazz, and modern dance. Adult classes are offered in ballet, jazz and hip hop. These classes are excellent for increasing physical fitness, flexibility, and de-stressing.
( 1 hr weekly )
Lyrical/Contemporary
Lyrical dance is a modern dance form which fuses modern dance, jazz, and ballet. Lyrical is often referred to a contemporary dance. It requires a basic knowledge of dance technique as well as the ability to use interpretative dancing skills. Due to the nature of the style, this class is not offered to Primary dance students.
( 1 hr weekly )
Competitive Classes
Each year our teachers invite students with talent, commitment and good team spirit to participate in a variety of competitive classes. The students compete in festivals and national competitions.
( Commitments will vary )
Children's Ballroom Dance Classes
For ages 5 - 12 years. When taught formal dancing at an early age, children acquire and are able to retain dance motions much more easily. The dances then become a natural outlet for self expression. Children learn fundamental skills and at least two dance styles in every class. Classes focus on proper posture, flexibility, and proper dance etiquette which can be used in social settings. Styles covered include but are not limited to Waltz, Tango, Swing, Foxtrot, and Cha-Cha. Though it is helpful to bring a partner to class, it is not necessary. For prices, see dance tuition.
( 1 hr weekly )
Teen Ballroom Dance Classes
For ages 13 - 18 years. Learn how to "Dance Like a Star" in our teen ballroom classes. Come as you are and learn all of the "cool" dance moves you see on "Dancing with the Stars." Styles covered include Waltz, Tango, Swing, Foxtrot, Cha-cha, and many others. Though it is helpful to bring a partner to class, it is not necessary. For prices, see dance tuition.
( 1 hr weekly )
Adult Ballroom Dance Classes
For ages 18 years and up. This class will teach you everything you need to know to dance in a social setting or just to dance with that special someone. Styles covered include Waltz, Tango, Swing, Cha-cha, and many others. For prices, see dance tuition.
( 1 hr weekly )
Belly Dancing
Tone your tummy while having fun! Learn basic belly dancing moves broken down into easy steps. No dance experience is required! Tone your abdominal muscles while improving posture, flexibility, and balance/grace. Dress in comfortable clothes!
( 1 hr weekly )
Zumba Fitness
Let's face it. Working out can be healthy, rewarding, and beneficial. Working out can be lots of things, but it's never been known to be much fun... until now! Our goal is simple: We want people to want to work out, to love working out, to get hooked. By integrating Zumba into everyday life, individuals may achieve long term benefits while experiencing an absolute blast in one exhilarating hour or calorie-burning, heart-racing, muscle-pumping, body-energizing movements meant to engage and captivate for life.
Zumba classes incorporate a variety of dance styles including salsa, meringue, cha-cha, and more, all set to Latin music. The movements are easy to follow and no dance experience is required. Anyone can Zumba! Sculpt and tone your whole body, burning up to 500 calories per session, all while having a great time dancing! For prices, see dance tuition.
( 1 hr, twice weekly )
Classes coming Fall 2008
Musical Theatre
Leaps and Turns