Class Descriptions

CREATIVE MOVEMENT

Ages 3 & 4

This is the perfect class for your young dancer. We focus on creative movement which builds on the necessary gross motor skills needed for primary dance instruction. We use fun, upbeat music to learn basic skills like hopping, skipping, jumping, galloping, and balance coordination. Students will engage in dramatic music movement and learn introductory ballet steps. These include plies, tendu, releve, arabesque, the five positions of the feet, and other introductory dance steps.

JAZZ

Ages 7 to Adult

Jazz dancing lays the groundwork for technique in up-beat dancing. Students will learn a variety of dance combinations, jumps and turns. This class is a must for students wanting to learn the fundamentals of classic jazz technique. The music selection ranges from popular top 40 hits of various decades.

HIPHOP

Ages 7 to Adult

Learn the latest new moves like seen on MTV, current music videos, and L.A.'s coolest street style dance. Hip-Hop is the newest trend in dance. Students will learn what it takes to make basic dance moves look hip and funky as they move to up beat techno mixes with strong base.

TAP

Ages 5 to Adult

Learning to tap dance is a skill that will last a lifetime. Beginners start by learning the basic shuffle and flap. Young students spend a lot of time on tap technique. As students mature, they progress through a series of leveled steps. Students learn common steps like the buffalo, maxi ford, pull backs, wings, time steps, and much, much more.

BALLET

Ages 5 to Adult

Ballet is the backbone to all forms of dance and is a must for the serious dancer. Dancers study the Cecchetti method of ballet. Serious instruction, with heavy emphasis on technique begins around the age of eight. Barre exercises are of primary concern in the early stages of training so dancers become aware of their center (balance). Dancers eventually work into centre floor exercises and learn classical steps and movements.

LYRICAL

Ages 7 to Adult

Lyrical is a cross between jazz and ballet. The dancer often shows an interpretation of the music. Dancers will learn to demonstrate these movements by use of balance, extension, and contemporary movements.

MUSICAL THEATRE

Ages 7 to Adult

In this class students will use basic skills from ballet, jazz and spoken instrumentation to create Broadway-themed musical routines. Theatrical vocabulary, improvisation, acting, audition techniques and singing will also be covered in this high energy, performance-based class. This class is ideal for any young artist that dreams of a professional performing career or a dancer just looking to have some fun! * jazz and character shoes needed.

PRIMARY

Grades K – 2

Primary students have the option of participating in a tap/ballet combination class. During this stage of dance development, introductory technique is the primary focus in ballet. Students learn the 5 positions of the feet, arm positions, and participate in basic barre exercises such as plies, tendus, and rond de jambe. Tap technique includes steps like stamp, shuffles, stomps, flaps, running flaps, buffalos, maxi ford, drawbacks, and many more. Students will dance a series of repetitive movements which build upon each other. The tap combinations and ballet technique learned throughout the year are choreographed into a modern dance piece which is performed in our annual recital. Our ballet program is aligned with the American Cecchetti Council of Ballet.

FLIPS & TRICKS

 
Students in the "Flips & Tricks" classes will progress at an individual rate. Students will be expected to demonstrate proficiency for each acrobatic exercise before attempting one of a higher level. All classes will begin with warm-up exercises designed to help with flexibility, stretch and strength. Many of the warm-up exercises are similar to those performed for jazz and yoga. Beginning students will be taught the basics, such as, forward and backward rolls, cartwheels, headstands, and back bends. More advanced students will work on round-offs, walkovers, handsprings, and aerials.

COMPETITION

Ages 7 to 20

Advanced dancers with high standards and strong dance training will find our competitive groups to be a winning match. Students interested in competitive dance must be enrolled in at least two classes per week. One must be a ballet class. The dancers participate in spring competitions and must be willing to practice above and beyond the average dancer. Competition students are provided the opportunity to attend local and national dance conventions to further enhance their dance education.