Our students have many opportunities to excel in all forms of dance, including…..
Pre-Ballet:
This is an introduction to the dance classroom where students will find a nurturing, safe, environment to explore movement. Imagery and creative movement are utilized as well as rhythm, movement quality, space, body awareness and shape while teaching basic elements of dance. Artistic expression is emphasized by using a variety of music and props. The child’s imagination and self-esteem are encouraged and strengthened through dance. Classes meet once a week for a 45 minute block of time.
Students must be 3 years of age to begin.
Ballet:
A classical dance form that can be mastered by itself or used as a technical base or supplement to other dance forms. Ballet focuses on building strength, poise, proper body alignment, turnout, extensions and proper usage of feet and legs in an expressive atmosphere. Ballet is the basis of all dance disciplines; therefore all students must be enrolled in ballet class in order to take other dance styles, other than tap, from the time they begin their dance journey here and from then on.
Jazz:
An upbeat form of dance. Classes teach basic jazz dance technique, terminology and movement quality with an emphasis on proper execution of jazz isolations, rhythms and styles performed to contemporary music. Ballet is the building block for a successful jazz dancer. Jazz is only offered to students who are currently enrolled in ballet class. Jazz is offered to dancers Level 3 and above.
Tap:
Classes emphasize the development and strengthening of basic tap technique and terminology, highlighting the importance of rhythm and sound. Tap focuses on rhythms and intricate footwork, creating a percussion instrument out of the dancer’s feet. Dancers are able to begin tap in kindergarten at Level 1.
Hip Hop:
A high energy class that uses the latest in appropriate rap, r&b, and pop music. Hip hop encompasses movement that has elements of popping, locking, and breaking, as well as free style movement, to give students the opportunity to develop their own sense of style. Dancers are able to enroll in hip hop class when they reach Level 4 in their other technique classes.
Modern:
Modern: This is a contemporary dance form that has its roots in ballet. Although modern requires a strong technique base, it is a more relaxed, abstract style of dance in which choreographers use emotions and moods to design movement. Modern is offered to Advanced Intermediate and Advanced students who are currently enrolled in ballet.
Pointe:
An extension of ballet class, the next step in ballet made for increasing your knowledge and skills in this particular art form. Dancers must have several years of training before beginning pointe. Pointe shoes are used for the class. These are blocked ballet slippers that enable the dancer to stand on her toes. Dancers must get approval from their instructor as to whether or not they are strong enough to handle pointe work, and they need to be at least at an Advanced Intermediate level.
Contemporary:
A style of expressive dance that combines elements of several dance genres, including modern, jazz, lyrical and classical ballet. Contemporary dancers strive to connect the mind and the body through fluid dance movements. Contemporary is offered at Level 5.