YOUNG CHILDREN’S PROGRAM

Ages 3 - 6 are given a strong foundation in dance through combination classes in Ballet, & Tap. Through this structure children are introduced to each discipline and taught the basics needed to advance. During these formative years the student will truly understand each dance form and be able to decide which styles suit them for future training. Class size is limited to 12.

Preschool Combo – Students explore music and movement through age appropriate exercises and creative dance. The class will include basics in tumbling to increase upper body strength and flexibility. Tap  to build rhythm and coordination as well as Ballet for poise and grace. Little dancers will be taught proper terminology and dance class etiquette. The goal is to foster an appreciation for the art of dance, while advancing the young child’s self confidence and body awareness.

Combo Ballet / Tap – Kindergarten

This combination class teaches graceful Ballet and rhythmic Tap movements and terminology. In the Ballet portion of class, emphasis is on balance, poise, correct posture and body carriage as well as beginning ballet foot positions and barre exercises. In the Tap portion of class emphasis is on learning beginning tap steps, rhythm, sound and timing. 
 

ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM

From age 7 on each discipline is taught separate in order to fully explore and master that individual dance form. Classes are offered as a continuation from the Young Children’s Program as well as classes for children with no prior dance experience. We try to foster a love for dance and an enjoyment of the art form whether the student is recreational and can enjoy the benefits of exercise, music appreciation and artistic/emotional expression, or have more serious aspirations and are interested in progressing to an advanced level of proficiency with opportunities for performance, competition. Level placement is determined by age and ability. As students progress through the levels curriculum is taught at a faster pace and more complex concepts are explored. Below you will find a brief description of each class offering.

Class size are limited.

Ballet – Emphasis is on balance, poise, grace, correct posture and body carriage. Ballet focuses on performance of all movements while turned out from the hips. This class includes barre combinations, center work, turns, leaps, and ballet choreography. Ballet is the foundation of all dance forms. In order to become truly proficient in many of the styles of dance the student needs ballet training.

Jazz – The emphasis is on increasing flexibility and coordination, building strength, and learning age appropriate stylization. This class includes center warm-up and technique, progressions (moving, turning and jumping across the floor) and varied styles of choreography. Classes and choreography also focus on learning patterns and working as a group. Technique for jazz is derived from classical ballet therefore ballet is a co-requisite for this discipline. (Hip-Hop is an alternative if a student does not want to take ballet.)

Tap – The emphasis is on building rhythm, timing and an ear for musical patterns. The fine motor skills are increased through the concentration it takes to learn the small movements of the foot. This class includes warm-up and technique, progressions (moving in combination across the floor) and choreography taught in a rhythm tap style. Tap classes can also incorporate improvisation.

Hip-Hop – The emphasis is on an intricate movements and rhythmic footwork. It is a form that evolved out of street and brake dancing moves, and is characterized by its vigorous athletic style. Learn the dance style so popular on music videos and pop concerts. This class includes warm-up with isolations and interpretive choreography. It is a great form of exercise and our instructors will teach you the most up to date styles of this ever-changing dance form.

Stretch & Strengthen – This class is designed to focus in on each dancer’s specific needs for strength, flexibility and body alignment. Elements of Pilates Mat, Floor Barre, Yoga, Stability Ball and resistance training are used to help dancers remain limber and strengthen their bodies to remain injury free. Classes are 45 minutes.

Competition Teams– Each year auditions are held for students 9 and older interested in being part of a team and advancing their level of commitment to the study of dance and performing. There are two levels of competition, Junior and Senior as well as specific curriculum for each level to guide the dancer to an advanced level of proficiency. Members are given the opportunity to perform throughout the community, attend competitions and conventions. It is our goal to offer students a supportive, and team inspired atmosphere to further their dance education while enjoying the self-esteem building benefits of performing.

Teens – It is never to late to enjoy dance, and we have special Teen level classes for older students who have been perhaps playing sports or enrolled in other activities and have not been taking dance continually or are new completely. Our Teen classes are recreational, an excellent way to keep fit and a great social outlet. In addition these classes may supplement school activities such as cheerleading, drill or flag team. 

Adults – Participants in our adult programs are taught in a casual atmosphere. Our instructors understand the needs of adult students and approach the class differently from our children's programs. Many of our adult students use the Jazz, Tap or Hip-Hop classes as a fitness and social activity with the possibility of performing (which is optional).

Private Lessons – Individual one on one time can be spent to further the development of a specific skill or to perfect technique a student may be struggling with. Lessons may be used to learn solo chorography or as preparation for an Arts school audition.

Level Placement and Advancement The progress of each student is monitored continuously throughout the year. We reserve the right to change a student’s level when it is in their best interest. A student may be placed in a different level when changing between dance disciplines. *Students do not automatically advance to the next level at the end of each year.