Dance Classes

Preschool Dance:

Creative Movement 1:
Ages 3-4 (must be 3 by September 1) is an introduction to dance. The primary goal is to foster a love of movement. The creative component is quite large. The vocabulary covered in Creative Movement 1 is all steps a 3 year old can master so they build self-confidence. The vocabulary is also set up to prepare students for Creative Movement 2. Classes are 30 minutes long, 1 time per week.

Creative Movement 2:
Ages 4 1/2-5 covers a basis of movement found in all dance forms. The goals of Creative Movement 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 the Combination class which includes Pre-Ballet and Tap. 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. Creative Movement 2 is a 30 minute class, 1 time per week.

Combination:
Ages 5-6 is an introduction to pre-ballet and pre-tap. Students will learn the basic ballet vocabulary and technique, while still developing simple tap skills that will lead to upper classes. Combination classes are 1 hour (30 minutes ballet, 30 minutes tap) long, 1 time per week.

Ballet:
1 hour per week unless in Pointe . Our ballet classes start from beginners to advanced levels. Students learn technique, discipline, and coordination which builds at each level to prepare them for the next step. Terminology and routines are introduced appropriate for each level. Ballet is the best place to start for it is the basis of all dance.

Pointe:
Intermediate ballet students may choose to do Pointe. They must pass a pre-pointe test that will determine if their ankles and legs are up for the much needed balance and strength to earn their first pair of pointe shoes. Dancers in Pointe are required to take 2 ballet and or technique classes.

Tap:
Ages 2nd-12th grade. Rhythm and timing, along with technique and combinations are taught at each level. Our school emphasizes on a traditional style of tap for students up to 5th grade. As the dancers advance beyond that age other styles of tap may be introduced along with the traditional style. Beginning classes are 45 minutes per week. Intermediate and advanced classes are 1 hour per week.

Jazz:
Ages 6 1/2 to Advanced. This is one of the most popular classes in the school. 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, with a ballet influence. The beginner program teaches the fundamental jazz steps that will progress them on to the next level. As the levels progress, more complex routines and moves are introduced. Classes are 45 minutes per week for beginners and 1 hour per week for intermediate and advanced classes.

Hip-Hop:
Ages 5th-12th grade. This is a fast, high energy type of dance seen in music videos and commercials. 45 minutes per week.

Recitals:
Each year the dancers will have the opportunity to perform in our Spring Recital. We order our costumes, and have them altered if need be to each individual student. A recital fee is figured in to the tuition. This fee covers any extra recital costs and allows families and friends to come watch without purchasing tickets. During the recital we have volunteers help downstairs with the dancers. This is so, mainly moms, can stay upstairs and watch the performance. Our goal is to make the recital experience a time where the friends and family can just come and enjoy the show, and not have to worry too much about the details.