Classes Available
Level placement is decided upon by the instructors and is based on several factors including ability, age, experience, and maturity.
Introductory/Beginning Level Classes
Itsy Bitsies (2yr. old program) -Little dancers will get their first exposure to dance and creativity– props, games, imagination and songs will be our favorite tools. Parents are asked to remain in the building if child is still in diapers. This class does not participate in the end-of-the-year performance.
Pre-School/ Dance Foundations- Through structure 3 & 4 yr. olds learn basic dance vocabulary and technique and develop motor skills and direction following in an energetic and fun atmosphere. Students must be three by September and potty trained to participate.
Rookie(Combination Class)- Students will begin to build a basic foundation and vocabulary in the tap and jazz techniques. Students who have had one year of pre-school dance or kindergarteners with no dance experience are eligible for Rookie .
Little Ballerinas/ Little Ballerinas II/ Ballet Foundations- Students will learn ballet basics at a beginner level that will prepare them for a progression in levels. Students must be in kindergarten or older to be eligible for participation.
Junior I (Jr. I)/ Level A (Combination Classes)- Students continue their studies of jazz and tap techniques. Dancers are placed according to prior experience and age.
Jr. II- Students continue with their jazz technique studies (no tap).
Teen Jazz- Students will learn basic jazz dance technique and are in Middle or High School.
Modern I/ Modern A- Beginning modern technique is introduced. Modern I is for 4th graders and older while Modern A is for 8th graders and older. See below for a description of Modern dance.
Genres
Ballet- A form of classical dance, usually graceful and precise, that uses formal steps to create expression.
Jazz- Dance that is usually upbeat and characterized by rhythms and a number of different styles.
Modern- Often confused with jazz, modern dance is a freer form of movement that challenges the limitations of other types of dance.
Contemporary/Lyrical- Drawing from ballet, modern and jazz techniques, contemporary is mostly expressive and dynamic.
Pointe Preparation- In preparation for going en pointe one day, students will focus on strengthening and foot and ankle dexterity exercises. Enrollment is determined by the director.
Stretch & Strengthen- Through a series of numerous strengthening and stretching exercises students will improve overall body strength and tone, while improving flexibility. You don’t have to be a dancer to benefit from this class!
Drama
Drama classes are a great place for students to explore their imaginations and to learn to work as an ensemble. Improvisational games enhance vocal and physical techniques. Students will learn acting lessons appropriate to their age and level culminating in the performance of scripted material. Class levels are determined by a combination of age and experience.
Drama I: Second through fifth grade
Drama II: Sixth through eighth grade
Drama III: Ninth through twelfth grade
Special Session Workshops
Six-week programs offer the opportunity to dance for a short length of time. We are offering Hip Hop and Musical Theatre for most ages.
Class Attire and Dress Code
A dress code is important as it fosters a certain degree of professionalism and helps instructors to properly train and correct students.
Drama: No dress code. Wear something in which it is easy to move.
Modern (all levels): Any color leotard, tan tights, hair in a ponytail or bun with NO BANGS, plain black dance shorts or black yoga/dance capris only will be permitted, bare feet.
Jazz: Black leotard, tan tights, hair in a ponytail or bun with NO BANGS, plain black dance shorts only will be permitted, tan jazz shoes.
Tap: Black leotard, tan tights, black tap shoes.
Pre-school/Dance Foundations/Ballet Foundations and All Ballet Classes: Black leotard, pink tights, pink ballet slippers with the elastics sewn on, hair pulled back into a ponytail. Please, NO SKIRTS or shirts and no leotards with the skirts attached. An instructor would be happy to help indicate where the elastics on the shoes need to be correctly sewn.
Rookie, Jr. I, Jr. II, Level A, Level B: Black leotard, tan tights, tan jazz shoes, black tap shoes (for those applicable). Hair in a ponytail or bun and bangs must be out of the eyes.
Stretch & Strengthen: Dance clothing, non-specific
An important note about hair: Having the bangs pulled off the face is extremely important to a dancer’s training. Dancers who have hair hanging in their face tend to spend much of their class trying to push it out of their eyes. Clips and hair bands work well.
