Our Curriculum
MOMMY & ME
An introduction to dance and movement for tots with a parent present. Our classes combine parent/child bonding with music and movement. They learn to follow directions, work as a group with other children, and hone listening and motor skills in a gently structured environment. As the year progresses, the dancers will begin to separate from their parents as they prepare for their recital performance. For ages 2-2.5.
COMBO CLASSES
We offer combination classes for students ages 3-6. Children will learn coordination, basic dance skills, musicality and rhythm, and enhance their creativity through movement. Our Creative Combo combines tap, ballet and creative movement for ages 3 & 4. Tap/Ballet Combos for ages 4-6, Tap/Jazz and Ballet/Jazz Combos for ages 5-7 are more structured classes that allow children to gain strength and confidence while pursuing various types of dance.
BALLET
With ballet being the basis for all dance forms, our ballet program is structured for boys and girls of all ages and levels from the basic introduction of ballet to advanced ballet. Training in classical ballet prepares a child for life and the proper technique that ballet demands is the best way to prevent injury. The discipline, focus, analytical process and high performance expectations required in classical ballet give a young person tools for success in any endeavor. The classes will focus on posture, balance, self-discipline, grace, self-confidence, strength, alignment and a clear understanding of the technique resulting in graceful, flowing, precise movement.
POINTE
Students ages 12 and up are evaluated on a regular basis to determine their readiness for pointe, but neither age nor placement level is a guarantee of being ready to go on pointe. Factors that weigh in this decision are experience, basic alignment and strength in ankles and back. To be considered for pointe, it is highly recommended that students be enrolled in a minimum of two ballet classes per week.
TAP
Tap is a form of dance characterized by using the sound of one’s tap shoes hitting the floor (or other surfaces) as a percussive instrument. As such, it is also commonly considered to be a form of music. From the classic styles of Broadway, to the innovative rhythm of hoofing, tap offers a varied curriculum. Broadway tap focuses more on the dance and is widely performed as a part of musical theater. Rhythm tap focuses more on musicality, and practitioners consider themselves to be a part of the Jazz tradition. Classes develop rhythm and sound coordination skills, while focusing on endurance, accuracy, timing, clarity, speed and footwork.
JAZZ
Focusing on isolations of the body parts and inspired by Jack Cole, Matt Mattox, Jerome Robbins, Bob Fosse, and many other teachers and choreographers, jazz dance began as a physical reflection of jazz music and is now one of the most popular dance techniques in the world! We challenge our students with many different forms of Jazz, all high energy but with different styles. These classes are popular with all ages and provide an added benefit of cardiovascular exercise due to the high level of energy exerted. Jazz class is a fun and fast paced mixture of various techniques focusing on turns, jumps, leaps, flexibility and elements of dance conditioning.
LYRICAL
Lyrical dance fuses ballet and jazz techniques together to create a very unique performance. The outcome is often narrative in nature. Lyrical class will help students hone in on their emotions being expressed through highly technical movement. This is a wonderful class to express your body with a sense of freedom and fluidity. A ballet class is required for all lyrical students.
CONTEMPORARY
Contemporary dance incorporates a collection of methods and techniques found in ballet, modern, and lyrical dance, giving it a unique look. Contemporary dance tends to be intricate and physical, and the dancers change levels and directions quickly and seamlessly. Improvisation skills will also be honed in our contemporary classes. A ballet class is required for all contemporary students.
HIP HOP
This high-energy street style dance combines popping, locking and break dance and is performed to hip-hop music while reflecting the latest hip-hop trends and dance moves. Elements include proper conditioning and warm-up, individualized dance steps and full bodied combinations. Dancers LOVE learning these expressive dance steps while dancing to their favorite songs. As dancers graduate from the beginner level, increasing complexity of movements and skills are taught. While popular trends run rampant, age appropriate movements will be applied at all times!