Class placement is according to the student's level of ability rather than chronological age.
BALLET
Pre-Ballet (I: 3.5-4.5 yrs, II: 4.5-5.5 yrs) Students are exposed to ballet terminology in a relaxed and informal way and are encouraged to respond individually and creatively to different types of music. Emphasis is placed on correct placement and technique.
Beginner Ballet(6 and up) Students refine their form and technique to achieve beauty and precision. They continue to develop strength, flexibility and focus before moving on to the Intermediate level.
Intermediate Ballet (8-15 yrs) Develops strength, coordination and flexibility through simple barre and center work. Emphasis on articulate footwork, expressive carriage of the arms and small to medium jumps.
Advanced Ballet(10-18 yrs) Students move up to advance level technique in their barre exercises and center dance combinations. Students embellish their ballet technique repertoire with more complex adagio, petite allegro and grand allegro dance variations. They will begin to explore choreography and learn repertory from famous ballets.
Pointe (invite only) The goals of introductory pointe class include strengthening the feet and ankles, breaking in the pointe shoes and learning proper execution of skills while wearing pointe shoes. Students progress to intermediate and advanced pointe when they are able to demonstrate the required strength. Dancing on pointe takes dedication and time to develop strong technique. Students must be enrolled in at least one other ballet class, scheduled to immediately precede the pointe class.
*NEW* Adult Ballet & Stretch All levels welcome! Class will include a classical ballet slow barre and center adagio, as well as stretches and exercises drawing from yoga and modern. Strengthen and breathe in a judgement free, relaxed setting.
MODERN / CONTEMPORARY
Modern Modern dance, originally formed as a reaction to the rigidity of ballet, explores the use of energy in relation to gravity. This class focusses on the use of weight in terms of fall, rebound, balance, recovery and suspension. Students will be challenged with complex changes of rhythm, speed and direction. Students must be enrolled in a ballet class or have teacher approval (for adv students only).
Contemporary Choreography Workshop *Not offered this semester* Students will acquire the choreographic tools needed to become a desirable company dancer. They will hone their craft and learn how to critique choreography, as well. This class is offered to intermediate and advanced students who are open to creating their own movement. Students must be enrolled in either a modern or ballet class (modern strongly encouraged).
Floorwork and Partnering *Not offered this semester* Expand your modern repertoire! In this class, students will learn how to move in and out of the floor fluidly, using gravity and gaining core strength. Inversions and weight sharing, including lifts, will be also taught. Students must be enrolled in either a modern or ballet class (modern strongly encouraged).
*NEW* Dance on Film This dance film class will be a fun chance to explore choreographing for the camera, learn the basic principles of filmmaking, learn some editing skills, and explore storytelling through dance in our virtual world. We will do many experiments and watch examples of great dance films during class, as well as work on choreography. There will a small amount of work outside of class but the majority will be during class. Let’s get creative!
LYRICAL
Lyrical dance is a contemporary style of dance, mixing ballet and modern. Dancer's portray the meaning of the music and tell a story with their movements. Students must be enrolled in a ballet class or have teacher approval (for adv students only).
TAP
The beginning level classes incorporate exciting, rhythmic dance movements and percussive sounds. Dancers begin their training with basic shuffles and time steps. In successive levels, advanced dancers progress to more complex rhythmic patterns and steps, emphasizing quickness and ease. Tap dance will help students develop their rhythm and musicality.
JAZZ
The beginning level classes learn upbeat, complex rhythms and emphasize a faster contemporary style where they begin to learn isolations, turns, traveling jumps & jazz combinations. Advanced levels expand on the basic jazz technique to incorporate more complex jazz rhythm, multiple turns, higher leaps and longer dance routines.
BROADWAY
Perfect for aspiring actors and actresses. Students learn dance steps and combinations to prepare them for auditions and performing in area productions of Broadway musicals. The level and style of dance will be specifically designed for students with little or no previous dance training. If your dream is to be on Broadway, this is the class for you!
BOLLYWOOD
Bollywood dance is a fusion of classical Indian dance and Western dance styles performed to music from Bollywood films. Students will learn the basics of the classical Indian dance form Bharatanatyam in order to gain a strong foundation for more modern movements. This class will focus on rhythm, facial expression, hand gestures and storytelling.
HIP HOP
Hip hop focuses on rhythm and coordination, drawing from various styles. Classes incorporate full body conditioning and high energy movement. Challenging and fun, this class is taught to students with or without previous dance experience. Perfect for anyone of any age!