Preschool & Elementary
We invite children ages 3-8 to discover the joy of dance! These classes are designed to introduce the young child to discover creativity, locomotion, comradery and musicality. The elementary classes focus on the different dance disciplines including ballet, jazz, tap and modern. For a complete description of classes, including class times and fees, please view our current program guide.
Intro to Dance
First year dance class. Little dancers learn social skills, locomotor development, basic musicality and class etiquette. Parents do not take class with children. Lots of use of props and rhythm instruments.. Children begin primary classical ballet technique and creative movement. Youthful songs teach counts and movement concepts.
Predance
2nd year class for 4 year olds who completed Intro to Dance skills. 1st year class for 5 year olds new to dance and want a shorter lesson. Continues general skills from Intro level. Basic ballet skills include: Positions of feet and arms, arm flow patterns, center barre technique. Steps that travel to include galops skips, leaps and jumps. Introduction to Mime and partnering. Floor patterns explored. Children‘s music and classical music accompanies class work.
Beginning Ballet I, ages 6-9
Entry level class. Quick review of skills from Elementary II ballet. Expanded arm movement excercise combined with balance. Additional jumps and turns in center, plus dance history and terminology. Class etiquette and manners will also be taught.
Beginning Ballet II, ages 7-10
2nd year class for 7 yr olds. Entry level for 10 yr olds. Quick review of Theory, Barre and Center from Beginning Ballet. Arm positions incorporated through out expanded barre. Some Grade I theory introduced. Active use of turnout is discussed.
Beginning Ballet III
3rd year class for 8-9 yr olds. Entry level for 10-12 yrs. Quick review of Beginning Ballet II skills. This is a 1-hour, fast paced lesson with full barre. Turnout and foot strength developed. Strength in abdominal core increased. Posture will be stressed! Long muscle groups stretched. Free style arms explored. 5th position used frequently. Ability to jump with height and form stressed. Introduction to Grade I theory and technique.
Beginning Modern II/III
Review the elements of movement and use them to find personal expression. Communicate with movement, with a partner or in a group. Master triplets, increase foot strength, learn falls, balances off center and use the body’s weight to accomplish full movement. Lifting will be introduced.
Beginning Jazz/Hip Hop I
Entry level class. Students learn the structure and discipline of a dance class. Students warm-up stretch, isolate, move across the floor. Hot music that is screened for lyric content.
Beginning Jazz/Hip Hop II
Students have completed level I last season. Classic Jazz and pops and locks. Music screened for content.
Beginning Jazz/Hip Hop III
3rd year class. Review of Beginner II Hip Hop skills. Introduction to classic concert jazz. movement sequences increase in speed and length. Classic jazz reinforces posture and strength in abdominals. Balance and turns across the floor are explored. Stage presence with attitude developed.
Preteen Jazz Hip/Hop II
Ages 10-14. Students must have three years of Jazz and or Hip Hop training. Classical jazz technique is the foundation of this curriculum. Hip Hop is one of many styles integrated into lessons. Funky and fun. Music lyric screened for content.
Beginning Tap I
Entry level class. Warm up will train the ankle and foot muscles to work precisely; work on upper body form and style. Combinations of elementary tap steps with single sounds and introduction to double sounds. Rhythm study and quick weight changes practiced.
Beginning Tap III
3rd year class for 9 year olds. Entry level for 10 –12. Quick review of level II skills. Music training emphasizes shading of multi sound steps. Breaks to change starting foot introduced. Floor patterns practiced. Double sounds steps done with one foot and then with weight changes done with other foot. Combination steps are longer and quicker. Hand rhythms accompany footwork.