Class Descriptions
DANCE BASICS
CREATIVE MOVEMENT (ages 3-4)
A special class for a special age. Dance activities emphasize the fun and excitement of discovering the world through movement. Children will enjoy the use of music, props, and poetry to develop basic motor and locomotor skills.
DANCE FUNDAMENTALS (ages 5-6)
Basic dance skills and vocabulary are introduced with an emphasis on self-expression and creativity. This class is recommended as a precursor to studying formal technique in ballet, modern dance, or tap.
INTRODUCTION TO DANCE TECHNIQUE (ages 7-8)
Ballet and modern dance technique are formally introduced while maintaining a strong emphasis on the creative process. This class fully prepares the student for Beginning Ballet and Creative Modern Dance classes. Pink ballet slippers and ballet pink tights required.
BALLET
BEGINNING BALLET 1, 2, AND 3 (ages 8-12)
A 3-year program of consecutive ballet training, introducing the study of French vocabulary, basic barre and center steps.
INTERMEDIATE BALLET 1
For the student with the equivalent of 3 years of ballet, this class maintains the format of the Beginning classes, but at a more difficult level and for longer duration. Intermediate students are encouraged to study more intensively by taking at least 2 classes per week. Students may enroll for Modern Dance, Composition, Jazz or an additional ballet class to fulfill this recommendation.
NOTE: All Pointe dancers must be taking a minimum of two technique classes per week. In addition to the appropriate ballet class, students may enroll for a modern, composition, jazz or another ballet class to fulfill this requirement.
INTERMEDIATE BALLET 2 / POINTE PREPARATION
For the student with the equivalent of 4 years of ballet who desires to prepare for the challenge of working "en pointe." To insure the basic physical strength and mental awareness for such a difficult endeavor, at least one additional technique class per week is required. (See Note above.)
BASIC POINTE 1, 2, AND 3
A 3-year course for the intermediate ballet student who has completed Pointe Preparation. Emphasis is on the individual's correct foot and body alignment on pointe as well as the study of the proper techniques for the execution of more difficult steps.
HIGH INTERMEDIATE BALLET / POINTE
For the student who has completed the equivalent of all Basic Pointe levels. Class covers barre and center work including adagio, pirouettes, petite allegro, grand allegro, and short variations.
ADVANCED BALLET / POINTE
For the experienced dancer with several years of ballet training.
ADULT BALLET AND MODERN DANCE (ages 13+)
Students learn the fundamentals and vocabulary of ballet and modern dance, including barre, floor work, combinations, and improvisation on creative themes. Healthy posture, warming up, stretching, and warming down are emphasized.
ADVANCED BALLET PARTNERING CLASS
For the more advanced ballet student, this class covers pas de deux basics in supported turns, lifts, and couple ensembles. Approval of instructor is required.
CLASSICAL VARIATIONS CLASS
This class offers more advanced dancers the opportunity to learn well-known variations from historical classical ballets such as Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Coppelia, Don Quixote, etc. Approval of instructor required.
MODERN DANCE
CREATIVE MODERN DANCE (ages 8-11)
This class is offered to expand and supplement the young dancer's perceptions of dance as well as develop rhythmic, coordination, and creative skills not covered in the traditional ballet class.
MODERN DANCE / COMPOSITION 1, 2 and 3 (ages 12-17)
For student with at least two years of dance training in modern, ballet, or jazz. This class includes the study of modern dance and jazz techniques to further expand rhythmic, coordination, and creative skills. Students learn the craft of choreography as they develop vocabulary, original movement, and evaluation techniques to express a wide range of ideas. Approval of instructor required.
ADVANCED COMPOSITION
For students with more than four years of previous study in modern dance and compositional study, this class emphasizes the opportunity to create original dances for performance. The Intermediate Modern class is a concurrent requirement. Students must be taking at least one additional technique class per week.
HIGH INTERMEDIATE MODERN DANCE
A challenging technique class for the teen, adult, or professional dancer with 3-4 years of modern dance training.
TAP
CHILDREN'S BEGINNING TAP 1, 2, AND 3 (ages 7-11)
A 3-year program of consecutive tap training. Tap develops rhythm, coordination, and appreciation of a very American dance form. Black oxfords (no pumps) with taps required. A basic dance skills class is recommended as a preparatory experience.
PROGRESSIVE TAP FOR TEENS AND ADULTS (ages 12+)
Check current schedule for class offerings. Have fun with tap! Learn basic skills, vocabulary and combinations. Black oxfords or low pumps with taps required.
JAZZ
BEGINNING JAZZ (ages 9-11) AND TEEN JAZZ (ages 12+)
An exposure-level class appropriate to the development and age of the students. Classes introduce warm-ups, stretches, and dynamic combinations to the upbeat rhythm of contemporary music. A concurrent ballet class is recommended to prepare for further study.
BEGINNING JAZZ 2 - INTERMEDIATE - ADVANCED JAZZ
This progressive program of jazz training maintains the format of Beginning Jazz and introduces urban influences and hip-hop. NOTE: A concurrent ballet class is required.
YOUTH HIP HOP (ages 10+)
HIP HOP (ages 15+)
Learn the latest in hip-hop and street dance trends! Class includes warm-up followed by age-appropriate dance combinations. Emphasis is on developing individual style.
LYRICAL DANCE (ages 11-14)
Combine ballet and jazz skills to interpret contemporary and popular songs through dance. 3 years of ballet and/or jazz required
SPECIAL CLASSES
CLASS FOR THE AGELESS DANCER
Rediscover flexibility, strength, balance, and joyful dance through this class for the mature dancer.
BOYS' DANCE CLUB (ages 11+)
For boys who want to get moving with high-energy action using fun themes and jammin' music! Rhythms, props, and sports movements will be used to create original dances while developing coordination and healthy body knowledge.
INTERPLAY (adults 21+)
Interplay leads the participant step-by-step into openness, enthusiasm and creativity. Move in simple ways, vocalize stories, and share tools that ease stress into purpose, passion and playfulness. All experienced in a non-judgmental, non-threatening atmosphere.
See Class Schedule for current class times and fees. Call 333-3528 for more information.