Class Information

 Class Length: 30 minutes
Parents exercise along with the child in this creative movement class which encourages the child to practice correct movements and to help maintain discipline. The class includes stretching and body awareness exercises as well as traveling steps. A portion of the class will be devoted to creative activities with props (bean bags, scarves, rhythm sticks, etc.).

Ages 2-3

Class Length: 30 minutes
This class develops natural movement instincts through activities appropriate to the students’ innate creativity and physical skills. Children express themselves primarily through movement, but also through music and dramatic activities. This gentle class begins to develop awareness of musicality, body parts, space and pathways, and class etiquette with other dancers.
Ages 3-4

Class Length: 45 minutes
This fun class further develops natural movement instincts through activities that combine innate creativity and physical skills. The gentle class continues to widen awareness of musicality, body parts, space and pathways, and class etiquette with other dancers. Children express themselves primarily through movement, but also through music and dramatic activities.
Ages 4-6

Class Length: 60 minutes
This class extends the range of understanding and ability that a student acquires in the Creative Movement program. Concepts continue to be combined in greater complexity with the challenge to clarify movement and expression. The Pre-Ballet class includes introductory barre work and ballet terminology while it also continues to develop listening skills, musicality, and spatial awareness.
Ages 5-7

Class Length: 60 minutes
This class introduces the fundamental principles of ballet technique. A Ballet 1 student extends the range of understanding and ability to refine technical skills and further develops proper alignment. An introduction of basic anatomy, physiology, and nutrition supports the blossoming dancer’s knowledge. Each class includes barre and center work as well as exercises used to develop musicality and creativity.
Approximate ages 6-10

Class Length: 60 minutes
This class continues the formal study of classical ballet and encourages the development of self-discipline. Particular emphasis is placed on exercises designed to strengthen legs, ankles, and feet as well as to continue developing postural and technical skills. A continuation of basic anatomy, physiology, and nutrition supports the dancer’s knowledge. Ballet 2 students are encouraged to consider taking two classes per week.
Approximate ages 7 and up

Class Length: 90 minutes
Technique classes emphasize proper placement and alignment, turnout of the hips and legs, coordination of the arms and legs, and a clear knowledge of beginning ballet terminology.
Approximate ages 8 and up

Class Length: 90 minutes
Training builds on previously learned skills while developing increased strength, kinetic awareness, and intellectual understanding. Ballet 4 students are encouraged to take this class 2-3 times per week.
Approximate ages 9 and up

Class Length: 90 minutes
Technique continues to build and increase in difficulty. This level also begins to prepare students for pointe work. Ballet 5 students are expected to take a minimum of 2-3 technique classes a week plus an elective. Students with aspirations for a professional career or to continue dance beyond high school are encouraged to enroll in 3-4 technique classes as well as elective classes.
Approximate ages 10+

Class Length: 60-120 minutes
Technique continues to build and increase in difficulty. Performance quality and artistic presentation are elements of focus in this level. Ballet 7 is for students who exhibit a profound understanding of classical technique and are dedicated to a rigorous course of study. Ballet 7 students are expected to take a minimum of 3-4 technique classes and one pointe class per week, plus one elective. Students with aspirations for a professional career or to continue dance beyond high school are encouraged to enroll in 5+ technique classes and 2-3 pointe classes per week as well as elective classes.
Ages 14+ (Recommended by Artistic Director)

Class Length: 60-90 minutes
The curriculum draws from Martha Graham’s, Doris Humphrey’s, Lester Horton’s and Jose Limon’s philosophies and techniques, and classes include floor work, center work, improvisation, and contact improvisation. Basic elements of modern dance increase understanding of breath control, gravity, balance, rhythm, focus, alignment, and spatial awareness. Modern 1A, Modern 1B and Modern 2 & 3 are offered. Students must be in the Ballet 2 level to begin modern training.

Approximate Ages 7+ (Ballet 2+)

Dress Code: Ladies: solid black leotard, black tights or leggings worn over leotard, bare feet and hair secured off face. Gentlemen: black pants or shorts, black t-shirt or tank, bare feet.

Class Length: 60-75 minutes

Ages 9+ (Ballet 4+)

Jazz dance uses many techniques from other forms of dance and students are taught a series of fundamental techniques including isolations, kicks, leaps, turns and quick footwork. With its rhythmic style, jazz is often associated with musical theatre and its production qualities. Students, after achieving the technical demands and dynamics are able to explore musical theatre repertoire throughout the semester. Jazz is a highly energetic and fun class, bringing out the students individuality and creativity. Students must be at the Ballet 4 level to begin jazz training.

Dress Code: Ladies: solid black leotard, black jazz shoes and hair secured off face. Dancers in Jazz 2 & 3 are permitted to wear colored leotards and leotards with crisscross straps, mesh, lace and halter style leotards. Gentlemen: black pants or shorts, black t-shirt or tank, black jazz shoes.

Class Length: 60 minutes

Ages 6+ (Ballet 1+)

There are different styles of tap (rhythm/jazz tap, Broadway tap, etc.), but all use the same steps to create a percussion sound with their shoes. In this class, students will learn many steps that will develop their musicality and rhythm while also building strength and flexibility in their ankles and knees. We offer Tap 1, Tap 2, & Tap 3. Each level is designed to challenge students to have clearer tap sounds with complete accuracy. Combinations will become more complex and tempo will increase to help develop the dancer’s coordination and speed of movement. Students must be in at least the Ballet 1 level to begin Tap training.

Tap 1 (approximate ages 6 and up, in Ballet 1 and up), Tap 2 (by placement), Tap 3 (By placement)

Dress Code: Oxford or Mary Jane black tap shoes, normal ballet attire. Leggings and shirt/sweaters are allowed at teacher’s discretion. Hair secured off face.

Class Length: 30 minutes
Ages 9+
This class is specially geared toward dancers will focus on increasing flexibility and strength using exercises that are age and development appropriate. The class will focus on proper stretching techniques as well as exercises that will increase core strength, stamina, and stability.

Dress Code: Ladies and Gentlemen—comfortable workout clothes, no shoes. Mats are provided, but students are welcome to bring their own.

Class Length: 60-75 minutes
This division is open to teens and adults who want to experience dance as a recreational activity for fun and exercise. Open Adult classes focus on the use of dance technique to help with toning, strength and flexibility, and it is offered for men and women at beginner to intermediate levels.

Dress Code: Ladies and Gentlemen—comfortable workout clothes with ballet shoes. Mats are provided, but students are welcome to bring their own.

For more information, visit our Adult Classes page.

 

No pre-registration is required for this class. Please stop by the Business Office before your first class to fill out a short registration form and remit payment.