Technique Classes

• Level I (8-11 or teacher recommendation)  This level is designed so the young beginner dancer can attend ballet, Tap and Jazz classes in their entirety.
• Level II (9-11 or teacher recommendation)  An advanced beginner level. Enrollment in Ballet, Tap & Jazz is based on instructor recommendation.
• Level III (Level based on skill rather than age)  An intermediate to beginning intermediate level. Enrollment in Pre-Pointe, Ballet, Tap & Jazz is based on instructor recommendation.  This is level is perfect for those dancers wanting to try new classes and dance disciplines.
• Level IV (Level based on skill rather than age)  An advanced intermediate level. Enrollment in Pointe, Ballet, Tap & Jazz is based on instructor recommendation.
• Level V (Level based on skill rather than age)  An advanced level. Enrollment in Pointe, Ballet, Tap & Jazz is based on instructor recommendation.

 

Ballet I- V

A classical form of dance that provides a strong, solid technical base for all other dance forms. Classical technique including barre, center work, progressions across the floor & vocabulary.  Emphasis on developing correct placement, habits & a solid foundation for future dance study.

 

Jazz I-V

A full body warm-up including center, across the floor and combinations.  Includes jazz history and terminology; also an exploration of different jazz styles – theatrical, classical, lyrical, etc.  Fun, upbeat style of dance that stems from ballet and combines today’s stylish moves with energetic, popular age appropriate music.

 

Tap I-V

Tap technique, stylization, terminology, historical background and an emphasis on rhythmic skills. Great for developing rhythmic coordination skills.  Traditional and contemporary styles explored.

 

Pre-Pointe, Pointe I-II

(Level II-V only)
Pointe requires a solid foundation of advance Ballet technique. The instructor determines when a student is technically and physically capable of beginning Pointe work. This class must be upon teacher recommendation and accompany a regular ballet class. Students must have completed pre-Pointe to take Pointe I or II.

 

Specialty Classes

Hip Hop

(age 5-adult)

An athletic combination of fast footwork, free-style dance, salsa, and martial arts moves, done to pulsating street-style music. This class combines the high energy of Hip-Hop with traditional Jazz technique.   It is recommended to take a technique class such as ballet or jazz to optimize your hip-hop experience.

 

Irish Step

(age 7 – adult)
Beginner (Level I): All students who are new or have had 1-2 yr. experience in Irish dance will be placed in this class. Basic technique is taught and is the main focus throughout the year. Students will learn the beginner jig and reel.
Advanced Beginner (Level  II):  Dancers will learn more challenging soft shoe steps in the reel and slip jig. Once posture and correct form are achieved, students will learn the traditional hornpipe in hard shoes. Students will develop a daily practicing routine to utilize outside of class.
Intermediate (Level III) Dancers will learn more challenging dances in hard and soft shoe.  Additional team dances will be taught. Students will be encouraged to excel in their knowledge of form, posture and rhythm.
Novice (Level IV): Novice dancers will further advance in the complexity of the steps in their dances, including the jig, reel and slip jig and will learn different hard shoe timings in the slow hornpipe, slow treble jig and traditional set.
Advanced (Level V): These levels demand a different type of training; more time is dedicated to stamina and set dances. Students will demonstrate the most advanced steps and will serve as an example of excellence to audiences and younger students.

 

Lyrical

Lyrical I (Level II & III) Lyrical II (Level IV or teacher recommendation)
Lyrical III (Level V or teacher recommendation)

A highly technical style of dance that fuses ballet and jazz to show the meaning of music.  This style will challenge students to use movement and emotion to tell a story.  Choreography is often emotional, gripping and delicate all at the same time while allowing spirit to tell where the dance will go.

 

Modern

(Level IV & V)

A style of theatrical dance that rejects the limitations of classical ballet and favors movement deriving from the expression of inner feeling. Free movement – no technical training needed.

 

Musical Theatre Debut / Jr. Musical Theatre / Sr. Musical Theatre

Explore dance through Broadway musicals.  Technical skills and choreography are the basis of MT.  This class uses community and competitive (Sr. only) performances to enhance dance and life skills. Ballet and jazz are required (Jr. & Sr. only) and tap is encouraged, as this is a Performing Class.
Debut = Level I ages 8-11 – No audition
Jr. = Level II & III, Sr. = Level IV & V. – Enrollment by audition only