Dance Classes

Beginner’s and Basic Ballet
Students are introduced to the fundamentals of ballet technique. Emphasis is placed on proper alignment of the spine and pelvis and strengthening and stretching the muscles of the torso, legs, and feet. Students are introduced to exercises that develop musicality, coordination, balance, and listening skills. Ages 5 and up. (60 minutes weekly)

Intermediate Ballet
Students build on technique acquired at the beginner's level and learn basic ballet vocabulary within the formal structure of a dance class. Emphasis is placed on increasing flexibility and strength, proper carriage of the arms and torso, and development of agility, musicality, and coordination. (90 minutes weekly)

Advanced Ballet
Students in this class should have at least four years of basic ballet training. Students focus on more complex exercises emphasizing coordination, balance, flexibility, and correct alignment. Advanced combinations introduce students to turn and jump sequences and exercises that encourage artistic exploration and growth. (90 minutes weekly)

Beginner’s Tap
Students learn the basic tap steps, terms, and concepts. They will develop their understanding of rhythm and its many functions in tap dancing. This is a chance for students to develop their ears for rhythm, to listen to one another, and to improve their coordination for the advanced footwork required by this art. Students are exposed to the differences between the various forms of tap, i.e., classic and rhythm. (60 minutes weekly)

Intermediate Tap
Students will develop their basic understanding of tap dance with more challenging steps, rhythms, terminology, and concepts. Their ears will become more fine-tuned toward listening to one another and dissecting rhythms. Students will continue to have exposure to classic and rhythm tap. Speed will increase with improved foot coordination and sensitivity to rhythm. (60 minutes weekly)

Advanced Tap
More experience students continue to fine-tune and improve their skill in tap dancing with more difficult steps, rhythms, terminology, and concepts. This class includes both classic and rhythm tap. Advanced technique and musicality practice further encourages the student’s ability to work on fast footwork. Advanced tap introduces the art of improvisational tap dancing and choreography, with historical study of great tap dancers. (60 minutes weekly)

Modern Dance
A mix of the basic principles of ballet technique and contemporary movement. Students will learn proper placement and articulation of the joints in warm-up exercises, balance and centering of the torso, and fall and recovery with the use of body weight and gravity. Students will also explore shape, use of space, movement dynamics and structured improvisation in individual and group exercises. Students wear comfortable clothing and dance barefoot. (60 minutes weekly)

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