Dance Classes
Dance Classes for Ages 3 and Up
Dance students are placed according to age and level of experience. During the first three weeks of class, teachers carefully evaluate each student to make sure that the class is the appropriate level and may suggest class change in some cases. Students have the opportunity to perform at the end-of-year recital.
Creative Movement (ages three to five)
A very popular introductory class. Young children explore movement and body awareness in a lively group setting. Dance games and exercises are used to help develop the child's concentration, listening skills, coordination and sense of creativity. No dance experience required. (45 minutes weekly)
Pre-ballet (ages four to six)
Development of physical skills through rhythmic and coordination exercises. Students learn to translate verbal instruction into physical action. An introduction to ballet basics including warm-up exercises, ballet terminology and correct body alignment. No dance class experience required; one year of Creative Movement recommended. (45 minutes weekly)
Ballet
The Classical Ballet curriculum is designed as a sequential course of study and allows students to progress at an individual pace. Emphasis is placed upon the ballet vocabulary, class practices and procedures, and correct body alignment. (60 minutes weekly)
Ballet Section A (ages five to nine)
No ballet or dance class experience required (one year of Pre-Ballet is highly recommended for students ages five to six).
Ballet Section B (ages six to 10)
Minimum of two years of ballet training required.
Ballet Section C (ages seven to 11)
Minimum of three years of ballet training required.
Ballet Section D (ages 11 and up)
Minimum of four years of ballet training required.
Modern Dance (ages eight and up)
Modern Dance offers 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, along with a sense of balance and centering of the torso. Students will explore shape, use of space, movement dynamics and structured improvisation in individual group exercises. No prior dance experience necessary. (60 minutes weekly)
Beginner's Tap (ages five and up)
Designed for children ages five and up who have never studied tap dancing and are interested in trying it out. Emphasis will be placed on basic tap steps and the fundamentals of rhythm, including essential combinations and their importance to the art of tap dance. (45 minutes weekly)
Jump and Move I (ages four to seven), Jump and Move II (ages five to eight)
This class will introduce students to hip-hop and jazz styles while developing their rhythm, balance, coordination and strength. Students will learn fun warm-up exercises and combinations. No prior dance experience necessary. (45 minutes weekly)
Hip-hop (ages eight and up)
Students work on the individualized dance steps, combinations and improvisational elements that make up urban dance. Warm ups include strength and articulation, while combinations focus on rhythm and style. A high-energy class. No prior dance experience necessary. (60 minutes weekly)
Dress Requirements
- Creative Movement: leotard, tights and ballet shoes (any color). Sweat pants, loose shirts and ballet shoes also accepted.
- Pre-Ballet and Ballet: black or pink leotards, black or pink tights, and pink leather ballet shoes. Skirts are optional. (Oversized clothing and jewelry are not permitted.)
- Modern Dance: all black uniform of appropriate dance attire — leotards, footless tights, leggings, shorts, t-shirts or tanks. (Oversized clothing and jewelry are not permitted.)
- Tap, Jump and Move and Hip-hop: comfortable clothing, sneakers and tap shoes (for tap only).
