Dance Class Descriptions
acro
Acro (acrobatics/tumbling) is centered on fundamental acrobatic technique to increase flexibility, strength, balance, coordination, endurance, timing, body awareness, self-discipline, and confidence. Classes focus on proper hand placement and body alignment with emphasis on the muscles and flexibility required to perform proper technique. Class levels have required skill lists that ensure dancer's safety. tumble tots (ages 3 - 5): This 30 minute class offers young children an introduction to the fundamentals of tumbling that will provide the building blocks necessary for their potential development in dance and overall fitness. By learning the benefits of flexibility, balance, strength, and body control inherent in all aspects of tumbling, your child will be better equipped to safely enjoy and excel in all of his or her future athletic endeavors. level I: Limbering Skills: Pike, tuck, straddle Stretch, and flex feet, Push up to bridge, Tendu to second ending position with transfer of weight Tumbling Skills: Hollow position (arms up), Log rolls, L handstand, Step hop in retiré, continuous Rock and roll from standing to standing (tuck), Pre-cartwheel, Forward pike roll (ends in pike) level II: Limbering Skills: Articulated stretch and flex feet, Walk down the wall to 1/2 bridge and walk up the wall to standing, Kneeling half bridge, Inside out table top, Bridge retiré), Bridge waving Tumbling Skills: Forward roll 2 consecutive straddle rolls, Rock and roll from standing to standing, Cartwheel (right or left), Pre-handstand, Straight handstand (right or left) level III: Limbering Skills: Down to bridge, Walk down the wall to bridge and walk up the wall to standing, Bridge with transfer of weight, Bridge with kick and jump, Inside out bridge, Bridge walking, Bridge and kick over with a stack (right or left), Bridge retiré développé Tumbling Skills: Backward roll, Cartwheel, Cartwheel from one knee (right or left), Straight handstand level IV: Limbering Skills: Bridge recover, Bridge and kick over (right or left) Bridge prances (retiré), Bridge with straight legs, Handstand to chest roll, Handstand to bridge Tumbling Skills: Handstand to forward roll (right or left) One hand, close hand, cartwheel Dive forward roll, Chassé step hop retiré cartwheel level V: Limbering Skills: 16 count bridge recover, Bridge and kick ove, Bridge prances (straight), Bridge to forearms, Front limber, Arabian handstand to forward roll (straddle), Bridge recover (3 in a row), Rocking bridges, Bridge to chest roll, Fish flop, Arabian handstand to forward roll (pike) Tumbling Skills: One hand, far hand, cartwheel, Chassé step hop retiré pop cartwheel, Hurdle cartwheel rebound, Donkey kicks (5 continuous), Flying cartwheel, Front walkover (right or left), Back walkover (right or left), Hurdle roundoff (right or left) level VI: Limbering Skills: Tick tock (right or left) Moon walkover from two knees (right or left) Arabian limber (straddle) Back Arabian limber Tumbling Skills: Back roll extension Side aerial, optional entrance (right or left) Front walkover, Back walkover, Hurdle roundoff level VII: Limbering Skills: Tick tock, Back walkover to chest roll (right or left), Chest roll to bridge, Arabian limber (pike), Reverse illusion (right or left), Valdez (right or left), Tick tock (3 in a row), Back walkover to chest roll, Arabian front walkover from knees (straddle) (right or left), Scorpion (right or left), Reverse illusion, Valdez, Continuous chest rolls (3) to standing, Tumbling Skills: Flying front walkover, One hand, same hand, front walkover, Standing side aerial (right or left), Roundoff back handspring Back tuck, Limbering Skills Scorpion, One hand back walkover (right or left), Arabian front walkover from knees (pike) (right or left), One hand valdez (right or left), Rolling tinsica from kneeling to kneeling, Continuous chest rolls (3) to bridge holding ankles, Step hop, front aerial (right or left) 2 continuous side aerials (right or left), Back handspring step out (right or left), Back layout step out, Front walkover from one knee (right or left), One hand, opposite hand, front walkover, Step hop, side aerial (right or left), 3 Continuous roundoffs with half turn (right or left), Standing back handspring
ballet
Ballet is the foundation of many dance forms and will maximize technique and longevity in a career of dance. It provides grace, poise, and technique needed to be proficient in all other areas of dance. Ballet classes will help dancers with posture, flexibility, fitness, balance, self-discipline, and self-confidence. tiny tutu princess (ages 2.5 - 3): This 30 minute class is designed to enhance your child’s motor, listening, and social skills through dance activities with a fun princess theme. Dancers will be introduced to basic ballet technique. Tiny tutu princess is offered to children age 2.5 to 3 years. tutu princess (ages 4-6): This is an introductory class containing ballet and creative movement. Young dancers will learn the basic ballet steps while learning how to follow direction and imitate movement and gross motor skill development games in a positive and fun environment. Engaging music is used to get these little ones inspired to dance. All of our ballet classes, beginning with pre-ballet, are required to follow the ballet dress code (leotard of any color, tights, optional dance shorts or skirt, layers during warm-up, hair pulled back in bun and classic pink or skin tone canvas ballet shoes). pre-ballet: For students who have taken several sessions of tutu princess and are ready to leap into the world of ballet! This beginner level class will cover the proper placement of body position, posture, terminology and class behavior. The goal is to prepare these young dancers to move on into higher levels of ballet class. A great class for 6-7 year olds who love to dance! If your dancer is 7 and new to dance, it is recommended that they begin with pre-ballet over ballet I. level I: For beginner dancers ready to learn the basics of ballet (recommended for ages 7+). Students will build off of the five positions, master plié variations and tendus, among other level-appropriate skills. Dancers will use both the barre and center floor. Dancers will work to master level I curriculum to move on to level II with the instructor’s recommendation. If your dancer is 7 and new to dance, it is recommended that they begin with pre-ballet over ballet I. level II: This class will take the skills learned in level I and build upon them to strengthen the dancer's precision and ability. Students will advance on to more difficult skills and utilize both barre and center floor work to improve their technique. Dancers must show proficiency and receive a recommendation to progress to this level. level III: For advanced ballet dancers looking to challenge their previous knowledge and training. Students will learn more difficult combinations and skills, while developing finesse and classic style. Dancers must master all level I and II skills and technique to enroll in this level with an instructor's recommendation.
Broadway / musical theater
Have you or your dancer ever wanted to dance like a Broadway star? This class introduces dance forms found in musical theater, incorporating elements of ballet, jazz, and modern. Learn the Broadway Jazz style influenced and made popular by the likes of Bob Fosse, Jerome Robbins and musicals like Annie, Oklahoma, and Grease. Broadway boogie (ages 4-6): a fun-filled class for your tiny dancer to learn performance, characterization, and the basics of musical theater technique. Broadway jazz (ages 7+): incorporating elements of ballet, jazz and modern, dancers will learn broadway jazz basics and gain an appreciation for musical theater history. musical theater jazz I (ages 10+): geared toward older, beginner dancers, musical theater jazz will build off basic techniques and incorporate a focus on different musical theater styles. musical theatre jazz II (ages 10+): for older dancers with some prior experience in the style to build upon their technique with their peers. By instructor recommendation only.
contemporary / modern
Contemporary combines ballet and modern techniques with musical and emotional expression with a strong focus on modern techniques (contractions and release, off-center balances and suspension) as well as musicality and self-expression Recommended for with some prior dance experience, particularly in ballet or technique. contemporary I (ages 10+): for older, beginner dancers, this class explores the contemporary style with introductory level technique and focuses on interpreting music and choreography. Students will work on the ability to pick up stylized choreography and movements. contemporary II (ages 10+): for older dancers with some prior experience in the style to build upon their technique with their peers. By instructor recommendation only.
dance with me
This dancer and parent class is a perfect introduction to music & movement! Dancers will engage in follow-along dance sequences that focus on coordination, listening, simple rhythm and patterns. An adult must accompany dancers to class each week. A really fun and memorable bonding experience!
hip hop
Hip hop incorporates a variety of old and new urban, street and pop dance styles. The dancing represents body movements that go with the beat and rhythm of hip hop music. Hip hop dancing is very dynamic and helps the dancers improve flexibility, develop body balance, and coordination. hip hop kids (ages 5-7): This class serves as an introduction to hip hop dance for the younger student. Using games and music, the class focuses on rhythm, musicality and basic footwork. It is a great way to get kids moving! hip hop level I (ages 7+): great for beginner/intermediate level dancers looking for a fun, upbeat class. hip hop level II: incorporates more intricate choreography and movement with faster-paced routines and music - placement with instructor recommendation. hip hop level III: for experienced dancers looking for a fast-paced, advanced class with complexity in style and routine - placement with instructor recommendation. adult hip hop (beg): this introductory course is for beginners interested in stepping into dance. All are welcome! Get some exercise while learning fun, upbeat choreography. adult hip hop (int/adv): dance with Brooke! Come join us for a fun, upbeat hip hop class and learn a funky performance routine. Recommended for dancers with prior experience.
jazz
Jazz dance is an exploration of style and presentation. Classes emphasize musicality and body alignment, conditioning, stretch and strengthening, rhythm and stylization as well as fun and innovative choreography. kiddie jazz (ages 4 - 6): Kiddie jazz is an introductory class with jazz basics to fun and kid-friendly music. Dancers will learn the beginning steps of jazz and work on picking up choreography sequences that fuse together style and technique. level I (ages 7+): Introduces dancers to the jazz genre and basic technical skills (i.e. jazz walk, chaine turns, single pirouettes, jetes and kicks). Builds dancers' style and confidence while working on musicality and the ability to pick up choreography and connect steps and skills together with fun, upbeat music. Recommended for ages 7+. adult jazz (beg/int): always wanted to try dance? Join us for beginner/intermediate adult jazz. This class is geared towards adults who are new to jazz or with some experience who want to enjoy a structured weekly class to focus on technique as well as choreography.
lyrical
This class is a combination of ballet and jazz that challenges dancers to use choreography and movement to interpret music and express emotion. Dancers learn to express emotions derived from lyrics to convey the dance’s meaning. These classes introduce students to the styles of both genres and the method in which they are combined, while understanding the performance aspects of lyrical. lyrical (ages 7 - 9): recommended for dancers ages 7 - 9 with some prior dance experience. lyrical (ages 10+): designed to build off of the concepts in lyrical I but can be taken as a stand alone class to learn the basics of lyrical dance with other older dancers!
tap
twinkle toes tap (4-6): This energetic and exciting class is designed to provide young dancers an introduction into the fundamentals of tap dance. Early exposure to the rhythms and unique mind-to-foot connection associated with tap dance will allow students to progress and excel at the art as they move through life. pre-tap (6-7): For students who have taken several sessions of twinkle toes and are ready to leap into the world of tap! This beginner level class will hone in on rhythm recognition, clarity of sounds, terminology and class behavior. The goal is to prepare these young dancers to move on into higher levels of tap class. A great class for 6-7 year olds who love to dance! If your dancer is 7 and new to dance, it is recommended that they begin with pre-tap over tap I. tap I (7+): This class is designed for those with little to no experience with tap dance. The core of the class will focus on the development of basic technical skills (shuffles, paradiddles, flaps, pickups, cramp-rolls, etc.), as well as the ear, or ability to understand music. A small portion of the course will be dedicated to learning about and honoring historical tap figures to gain a holistic understanding of the art form. If your dancer is 7 and new to dance, it is recommended that they begin with pre-tap over tap I. tap II: This course will be fast-paced and exciting. It is designed for those with prior experience in tap, and will focus on further developing both technical skills and the ear. Other course objectives include the ability to quickly learn combinations without vocal instruction and a deep understanding of tap history. tap III: This course is designed for students with prior experience with tap and will focus on improved speed, knowledge of technique and trick steps, and understanding syncopation and swing time. Tap history will also be discussed in this course as well as helping students develop the ability to improvise comfortably. tap IV: This course is designed for students already advanced in tap dance and will expand the skills and trick steps learned in tap III. Additionally, students will become familiar with a variety of time signatures, and will begin creating their own choreography. tap V: Highest level of tap currently offered. Students will be placed based on instructor evaluation. adult tap (beg): always wanted to try dance? Join us for beginner adult tap. This popular class is geared towards adults who are new to tap who want to enjoy a structured weekly class to focus on technique as well as choreography. adult tap (int): This class is a perfect fit for adults who have taken beginner adult tap and are ready for the next step, or have some past tap experience. Dancers will enjoy a structured weekly class to focus on technique as well as choreography. Placement in this class is generally through instructor recommendation. adult tap (adv): This course is geared towards adults with a lot of prior knowledge & experience in tap that want to enjoy a structured weekly class to focus on technique as well as choreography. Placement in this class is generally through instructor recommendation.
technique
leaps & turns I: Appropriate for beginning dancers, or those looking to work on the basic technical skills. This class focuses on the breakdown of foundational skills such as splits, single pirouettes, chaine and pique turns, jetes and extensions. Class will also incorporate stretching techniques, conditioning exercises and strengthening movements to help build proper muscle strength and coordination needed for dance. Recommended for ages 7+. leaps & turns II: This intermediate level is for dancers who have learned the basic technical skills already, and wish to perfect those as well as work on new progressions. Dancers will learn the proper technique for more difficult skills, such as calypsos, center leaps, double pirouettes, may begin working on turns in second and skill progressions across the floor. Students should master level I skills to progress to level II.
pom
li'l poms (ages 6-7): for students who are ready to leap into the world of pom! This beginner level class will cover pom dance basics such as arm motions, strength and coordination. Dancers will also use pom-poms. A great class for 6-7 year olds who love to dance! pom dance (ages 7-9 and 10+): this class will introduce pom basics - strong arms, quick and sharp movements, jumps, kicks, and turns, as well as incorporating the use of pom-poms. Pom dance will incorporate elements of jazz, hip hop and sometimes lyrical styles. center court (ages 7-9 and 10+): full of fun, high-energy pom, jazz, and hip hop dance styles. Think halftime performances by dance teams with a focus on entertainment pop jazz, rich in performance-quality technical dance and exciting choreography guaranteed to get the fans off their seats! Your child will learn what it takes to be center court!