Ballet Curriculum
Creative Movement (Ages 3-4) and Pre-Ballet (AGES 4-5)
Creative movement and Pre-ballet classes are designed for 3 to 5 year olds to introduce the joy of movement and enrich the child’s spirit of exploration. Children are introduced to many forms of music to allow them to discover rhythmical ways to express themselves. Classes are lightly structured to prepare children for a disciplined ballet approach while stretching and strengthening their bodies with pre-ballet exercises.The emphasis is to develop an imaginative and creative spirit as well as a love for dance.
Ballet I, II and III
These classes provide the foundation of proper ballet technique. In a nurturing atmosphere, students learn correct body placement, posture, terminology and musicality. Emphasis will be placed on stretching and strengthening the body while fostering artistic expression and a strong sense of personal accomplishment.
Ballet Levels IV-VII
These levels use the full range of classical ballet technique. Longer movement phrases enhance technical strength, stamina, musicality and artistic sense. Pointe classes are offered to ladies who are at least 12 years of age, take 2 ballet classes weekly and have developed sufficient strength for pointe work.
Requirements
- Ballet III – 2 classes per week (one class can be Tap or Jazz).
- Ballet IV – 2 ballet classes per week are required. The student will spend 2 years in this level.
- Ballet V – 2 to 3 technique classes are required.
- Beginning Pointe – For those ladies wishing to go on Pointe, please see our guidelines for beginning pointe. Students starting pointe must demonstrate the ballet technique necessary for pointe work.
- Ballet VI & VII – 3 technique classes are required.
Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, & Contemporary Dance
Beginning Jazz
Fundamentals of jazz technique are introduced. Stretching and strengthening exercises are performed and simple combinations of steps are taught to encourage vitality and enthusiasm for dance.
Intermediate and Advanced Jazz
This level continues to build upon the technique, flexibility, and vocabulary taught in beginner jazz, but places a new emphasis on expression. Curriculum includes the preparation for turns and jumps which are an extension of the alignment and strength taught in the first two levels.
Advanced jazz is a continuation and expansion of technique, repertoire, and performance. Particular attention is placed on turns and jumps. This level connects developed technique with expression, allowing the dancer to dance from the inside out. Special performance and competition opportunities exist for the dedicated jazz dancer
Tap
Tap is a style of American theatrical dance, distinguished by percussive footwork, which marks out precise rhythmic patterns on the floor. Some descriptive step names are brush, flap, shuffle, ball change, and cramp roll.
Hip Hop
Students will learn the fundamentals of social hip hop dance. Understanding the social element of the dance will help the students comprehend the groove necessary to perform, as well as create, choreography. This is achieved by understanding 3 things…history, basic movement principles & musicality. The class focuses on technique, terminology, foundation and fun. Video documentation is also shown to further the learning experience. This class is aimed at giving the students an understanding of what hip hop dance is so that students can build a more powerful repertoire for self expression.
NEW Contemporary Dance Classes
Offered on Wednesday Evenings
Contemporary Dance is the form of dance we see so often on So You Think You Can Dance, most notably from the amazing Mia Michaels. We are very excited that our own Natalie Williamson will be teaching this exciting form of dance.
Contemporary dance is not a specific dance technique but a collection of methods developed from modern and post-modern dance, as well as newer philosophies of movement. Contemporary dance is characterized by its versatility and its great range and fluidity of movement rather than by conventional dance techniques. Contemporary can be danced to almost any style of music, or united with other dance forms to create new styles of movement. It favors movement deriving from the expressions of inner feeling. Contemporary seeks to work with the natural alignment of the body, and is therefore accessible for beginners. At the same time, the ease of movement promoted by contemporary dance technique allows experienced dancers to push new boundaries of body movement.
NEW Acting
Acting I (ages 6 – 9) - This theater class introduces young children to the art and craft of acting. We will explore creative expression through improvisation, movement, voice and speech, theatre games, and singing.
Acting II (ages 10 – Teens) – This theater class will incorporate the skills of voice, movement, imagination, and singing. Students will explore the exciting world of live theater through focus on scene study and advanced improvisation.
1st – 8 weeks - (Sept 13- November 1)- General acting skills and stage presence
2nd – 8 weeks - Character development
3rd – 8 weeks - Improvisation techniques
4th – 8 weeks - TBA
* Students in both sections will have the opportunity to perform in various studio presentations as well as a year-end performance.
Adult Classes
Ballet, Hip Hop, Tap
Students in our adult classes learn in a more casual atmosphere. Our instructors understand the needs of adult students and approach the class differently from our children’s programs. Many of our adult students use our programs for a fitness and social activity.