In order to carefully nurture and instill the proper fundamentals of dance in a young mind and body, it is necessary for the students in levels II and higher to take at least two technique classes a week in ballet and levels III and higher two jazz classes a week. Anything less does not afford the student the opportunity to assimilate the information and practice the movement with the guidance of the teacher. Pointe class begins with the recommendation of the teacher only. Many factors must be evaluated before a student is ready to go on pointe. Each student progresses at her own rate and must be in a minimum of 2 ballet classes per week for at least 3 years.
Classical Ballet (Levels I – V)
Ballet is the fundamental foundation of all dance, especially jazz and modern. Levels I-V lay the beginning
groundwork for classical ballet technique, beginning with center barre, floor stretches, and progressions across
the floor. As the ballet student becomes more advanced, the frequency of training must increase as well as the
difficulty once the basics are mastered. Through a program coordinating knowledge of the RAD (Royal
Academy of Dance), Vaganova, and Cechetti methods of ballet, dancers can continue to prepare for a
professional track program, if desired.
Class size: 14 students.
Jazz (Levels I- V)
Jazz is based on strong ballet technique. Once students reach the age of 9-10 their muscles are better prepared to
perform the exercises required in jazz class and they understand the way their bodies move by this age. These
classes stress the importance of solid jazz technique, along with proper body alignment and isolations. Class
begins in the center warming up the largest muscle groups first. Floor stretches and strengthening are also
integral to this class. Additional technique will be taught in traveling progressions, as well as center
combinations. Choreography will focus on the roots of jazz through today’s popular trends. It is beneficial for
the dancer to be cross training in ballet and/or modern dance class, especially in the more advanced levels.
Class size: 14 students.
Tap (Levels I – VIII)
Tap technique is emphasized through tap barre, center work, and progressions across the floor. Students also
learn through “call and response” as well as improvisation. Basic tap rhythms, musicality, and vocabulary are
covered as important building blocks for the more advanced levels to come. In levels I-V, technique will focus
on placement, precision, musicality, weight change and speed. Classes emphasize clean technique and precision,
incorporating free body movement. Traveling work, center combinations, choreography and improvisation are
used to increase ones own technical ability and confidence.
Class size: 14 students.
Hip-Hop (Levels I-III)
This is a high-energy class starting with basic center warm-up, floor stretches, progressions across the floor, and
a center combination. It incorporates current street trends and popular age appropriate music. The beginning
levels explore simple rhythms and isolations and eventually progress to more complicated and intricate patterns
in the intermediate and advanced levels.
Tumbling (Levels I-III)
This class concentrates on flexibility, strengthening, and basic tumbling skills. Prerequisites are required to
advance to each level. This is a great class for those who wish to pursue cheerleading, dance team, or to lay the
groundwork for further gymnastics training.
Class size: 10 students.
Modern (Levels I-IV)
This class introduces the fundamental principles of Modern dance and will build week to week. Basic
movement concepts such as over curve/under curve and contraction/release of the torso, articulation of the
spine, and modern dance vocabulary will be taught and reviewed in depth. Class will also focus on proper
alignment, musicality, and center work. This class will break down the movement and provide students with
exercises that build strength, increase flexibility and provide a foundation that can be applied to all dance styles.
Modern emphasizes the use of the floor for centering and grounding oneself in movement.
Class size: 14 students.