PRE-SCHOOL DANCE PROGRAM is designed to provide children between 3
and 6 years of age with a strong foundation in dance and movement. This program teaches the young dancer the basic elements
of movement and dance, musical rhythm, beat and time, opposites and directions. Also, how they relate to the space around
them, both as an individual and in a group.
Through
participation in these classes, students also learn the basics of classroom behavior and manners, which remain the same throughout
their dancing years. These concepts include learning how to take turns, following another dancer, leading the way, waiting
patiently, working together with others, and having a positive attitude.After completing this program, Students age 7 and up move into dance classes that are much more structured. Classes
still emphasis the joy of dancing, however, the technical level advances steadily in each age grouping.
BALLET is the basic foundation
of all dance forms. It teaches proper placement, alignment, carriage, grace and poise. Classes include classical ballet technique,
with basic barre work for strength and flexibility and center floor work, allowing practice for basic dance principles. Because
of the importance of the terminology and body placement learned in ballet, it is highly recommended as a compliment to the
other dance forms.
TAP is a type of dance in which the feet perform rhythmic patterns. Students learn coordination of the feet and musical
rhythms. This class includes barre and center floor work, progressions across the floor, rhythm study, improvisations and
tap vocabulary.
JAZZ is an American dance form which evolves and changes with the latest popular styles. Students work on placement and
technique while learning current traditional jazz styles. This class includes flexibility exercises, barre, center and floor
work, isolations, contractions, progressions across the floor, rhythm study, improvisations and jazz vocabulary.
MODERN dance developed
in the early 1900's as a counter movement to ballet. Unlike ballet there is no single specific technique, but rather different
styles of modern dance based on the works and efforts of early modern dance pioneers. It is performed to a wide variety of
music. Modern dance is also good for ballet and jazz dancers as it enhances movement dynamics, body connection and content
of movement.
HIP HOP is
a style of jazz that emerged in the 1980's along with music videos and rap music. It incorporates street dance and current
popular dance moves. Because it is a style of jazz, it reinvents and redefines many early jazz steps and movements. Hip-Hop
is a complementary class for any jazz dancer as it enhances students rhythmic abilities, stage expression and isolation techniques
of jazz.
LYRICAL is
a very stylized form of dance incorporating ballet, jazz and modern. Lyrical dance is usually performed to the lyrics of the
music with the story being told through facial expressions and emotion.
PILATES is a form of exercise that strengthens and tones the body.
Pilates focuses on the core strength, abdominals and back muscles. No prior experience is necessary. Bring a large towel and
a mat if you have one. Wear comfortable clothes.