Class Description

Ballet Class Descriptions:

Classical ballet is the foundation for all forms of theater dance. Classroom instruction will incorporate the best of ballet teaching systems: Ceccehetti, Vaganova, and Western influences. Students will follow a syllabus created by the teacher in accordance with his or her physical abilities and mental development. If you wish to see the syllabus, please contact the teacher. Advancement will be based on ability and not necessarily age. The below are the classroom plans. We may not reach every goal but will strive to reach as many as possible. Student evaluations will be completed at the end of the year to monitor each student’s progress.

Tutu Tots – 30 minutes

This class is designed for 2 year olds. The class will introduce students to a traditional dance class. Students will learn classroom behavior, walking, running, marching, skipping, small stretches, counting music, emotions, port de bras, free dance, and prop dance. The class will use games, action songs, and props to engage students. Parents or guardians may be allowed in classroom until the student is ready for independent work.

Creative Movement Level 1 - 45 minutes

The class will introduce students to a traditional dance class. Students will learn classroom behavior, walking, running, marching, skipping, small stretches, basic ballet steps, positions, and terminology, counting music, emotions, port de bras, free dance, and prop dance. The class will use games, action songs, and props to engage students.

Move with Me - 18 month - 36 months 30 Minutes

For the new beginner, this class will combine creative movement and tumbling skills. Parents are required to assistant their child in class while exploring movement. Students will learn the basics of movement and tumbling. This is a great introduction to the dance studio environment. This class does not participate in performanes.

Magical Kingdom of Dance - Pre-Ballet 1, Pre-Ballet 2, and Level 1

Teaching little ballerinas French terms, basic steps and a lifetime love of dance through the use of illustrated characters and the educational Alphamat. The Alphamat is utilized to develop the preschooler and young beginner mentally and physically. It encourages physical activity, develops muscular skills, coordination, encourages and stimulates imagination, and also provides for dramatic play. The mental process developed through use of the Alphamat will prove to be a valuable asset all through life

Pre-Ballet 1, 2 – 45 minutes

Students will learn basic ballet technique. Proper placement, rhythm, body control, directions, listening skills, and coordinated movements will be emphasized. Students will learn: walking, running, skipping, sitting, basic positions of feet and body, jumping, port de bras, French ballet terms, cultural dances, and performance skills. Students will be introduced to story ballets, prop dancing, group dance, and the structure of a ballet class. Special lessons from outside teachers will include: nutrition.

Ballet Level 1 – 45 minutes

In addition to the above, students will learn coordinated ballet movement to music. Proper ballet classroom structure will be emphasized. Students will begin learning: plies, tendus, jetes, jumps, passes, coupe, port de bras, grand battements, spring points, chasses, pas de chat, glissade, assemble, simple turns, balance, curtsey, and positions of the body. Special lessons from outside teachers will include: music, nutrition, drama, and strengthening.

Ballet Level 2 – 60 minutes

In addition to the above, elementary ballet class will be introduced. Further steps added: rond de jambe, leg and head positions, head spotting, steps traveling across floor, center work, pas de bouree, simple jumps, proper stretching, and big jumps. Special lessons from outside teachers will include: music, nutrition, drama, and pilates.

Ballet Level 3, Level 4, and Advanced – 60-90 minutes

In addition to the above, class will be structured as follow: warm-up, barre work, center work, and across the floor. Intermediate ballet steps will be introduced such as turns, jumps with beats, adagio in center, and variations. Students will also begin to learn the basic anatomy needed to execute these steps. Special lessons from outside teachers will include: music, nutrition, drama, pilates, and injury prevention.

Pre-Pointe – 30 minutes

This secondary class is for ballet dancers ages 10 and up who are preparing for pointe. The class builds upon the student's current ballet class and introduces the specific exercises plus theraband work. This class builds strength in the foot, ankle, and core and also insures proper alignment for progression to full pointe class.

Pointe – 45 minutes

This class is for students who have been selected by the ballet instructors to begin pointe class. Students must be enrolled in two ballet classes per week. Students will learn basic pointe work at the barre, center, and across the floor.

Hip Hop/Jazz

Hip Hop/Jazz is an upbeat class that combines elements of Hip Hop and Jazz technique to create fun and sometimes fast-paced choreography. The goal of the class is to teach proper technique and to develop rhythm and coordination, while nurturing the students own style and self-expression. The choreography/music will be age appropriate.

Lyrical and Contemporary

Contemporary dance is a genre of movement that embodies multiple styles of dance. It is incredibly versatile and can be performed to a wide range of music. Lyrical dance is a also a fusion of different styles: the technique and control of ballet with the fluidity and often increased energy of jazz. This class will allow students to explore the natural alignment and movements of their body while expressing emotions through dance.

Tap

This class gives students an understanding of the posture and stance for tap as well as the basic movements of the feet and standard tap steps. They will learn how to identify and create the beats, rhythms and patterns of tap and explore combining them through floor work and routines.

Irish Step

Irish dancing is very different than ballet, tap and jazz. In Irish dance we never move our arms. This dates back to the beginning of Irish dance when the Catholic Church did not approve of the dance. The Irish wanted to please the church and decided to have total upper body control during the dances. When the English soldiers were fighting the Irish a child would take watch upstairs while everyone would hide in the basement. When the child could see soldiers coming, they would stomp their feet on the floor to warn the Irish hiding away. Irish dance shoes have become louder and stronger to hold this tradition.

There are two types of shoes in Irish dance. The soft shoe resembles a ballet shoes and these are called gillies. The loud shoe, that resembles a tap shoe, is called a hard shoe. Irish dance has taken many new forms over the years. Many popular groups such as River Dance and Lord of the Dance have altered the original dances to make them more modern. Irish dance is a great way to stay in shape. As long as children can tell their right foot from their left foot then they may begin lessons. We have a strong passion for Irish dance and Irish culture.

Acro

Acro dance is a style of dance that combines classical dance technique with precision acrobatic elements. The class will consist of tumbling, stretching, and strengthening. The class is like gymnastics but without the equipment that gymnasts use.

Conditioning

This class is designed for students 11 and older. The class will focus on building the dancer's core, improving flexibilty, arm strength, and stamina.

Act It Out

Do you have an interest in acting or theatre? If so, Act It Out is for you! We specialize in teaching children and young adults all the tricks and secrets of being on stage or set, while having fun! Sandra Lowe and Harrison Reunion’s experienced background of acting and teaching will make for a wonderful introduction to you or your son/daughter life of theatre and acting. We offer two classes consisting of valuable information and fun games any actor would enjoy!

Without Limits

Without Limits Provides dance instruction to children with special needs, while promoting social awareness in the community. Students engage motor skills and explore dance in a safe environment with a personal assistant while they develop movement, musicality, social skills, and a love for dance. Without Limits helps children achieve new possibilities while learning creative movement, tumbling, ballet, and hip hop.

The Footnotes

If you are interested in learning basic singing skills and music theory, register for this class! Patricia Mahaney uses her experienced background to teach children and young adults singing techniques in a pressure-free setting.