Class Descriptions

All our classes are divided into different levels, which are based on a student’s ability.  We believe that it is important for a student to be placed appropriately so they may get the most out of a class.  Placement is done by the instructor.  New students should take our placement class so the instructor may evaluate them properly.  See placement class information.

Ballet ½ Ballet, ½ Tap Hip Hop Contemporary
Pre-Ballet with Creative Movement Intro to Jazz Tap Core Strength
Pre-Ballet with Tap Jazz Modern
Ballet is the basis for all dance forms.  It teaches the strong foundation and terminology that is needed by all dancers.  It is danced to classical music.  Our curriculum is based on the Cecchetti technique.  Ballet slippers are worn on the feet. See also 1/2 Ballet-1/2 Tap

Pointe is an extended form of ballet. A student must reach a certain age and level before they are ready for pointe based on a list of criteria determined by our instructors. Pointe shoes are required and must be approved by the instructor. Two ballet classes a week are required to build strength in the legs, torso and ankles. All pointe students must have prior approval of the studio’s director.

Pre-Ballet with Creative Movement is a program designed for students age 3 – 4 years old. This program takes the basics of ballet technique and through the use of props and imagination, gives the children a fun and educational class. Large motor skills are highlighted as well as stimulating the brain’s coordination. Children must be 3 years old by the beginning of the semester.

Pre-Ballet with Tap is a program designed for students age 4 – 6 years old.  This program takes the basics of ballet technique and through the use of props and imagination, gives the children a fun and educational class.  Large motor skills are highlighted as well as stimulating the brain’s coordination.  The class includes tap, where rhythms and smaller motor skill are emphasized. Patent leather tap shoes are worn.

½ Ballet, ½ Tap is our higher level Pre-Ballet Program for students age 6 – 7 years old.  This combination class introduces our younger dancers to both ballet and tap.

Intro to Jazz is for children age 7 – 8 years old and is designed to give the young dancer a taste of Jazz.

Jazz is a more funky form of dance.  The body is used in many different ways and is not a restricted as in ballet.  Jazz is danced to more popular music.  Jazz shoes are used instead of ballet slippers.

Hip Hop is the style of dance often seen in the music videos on MTV.  While jazz dance is heavily incorporated, pedestrian movements are stylized and included in combinations that are performed to upbeat music.  Jazz experience is strongly recommended.  This class is offered for students age 8 and older.

Modern is based off ballet but is not as funky as Jazz or Hip Hop.  Modern uses a greater range of body movements by the use of energy, breath phrasing, fall and rebound, contraction and release.  Humphrey-Limon, Cunningham, Hawkins, and Release are among the techniques used.  Improvisation is integrated into this class as well. Modern dance is wonderful for finding a dancer’s center placement and strength. Various forms of music are used. Modern is done in bare feet.

Contemporary is a fusion of ballet, jazz and modern. This class focuses on combinations – students are advised to take this class along with a technique class (such as Ballet, Modern or Jazz).

Tap is a form of dance that deals with rhythms of the feet.  Many types of music are used.  Jazz tap shoes are required for Level 1 and higher. See also 1/2 Ballet-1/2 Tap

Core Strength is an exercise class designed to work on core strength and flexibility through stretching. This class will tone and strengthen all muscle groups. Wear yoga pants or comfortable dance attire.