Class Descriptions

Pre-Ballet/Tap - An introduction to the basic steps of Classical Ballet & Tap.
See Classical Ballet and Tap descriptions below.

Ballet/Tap - A continuation of the Pre-Ballet/Tap curriculum with an emphasis on a broader spectrum of dance steps, augmenting dance ability and increasing overall dance knowledge.

Tumblers/Acrobatics - the basic skills and building blocks of tumbling and balancing are taught. Student's work at their own pace perfecting their technique and tricks. Forward and backward rolls, straddle rolls, handstands, walkovers, handsprings, cartwheels, one handed cartwheels and round offs, splits, and straddle leaps and technique are stressed in class.

Lyrical Dance - is a fusion of ballet,  jazz and contemporary dance techniques with the basis being ballet with the other genres interlaced in the choreography. Lyrical Dance is expressive, conveying musicality and emotion through movement, often set to popular music with vocals or rich instrumental pop songs.  An interpretive form of dance where music and lyrics are expressed through dance movement.

Jazz Dance - An exciting and ever evolving dance form full of rhythm, syncopation, passion and life.  Steeped in the rhythm of jazz music, a true American art form, jazz dance brings energy and life to all those who dance it.   Classes explore body isolation's of the head, shoulders, ribcage, feet and arms and encourage individual expression and the development of personal style. Jazz can be powerful and percussive or expressive and lyrical.  Classes teach basic jazz dance technique, terminology and movement quality with an emphasis on proper execution of jazz isolation's, rhythms and style performed to contemporary music.

Tap Classes - emphasize the development and strengthening of basic tap technique and terminology highlighting the importance of rhythm and sound.  Tap focuses on rhythms and intricate footwork, creating a percussion instrument out of the dancer’s feet. Rhythm tap tends to be a heavier or harder-hitting form of tap than Broadway tap, and sounds are made not only with the bottom of the shoe, but also with the back, sides, and tip. Rhythm tap is a broad category that encompasses the hoofing styles of current stars such as Savion Glover and the late Gregory Hines and past masters such as Bill “Bojangles” Robinson and Jimmy Slyde.

Break Dance - “Breaking” is one of the core elements of hip hop dance.  Break dancing is a style of acrobatic dancing, often performed to rap music by males or females in the streets and characterized by intricate footwork, pantomine, spinning, headstands, and tumbling. Popularized in the 1980’s by such movies as Breakin’, Beat Street and Flashdance, the form was developed on the streets of New York by mostly Latino and African-American dancers.  Learn the basics of this exciting form, from the top-rock, the steps breakers do before hitting the floor, to the six-step and other floor moves and freezes.

Dancin Babies - A parent-child class encourages free expression, while teaching basic elements of dance, including rhythm, movement quality, space, body awareness and shape. The child’s imagination and self-esteem are encouraged and strengthened through dance. Dancin Tots is a continuation of Dancin Babies without the parent, in addition to pre-school classes for children four and five years of age. Check out our Dancin Babies web site for a more detailed description. DancinBabies.weebly.com

Classical Ballet - Beauty, flow and elegance are inherent in the elements of classical ballet. Ballet is the classical dance form that can be mastered by itself or used as a technical base or supplement to other dance forms. Classes focus on overall body alignment and awareness with emphasis on proper usage of feet and legs and execution of turnout. Carriage and usage of upper torso and arms are also stressed. Traditional barre work, center work and combinations are included in all classes.

Modern Dance - is a contemporary dance form that has its roots in ballet.  It emphasizes the use of the floor for centering and grounding oneself in movement. This class focuses on the breath (inhale/exhale), which brings quality to one’s movement. Concepts of  contraction/release, fall and recover, musicality and rhythm are explored.

Hip Hop - A high-energy class that uses the latest sounds in rap, R&B and pop music together with movements influenced by some of today’s hottest video choreographers.  Hip hop encompasses movement that has elements of poppin', locking, up rocking and breaking as well as freestyle movement to give students the opportunity to develop their own sense of style.