Class Descriptions

Tap

Tap is a dance performed wearing shoes fitted with metal taps. The sounds of the metal taps, affixed to the heel and toe of the shoes, sound out audible beats by rhythmically striking the floor or any other hard surface. The shoes act as a form of percussion, similar to a musical instrument.

Jazz

Jazz dance is a diverse and energetic dance style, combining techniques of classical ballet and modern dance. Jazz has its own movement vocabulary, ranging from the isolation of certain body parts, to the movement of the entire body, taking on many different characteristics and styles.

Ballet

Ballet is a classical dance form characterized by grace and precision of movement. Ballet is considered the foundation of all dance. Classical ballet emphasizes fluid, graceful movements and long lines, along with strict adherence to correct form and codified technique.

Contemporary

Contemporary dance is a dance style that rejects many of the strict rules of classical ballet, focusing instead on the expression of inner feelings. Contemporary dance strives to connect the mind and the body through fluid movements and incorporates elements of modern dance technique.

Hip Hop

Hip-hop is a fusion dance genre that incorporates elements such as breaking, popping, locking and krumping. Improvisation and personal interpretation are essential to hip-hop dancing. Many forms of social dance we see today are based on hip-hop technique.

Musical Theater

Musical Theater is singing, dancing and acting; a form of dance that focuses mainly on performance and acting aspects of dance. This style can include any genre of dance. Musical theater dancers are, first and foremost, actors and place a high focus on musical interpretation.

Lyrical

Lyrical dance is quite literally, any dance performed to a song with lyrics. This style is typically a slower, expressive type of dance that incorporates ballet and jazz technique. The main goal is to interpret the lyrics of the song through movement.

Expressive Movement

An introductory class that will explore movement and dance through creative expression, music, improvisation, and movement stories. This relaxed atmosphere allows for younger attention spans to be introduced to dance and kinesthetic awareness at a young age.

Combo

This class, geared towards dancers aged 4-5 years old, introduces two foundational dance styles: tap, jazz and/or ballet. Dancers will spend half of each class on each style and will prepare two separate dances in each style to be performed in the final annual recitalin the spring.

Acrobatics

Acrobatics is a fusion of dance of the athleticism of gymnastics and the artistic motion of dance. Classes focus on developing strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, concentration, muscle control and discipline.

Creative Kids Corner

Creative Kids Corner is a program designed to foster creativity, kindness and confidence in little ones. Creative Kids Corner is a preschool supplement for kids 2-4 years of age that touches on elements of dance, acro, strength, coordination and art.

Tech and Conditioning

Technique classes focus on the execution of leaps, jumps, turns and tricks that are often found in every style of dance. Proper technique is important for presentation, as well as preventing injury.