Academy Dance Class Descriptions

Class types

Each class stresses specific knowledge of terminology at its own individual level. The student learns labels for each step or combination, either ballet principles with French derivation or an entire jazz, tap, or contemporary vocabulary of terms. Students are encouraged to take as many classes a week as possible. This is the only way to continuously improve your ability and style.

*For ALL classes, instructors & substitute instructors are subject to change without notice

style Descriptions

BENEFITS OF MINI-MOTIONS

PHYSICAL: Increased flexibility, coordination & strength, posture & grace,

development of rhythm & creative movement

MENTAL: Increased retention and comprehension of instructions, creative

expression, music & dance appreciation

SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL: Improved self-control, group cooperation, developing poise & self-confidence, respect for others abilities & boundaries, & increased self-esteem

The Mini-Motions program is co-ed to provide both boys and girls an equal

opportunity to share this unique learning experience

● Each level of our Mini-Motions program is tailored specifically to meet your child’s needs

● Students will be exposed to a variety of movement styles and basic

fundamentals of Ballet, Jazz, & more!

● Through the use of specialized equipment and props, your child will explore

and discover new skills of movement education

*All props & equipment are thoroughly sanitized before & after each use*

Ballet classes (for students age 4 and up) are the foundation for training at the Academy

and focus on developing a solid ballet technique with emphasis on understanding correct

body placement, proper use of turn out, coordination of the upper body (epaulement), and

use of arms (port de bras).

Through a progressive training sequence, beginning with our youngest dancers (Pre-

Ballet), students are exposed to the Academy’s structured syllabus, curriculum, and levels.

Ballet students are exposed to aspects of traditional Vaganova (Russian), Cecchetti

(Italian), and American techniques. Class begins with work at the barre to build strength

and coordination, followed by center exercises, culminating in a grand allegro

combination or variation. Clear explanations of exercises and theory help students use the

ballet vocabulary in a simple, practical way that leads to increased technical

understanding, healthy physical development, and lifelong enjoyment.

Going ‘en pointe’ is an exciting and much anticipated time for each dancer; it is important

for the safety of our dancers that they are ‘Pointe Ready’ before progressing to Pointe

dancing.

g To be eligible & considered for Academy Pointe classes, interested dancers must

complete the minimum prerequisites of:

(1) Pre-Pointe Summer Intensive (when offered)

*The Pre-Pointe Summer Intensive can be taken multiple times, but must be completed

the summer before going on pointe.

(1) Full Season (Aug/Sept - May) in a Pre-Pointe Class along with their regular Ballet

class/es.

*Just like the Intensive, Pre-Pointe Classes can be taken multiple times, but a Full

Season (Aug/Sept - May) must be completed the dance season directly before Pointe

consideration with no breaks.

Other Considerations:

→ If a student completes a full season of Pre-Pointe Classes and then skips the next season for Pointe consideration, if they return, they must complete the previously stated requirements of -

(1) Full Season (Aug/Sept - May) in a Pre-Pointe Class with their regular Ballet class/es and

(1) Pre-Pointe Summer Intensive which must be completed the summer before being considered for Pointe.

Pre-Pointe: This class is dedicated to teaching basic pointe fundamentals and students

will work on important preparatory skills and specific exercises for feet, core, and ankle

strengthening. (Students may begin taking this class at age 9 & may be taken or repeated

more than once). In general, students take a minimum of (2) years of Full Season Pre-

Pointe Classes before they are considered for Pointe classes (some exceptions may

apply) *Pointe shoes are not used.

Students in Pre-Pointe Classes are included in our annual End-of-Year Event and perform in our special themed Pointe Production.

Pointe: Progressive multi-level classes using hard-toed and stiff-shanked pointe shoes

while performing steps from ballet. (With rarely any exceptions, students will not be

considered for Pointe classes until the age of 11 (regardless of the completion of the

minimum requirements). In general, students should already be 11 or about to turn 11 years old at the beginning of the fall season they are being considered for Pointe.

Requirements for Pre-Pointe & Pointe Classes

→ Students enrolled in Pre-Pointe & Pointe Classes must also take a minimum of (1) Ballet class concurrently.

‘Pointe Readiness’ is individually based & will develop for each dancer at different

times. Please be patient & understand that in dance, repetition & skill practice are the

keys to progression. The Pre-Pointe class is generally taken more than 1 year (which is

recommended) to continue to build & enhance the technical skill level needed for

Pointe. At the completion of the minimum requirements, dancers will be assessed

during the fall season regarding their ‘pointe readiness’ & notified about

their assessment.

Please do not purchase Pointe shoes until you are notified. Information about

pointe shoe fittings and an individual plan will be presented concerning the ‘next steps’

for each dancer.

Jazz is a dance form that appeals to everyone because of its energy, variety, and vitality. Jazz Dance classes explore classic and contemporary jazz dance, rooted in the vernacular (social dance) forms, that draws inspiration from a wide range of music including jazz, swing, blues, pop, soul and funk. Academy jazz classes begin with a warm-up to develop strength, flexibility, correct alignment and coordination, followed by progressions across the floor, and culminates in extended dance combinations. The movement explores a range of styles with a focus on jazz components such as isolations, rhythm, and technical elements.

The goal is to develop dancers who are expressive, dynamic, musical, and passionate.

Contemporary and Lyrical dance appeals to the creative, artistic soul in everyone because of its expressiveness and freedom of individuality. The Academy’s unique Contemporary/Lyrical dance classes (for students age 6 and up) introduce students to elements of Horton, Graham, & Limon techniques and focus on movement from the inside out, encouraging use of breath, energy, and connection. A warm up of breath and energy work, followed by exercises that emphasize extension, balance, release, weight, momentum, force, and emotion, culminate in long movement phrases and improvisation exercises that playfully explore movement possibilities. Contemporary/Lyrical dance has influences from Modern Dance, Jazz, and Ballet.

The goal is to develop strong, versatile, and expressive dancers that can intelligently handle any dance style.

Tap Dance is a timeless art that combines dance, rhythm, and percussion. Tap dancers in musicals, movies, television, commercials, and concerts inspire us with their infectious rhythms. Tap Dance classes explore the traditions of rhythm tap and Broadway tap. Class begins with warm up exercises at the barre or in the center that increase control, coordination, and rhythm, followed by across the floor exercises that teach dynamics, shading, phrasing, and musicality, concluding with extended rhythmic phrases and combination exercises.

The goal is to develop tap dancers that are equally strong musicians, dancers, and performers.

Hip-Hop is a form of street dance, featuring popping and locking, body isolations, and current popular moves of today. It is related to Jazz, but with a less technical foundation and more of a freestyle feel. Our dynamic hip-hop classes at the Academy provide students with the latest cutting-edge hip-hop and street choreography. Classes start off with a basic warm-up, followed by across the floor progressions that build into various stylized hip-hop movement combinations and phrases.
Hip Hop, House, Pop, and selected Rap music are used throughout our high energy Hip Hop classes.

The Academy is committed to ‘clean’ lyrics and movements; all music for classes and performances are thoroughly evaluated for ‘appropriate’ use at the studio.

Hip Hop choreography will consist of popping, breakdancing, groove, locking, partner work, old school Hip Hop dances and popular Hip Hop dance moves of today! Besides loads of fun, our vibrant Hip Hop program focuses on executing movements with precision, directing power to different parts of the body, channeling the attitude of the music, and freestyle expression. Join the Academy’s Hip Hop Experience!

Musical Theatre classes focus on learning proper dance technique while exploring the various dance styles used in Broadway shows. Class curriculum is based on ballet and jazz technique layered with Broadway style movement and includes a proper warm-up, stretches, isolations, across-the-floor progressions, and combinations. Special attention will be given to both past and present Broadway musicals in regards to famous musical numbers and Tony award winning choreography. Emphasis will also be placed on learning performance skills such as connecting with the audience and telling a story through dance and facial expressions. This class will is an excellent opportunity for students to prepare for school or community theatre auditions as well as developing confidence and stage presence.

Dance Conditioning classes focus on strengthening, toning, and stretching different parts of the body which facilitate the further development of muscles used in dance.

Within the different genres of our dance education program, students use a multitude of body parts and muscles. The goal of dance conditioning is to provide a regimen of exercises that work in tandem with their dance training and further develop their physical endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, and coordination.

At the Academy, our dance conditioning classes include a variety of exercises and techniques which include body-weight, cardio, resistance, and yoga/Pilates principles. Students work with various equipment throughout a session and each class is themed

toward a certain dance/fitness concept. While the classes are work-intensive and require

perseverance, numerous options are provided throughout each session for various fitness

levels.

→ This class is recommended for ages 7 and up in conjunction with their regular dance

class training.