Pre Ballet, Ballet I-IV & Pointe
Our ballet curriculum blends techniques from the Vaganova and Cecchetti method.
Pre-Ballet: Emphasis on posture, straightened legs, and pointed feet are combined with fun, creative elements that will keep the pace of the class lively and engaging. The use of props encourage student’s creativity as they learn terminology throughout the year.
Ballet I: Students begin formal training in the center with gentle discipline and guidance. Greater emphasis on arm and feet placement, engaging the upper body. Traveling steps and small jumps are integrated as students learn how to land properly and safely.
Ballet II: Correct placement and body alignment are now of utmost importance. Special attention is given to aplomb (placement of the head and neck with stability in the cervical spine). Students work on flexibility in the legs and upper body. Weight transference is studied at the barre, students begin to gain an understanding of balance. Petit allegro is incorporated throughout the year.
Ballet III: Pirouettes are introduced at the barre, focusing on en dehor and en dedan. More emphasis on adagio with slow, controlled movements are executed in the center. Traveling turns and steps are practiced more throughout the year.
Ballet IV: Students are advancing towards pre-pointe and required to attend 2 classes per week. Adagio, pirouettes, petit and grand allegro are added to center combinations. Steps begin to be linked in more complex and expressive ways. Emphasis is placed on artistry and expression when learning choreography.
Ballet V/Pointe: Combinations increase in both complexity and length to improve memory retention and stamina. Students must consistently execute multiple pirouettes, advanced adagio, and grand allegro with technical proficiency to allow focus to shift to artistic development. Pointe work advances to require intricate foot articulation, challenging balances, and consecutive turns preparing the dancer for full variations and performance repertoire. This level involves complex choreography, and a greater degree of artistry and commitment. Minimum of 3 classes per week.
ATTIRE:
Girls: Black leotard, pink tights, skirt optional. Pink canvas ballet shoes (split sole for ages 6+).
Boys: Black pants, white t-shirt. Black ballet shoes.
Contemporary Dance
A style of expressive dance that combines elements of modern, jazz, lyrical, and classical ballet. We span a broad range of methods; drawing techniques from Graham, Limón, Cunningham, Horton, and more. Students will learn floor work, contracting and releasing the center of the body; kinesthetic awareness, and improvisation skills.
Students are strongly encouraged to attend ballet class to compliment this training.
Attire:
Girls: Leotard or fitted tank and fitted leggings. Dance socks or bare feet.
Boys: Black t-shirt and black pants. Dance socks or bare feet.
HIP HOP
Students will learn popular styles like break dancing, floor work, and contemporary hip-hop moves. Learn rhythm and coordination on top of improving your confidence and ability to improvise.
Hip Hop I: An introduction to rhythm, coordination, and basic steps in Hip Hop dance. Light foot work and breaking skills will be included. Students will practice to pop and hip hop music.
Hip Hop II: Students will learn more intricate footwork, breakdancing, upper and lower body isolations. Improvisation will focus on developing your unique style.
Hip Hop III: Students will combine complex footwork with upper body movements, perfect their breakdancing/improvisation skills, and gain confidence on the dance floor.
ATTIRE:
Girls: Fitted tank and loose pants or athletic leggings. No shorts or skirts allowed. Black high-top sneakers with white soles. (Hip Hop sneakers should be worn in studio only.)
Boys: T-shirt and loose, athletic pants. Black high-top sneakers with white sole. (Hip hop sneakers should be worn in studio only.)
Lyrical
Combining ballet and jazz into flowy, expressive movements. Dancers learn how to connect their mind and body through fluid dance steps. This class will cover techniques used in ballet and jazz, leaps, turns, and choreography that includes improvisation. We challenge each student to develop their artistic expression!
ATTIRE:
Girls: Leotard or fitted tank, and fitted leggings or tights. Lyrical shoe or pink ballet shoes.
Boys: Black pants, white shirt. Lyrical shoes or black ballet shoes.
adult Ballet Barre
A mixture of classical ballet exercises at the barre (for all levels), pilates-style stretching and toning, and strengthening exercises designed to sculpt a "dancer's body."
ATTIRE:
Dance wear of your choosing. Skin-tone canvas ballet shoes
*Yoga Mats required for some classes.
Jazz
Our jazz classes incorporate many styles like Broadway, Contemporary, L.A. Commercial, and more! While strongly based on classical ballet techniques, jazz incorporates movement with clean and strong lines originating from the chest and hips.
Jazz I-II: A beginner/intermediate level class focusing on pirouettes, kick ball-change, chasses, pivot turns, chaines, pas de bourree, battements, and jetes. Students will learn syncopated rhythms in the music.
Jazz III: Advancing in across-the-floor progressions with emphasis on spotting, rhythm, and timing. Greater complexity in dance combinations and choreography.
Contemporary Jazz: A current form of jazz that shares movement characteristics with contemporary modern dance. Emphasis is on expression, flexibility, extension, and turns.
Broadway Jazz: All levels are welcome! This is classic jazz technique with an emphasis on rhythm, style, and personal expression that is truly Broadway! The class will cover current and classic musicals.
ATTIRE:
Girls: Black leotard, black leggings or pants. Tan jazz shoes.
Boys: Black pants, black t-shirt. Tan jazz shoes.
Musical theatre
Popular Broadway musicals will be introduced throughout the year! It combines jazz and character techniques with vocal work and improvisation!
ATTIRE:
Girls: Black leotard, black leggings or pants. Tan jazz shoes
Boys: Black pants, black t-shirt. Tan jazz shoes.
COMBINATION CLASSES
Encompassing foundational skills from several genres like ballet, jazz, hip hop, tap and creative movement, your dancer will love the flow and structure of these classes!
ATTIRE:
BALLET / TAP:
Girls: Black leotard, pink tights. Pink ballet shoes / Black tap shoes (elastic tap ties preferred!)
Boys: Black pants, white t-shirt. Black ballet shoes / Black tap shoes (elastic tap ties preferred!)
BALLET / JAZZ:
Girls: Black leotard, pink tights. Pink split-sole ballet shoes / Tan jazz shoes
Boys: Black pants, white t-shirt. Black ballet shoes / Tan jazz shoes
JAZZ / HOP:
Girls: Black leotard, black tights or leggings. Tan jazz shoes.
Boys: Black t-shirt, black pants. Tan jazz shoes.
MOMMY & ME DANCE
Designed for students ages 18 months - 2.5 years, accompanied by a caregiver. Using fun music, props, mats, and other equipment, the teacher will guide mothers and toddlers through 45 minutes of creative movement and dance-based play. Students will improve gross motor skills and beginner music concepts as well as social skills.
ATTIRE:
Girls: Any color leotard, pink tights. Pink ballet shoes encouraged.
Boys: Active wear & black ballet shoes. Black ballet shoes encouraged.
Adults: Athletic wear of your choosing. Ballet shoes encouraged.