Introduction to Dance is for the beginning student between the ages of four and six years old. This class introduces the young child to musicality, simple floor patterns, partnering, mime coordination and strengthening exercises.
Classical Ballet (Royal Academy of Dance syllabus) provides a gradual technical progression throughout the various age levels in the basic principals of ballet. It is the foundation for achieving body strength and body placement. Ballet equips the ongoing dancer with the knowledge and the control necessary to approach other dance forms and therefore is required of all students before any other dance form is attempted. Free movement is also incorporated with the classical work and exercises. Classes in Pointe, partnering, variations and performance are also offered under the directors discretion when the student is ready.
Character Dance is the theatrical presentation of national dance using original ethnic dance and music adapted for the theater. Students will be introduces to Eastern European folk dances such as the mazurka, czardas, tarantella, and polka. All students interested in participating in the RAD exams must take a character class at their level.
Jazz introduces the student to the elements of dance seen most often today on television and in live theater productions, musicals, and videos. Jazz is a versatile dance style and includes movements of African, Caribbean, lyrical, vaudeville and "street dancing." A variety of forms and music styles will be introduced to the student.
Tap is a form of dance used in broadway musicals and movies. This truly American dance form originated from clogging and became increasingly popular during the vaudeville area. Tap dance emphasizes the interpretation of rhythm and timing through sounds by the use of footwork.
Performance Class concentrates on the stage presence, dance mime, choreography and variations. This is geared for the student in grade level IV and upwards. Participation is under the discretion of the instructor, and must be taken in conjunction with one or more technical classes per week.
Movement Class is developed for the gymnast and skater. This class concentrates on the movement skills necessary to achieve the correct alignment, body placement and artistic interpretation often overlooked in the technical training of the students by the coaches. Port de bras, strengthening exercises and movement combinations are taught and set to a variety of music styles, useful in developing competitive and performance pieces.
Modern Dance is the interplay of movement continually confronting gravity. It explores the full spectrum of movement that exists between freedom from gravity and complete subservience to its power through rise and fall movements, spiraling turns, earth-bound runs, suspension, and "off-balance" positioning.
Musical Theatre incorporates the talents of voice drama, and dance, which portrays or projects a certain character, image or time period for stage presentation.
Private Instruction. A student may request a private lesson on a regular or one time bases. This lesson must be scheduled by reservation, and notice of cancellation for any reason, other than sickness, is necessary at least one day in advance. Instructions will be given as the studio schedule permits.
