Dance Curriculum

• Tap
• Lyrical *
• Ballet/Pointe
• Leaps & Turns
• Mommy & Me
• Jazz
• Hip-Hop
• Partnering
• Boys Classes
• Pop Star

We specialize in Pre-Kinder dance (ages 3-5), such as Pre-Ballet, Pre-Tap, and  Pre-Jazz. We are also well known for our Pre-Professional classes.

We also offer music and voice lessons, fitness and body conditioning classes, private and semi-private lessons, and competitive dance lines.

*In order to take lyrical, you must also be enrolled in a ballet class.

PRE KINDER CLASSES (PRE BALLET, PRE TAP, PRE JAZZ)

These classes are developed for our 3 to 6 year old students.  We separate the dancers into two different age groups – (3 to 5) and (4-6).  Because this is their first introduction to dance, these classes combine creative movement activities with imaginative and thematic class concepts.  A variety of props are often utilized within the class, including hoops, pom poms, princess wands, mini trampolines, parachutes, teddy bears, may poles, etc.  The students will learn basic dance terminology along with fundamental skills to improve their coordination, such as skipping, hopping, clapping, and galloping.  These same skills also develop the students’ hand/eye coordination, muscle memory, poise, and confidence, which will strongly help to improve their academic skills down the road.  In each style of dance, the students will learn in a fun, positive, and caring environment while being taught and nurtured by professional, experienced instructors.

BALLET/POINTE

Ballet class is the root or foundation of all dance!  In order to be a superior dancer or to progress in other styles of dance at a desired rate, ballet training is essential.  Ballet class teaches the technique needed to kick, leap, and turn and is responsible for developing your strength and flexibility.  The dancers arms, feet, and legs are classically trained within this class.  Ballet is probably the most disciplined dance form, with very little room for variation or improvisation.  However, it is also the most beautiful dance form – especially when the dancer progresses on to pointe work.  

All budding ballerinas dream of the day when they will get their first pair of pointe shoes!  Requirements for a dancer to move on to Pointe include…

1. Individual evaluation of physical skills by the instructor
2. Passage of a written exam given by the instructor
3. Typically must be at least 12 years old 
4. Must be taking two ballet classes per week (this is also recommended for all pre-pointe students hoping to take their pointe exams during the upcoming year)

JAZZ

Jazz class is by far one of the most important classes for a dancer.  The class is upbeat, fun, and filled with high energy.  Within our jazz classes we utilize all of today’s popular music, while also “flashing back” to introduce students to classics from past generations.  Jazz is the basis for what you see on TV and in films today in the dance world.  And although jazz styles are constantly changing and evolving about every 10 years or so, this dance form continues to stay grounded in technique and style.

In each of our jazz classes, we teach technique, strengthening, flexibility, while also combining movement with music to create a visual masterpiece.  In order for jazz students to work to their fullest potential, it is essential that they also take ballet class.  As the students progress or get more serious about their dance training, the technique and movements get harder and, therefore, strong ballet technique is imperative for them to keep up.  Parents usually wonder why some students are continuously moving up in classes and levels while other students are not moved up at the same pace.  The answer is often ballet!  Once reaching a certain age and level, lack of ballet training will hold jazz students back.  Serious jazz dancers, therefore, need to be serious about ballet as well!

TAP

Tap dance is a uniquely indigenous American art form.  Originally a fusion of European and West African musical step dance traditions that emerged in the United States in the 1700’s, it has been popular since the 1920’s.  Tap remains strong today with very few changes in form and technique.  You may remember the more famous early tappers such as Shirley Temple, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, Ann Miller, Eleanor Powell, Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, and Danny Kaye, just to name a few.  Today the most popular tap comes from shows like Tap Dogs, Stomp, and the ever so popular Broadway musicals such as 42nd Street, Crazy for You, Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Producers, etc.  All of the MGM musicals from the 30’s through the 60’s were primarily filled with tap dancing.

Tap has been a staple to dance education for over 60 years.  Today we teach a well rounded style of tap to our students – close to the floor grounded footwork, acapella work, graded work and broadway style, along with pieces from the world famous “Radio City Rockettes”.  We strive to keep pushing the art form forward while teaching and preserving its rich history.  We always recommend tap for those students who are very energetic and would enjoy an outlet that lets them make a lot of noise!  Tap communities thrive all over the world, and tap festivals can be found throughout the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Australia.  

LYRICAL

Lyrical dance is a combination of ballet, jazz, and modern techniques set to music with lyrics.  At one time, lyrical dance was referred to as “interpretative dance” and also “liturgical dance”.  It is now very much a main staple in the dance curriculum and is a blended form with jazz dance.  Lyrical tends to tell more of a story since you are dancing expressively through the lyrics of the song.  Lyrical, like jazz, is constantly changing its look (but not its technique) depending on the instructor or choreographer.  Freestyle and improve are also frequently used within a lyrical class.  This is a very popular class, and we know that many young dancers want to begin lyrical as soon as they are old enough.  However, please remember that all dancers are required to have a ballet background in order to take lyrical class.

HIP HOP

Our most popular dance class today!  With the popularity of MTV and VHI, this dance form has exploded!  Hip hop is fun, funky, rhythmic, aerobic, and kool!  It will definitely improve the dancer’s sense of rhythm and coordination.  Hip hop is taught to all the new sounds of today, and often the students are also introduced to the old skool music from the 80’s and 90’s.  Our 7 to 9 year old hip hop classes are VERY age appropriate, and they dance to all of the current “Radio Disney” music of today!  Hip hop has become almost as important to a dancer’s education as ballet!!!  All serious minded students who wish to work in the commercial dance field MUST have a strong background in hip hop in order to succeed.  
We offer hip hop classes for beginning through advanced levels, and for ages 7 through adult.  The dancers think it’s great because they are no longer restricted to regular dance wear with this class…caps, bandanas, fun hip hop shoes, and sweats are welcome!  Get Funky!!!

LEAPS & TURNS

This class was developed to help our competition dancers become stronger at some of the skills needed for the competition dance world.  However, all dancers are welcome to take this class and will certainly benefit from it.  The focus of the class is on stretching and on perfecting a multitude of leaps and turns (obviously!).   This is a GREAT technique class for girls on high school dance teams, especially those with very little dance training.  The class will also help younger girls who wish to join their high school dance teams one day!  Our age requirement is 12 years old and up.  There is no recital dance for this class!

BOYS CLASS

Obviously this class is for boys only!  Minimum age for the class is 10 years old, or by special invitation.  The class is taught by Mr. Brandon Koepsell, one of our phenomenal male instructors.  This is a boot camp type class focusing on dance, technique, fitness, and fun.  Come and learn jazz, jazz funk, hip hop, and theater dance in an exciting environment.  This is a great way for all energetic boys to get introduced to the world of music and dance!

POP STAR

“Pop Star” is our class that combines singing and dancing.  It is an extremely fun class for all students who dream of becoming the next “Hannah Montana”.  The dancers spend an equal amount of time singing and dancing, for learning to sing at the same time that you are doing movement can be quite challenging.  It is also a great class for the student who cannot financially afford the cost of private voice lessons.  The class is taught by a professional dance instructor who also has a vocal background.  In addition, one of our professional voice instructors periodically instructs the class as well.  This class is geared towards 7 to 12 year olds, and is guaranteed to be a rocking good time!