Acro, short for acrobatics is where dancers increase flexibility and strength as they learn gymnastic movements such as backbends, handstands, cartwheels, front and back walkovers, and handsprings.
A 45 minute combination class for ages three to four. Your child will begin learning the basics of tap and ballet in consecutive “mini classes”. Class
size is kept small to aid the teacher-student bond that must form in order to create a nurturing learning environment. Music is age appropriate. See Ballet. See Tap.
A 60 minute combination class for ages five to seven. Your child will continue to build upon the basics of tap and ballet in consecutive "mini classes." Group interaction will be introduced as the dancer becomes more aware of peers. Music is age appropriate. See Ballet. See Tap.
Ballet is the core discipline that provides the structure, vocabulary, and aesthetic appreciation required for every other style of dance.
Dancers develop an appreciation for detail, thereby creating the desired line or form. Beginning Ballet educates the young dancer in barre work and the numerous exercises that accompany it. Teen/Adult Ballet also focus on barre and vocabulary, but in an environment
better suited to an older student. Center work is introduced as dancers become more proficient at the barre. Intermediate, Intermediate II and Advanced Ballet build upon previously understood barre work, and leave ample time for center floor variations. Level
placement is based upon the dancer’s understanding of ‘center’ or core posture, understanding of proper alignment and turnout, execution of ballet fundamentals, and attendance. Dress Code is strongly enforced in all levels.
Hip Hop incorporates popping, locking, street jazz, Capoeira and African movement in a style that follows
current musical trends. Hip Hop is a great class for anyone looking to increase stamina, coordination, and rhythm. (PacWest Hip Hop is never about putting inappropriate movement on children who do not understand it!)
Beginning and Beginning Teen Hip Hop introduce dancers to basic jazz techniques required to properly execute
the sharp isolations of hip hop, but maintains the fun freestyle atmosphere that is unique to this genre. Intermediate Hip Hop builds upon previous learning, and emphasizes the performance quality that accompanies and accentuates hip hop.
Intermediate II and Advanced Hip Hop are choreography-intense classes that begin to focus on the muscular
and cardiovascular conditioning needed for intricate movement.
A 45 minute combination class for ages three to four. Your child will begin learning the basics of classical Jazz - isolations, pivots, jumps,
and terminology. Hip Hop is very bouncy, athletic, and completely age appropriate. Class size is kept small to aid the teacher-student bond that must form in order to create a nurturing learning environment. See Jazz. See Hip Hop.
A 45 minute combination class for ages five to six. Your child will continue to build on the basics of Jazz movement and terminology. Hip
Hop will be bouncy, athletic, fun, and entirely age appropriate. See Jazz. See Hip Hop.
A 45 minute combination class for ages five to six. Your child will continue to build on the basics of Jazz movement and terminology. Hip
Hop will be bouncy, athletic, fun, and entirely age appropriate. See Jazz. See Hip Hop.
Jazz uses the vocabulary and work ethic learned in ballet to move in a funkier, more contemporary way. An emphasis on quick, rhythmic movement is found in all levels. Beginning Jazz dancers
are introduced to Jazz fundamentals such as isolations, walks, pivots, turns and jumps.
Intermediate Jazz builds upon the proficiency shown in Beginning Jazz, with greater emphasis on musicality and detail. Intermediate II and
Advanced Jazz pushes dancers to think like athletes but perform as artists. Placement is determined by a dancer’s proficiency at pirouettes, leaps, attendance, and performance quality.
Lyrical uses the vocabulary and softness of ballet, the musicality of jazz, and the techniques of modern to tell the story of a contemporary song. Emphasis is on flow and transition - in essence,
how dancers connect movement. Beginning and Intermediate dancers are introduced to facial expressions and the "quality" required to transmit emotion. Intermediate II and Advanced dancers will build upon the understanding of movement and emotion demonstrated
in previous levels.
*Note that our Fall schedule offers Jazz/Lyrical for most levels. We will alternate the style each week, and either choose one style for the recital dance or have two dances.
Lyrical hip-hop fuses elements of both lyrical and hip-hop to create interesting textures that emphasize musicality, technique and emotion. We will focus on a wide spectrum of physical textures; soft and gentle to high-energy and hard. We will also work on creating movement from a wide range of emotion and musicality. This class will help create a well-rounded and versatile dancer.
Modern incorporates the techniques of contemporary artists such as Graham, Horton, and Limon to produce movement
that tends to fall just outside definition. Emphasis on strength, line, shape, and partnering are part of all levels.
With a focus on modern technique, this class fuses modern with strong elements form dance forms including, but not limited to; Jazz, African, Hip-hop,
and Contemporary styles. Heavy emphasis is placed on rhythm, breath (inhale/exhale), over-curve and under-curve, contraction/release, and musicality
are explored both silently and to various forms of music.
Pointe work is offered in conjunction with Advanced technique classes, and requires both instructor placement and a podiatrist’s approval.
A 75 minute class that introduces the basics of Tap, Hip Hop, and Lyrical movement. Lyrical will incorporate ballet technique and terminology, but will also introduce the idea of “moving with
a purpose”. Dancers will be asked to discern the story within the music, and every movement must tell that story. Tap will be a strong contrast to the Lyrical, and will keep things light and fun. Shuffles, flaps, cramp rolls, and time steps will be taught. Hip
Hop is kept athletic and “bouncy”, and completely age appropriate.
Tap is the art of creating music with the feet. Beginning and Intermediate I dancers will be introduced to
the fundamental steps of tap and the precision and clarity required to execute proper timing. Intermediate II and Advanced dancers are introduced to more complex movement at faster speeds. Musicality and clarity are emphasized.
This
class is designed to strengthen muscles and develop technique that will improve turning and leaping skills. We will work on getting height and clean lines in jumps and leaps, as well as the correct technique for optimal turning ability.
