CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

(Dance - Gymnastics - Art - Acting - Music)

Dance

Creative Movement (ages 3-5)

A fun and playful introduction to dance for a very young dancer. This class includes warm up games, rhythm awareness, creative dance forms, and basic ballet. Foundational terms and positions are introduced. This will familiarize children with ballet while instilling within them a love of dance that they can carry with them for many years to come!

Kinder Ballet (kindergarten)

This class is for children who are in kindergarten and have taken at least one year of creative movement. At this level students should be read for stronger structure. Students develop increased body awareness and control. Large and small groups of muscles are isolated and strengthened through the practice of specific exercises. Young dancers are also taught preliminary ballet terms and appropriate movements. Students start to develop an understanding of the relationship between dance, rhythm and music!

Primary I (ages 6&7)

Must be at least in first grade in school. This is a foundational class of classical ballet. Stresses correct ballet technique, response to music, creative movement, and preparation for the Primary I exam. Participation in the exam process is optional, but encouraged.

Primary II (ages 7-9)

Children who have passed the Primary I examination or who have had several years of dance and have the approval of the teacher. Emphasis will be on correct placement and technique. Participation in the exam process is optional, but encouraged.

Primary III (ages 8-10)

Children with at least two years of dance and have the approval of the teacher (ages 8-10). The third foundation class of the Cecchetti method. Syllabus work in preparation for Grade I exam. Participation in the exam process is optional, but encouraged. In addition to the Primary III class, students are encouraged to take one non-syllabus class

Grade I (ages 8 & up)

Students who have passed the Primary III exam with at least three to five years of dance and have director’s approval. A natural progression from the foundation classes with emphasis on correct placement, technique, and terminology. In addition to the Grade I class, students must take one non-syllabus ballet class per week.

Grade II (ages 10 & up)

Students who have passed the Grade I Exam and have had at least three to five years of ballet. Must have director’s approval.  In addition to the Grade II class, students must take one non-syllabus ballet class per week.

Grade III (ages 11 & up)

This class is for students who are at least eleven years old, and have passed the Cecchetti Grade II exam. They must take at least two to three ballet classes per week on two separate days. At least one of the three should be a non-syllabus ballet class. Must have director’s approval.

Grade IV (ages 12 & up) 

This class is for students who have passed the Cecchetti Grade III exam and take at least two to three ballet classes per week on two separate days. At least one of the three should be a non-syllabus ballet class. Co-ordination of arms, legs and head at barre and in the center. Students present a one-minute dance for the Grade IV examination demonstrating the ability to perform through unset movements. The dance provides teachers the opportunity to help develop the student's awareness of choreographic concepts. Must have director’s approval.

Non-Syllabus Ballet – (ages 10 & up)

Classes are offered to students in all levels. They have a free style format that encompass many different ballet techniques. Emphasis will be placed on 1) developing responsive suppleness and strength of the body, 2) a conscious and artistic approach to movement, 3) diversity, adaptability, stamina and memorization, 4) strictness in form and technique while allowing artistic expression, 5) application and appreciation of artistry in dance.

Beg./Int. Pointe – (ages 12 & up)

This class will focus on foot strength-building for pointe readiness. Relevé excercises will be introduced in order to make the transition onto pointe a smooth one. Students will learn and practice pointe barre work with emphasis on individual’s correct foot and body alignment as well as study of the proper techniques for the execution of more difficult steps.

Must have directors approval.

Beginner Teen/Adult Ballet (ages 13 & up)

An introduction to ballet, exploring basic technique through barre, centre work, and choreographed routines.

Modern (ages 7 & up)

This class combines strong ballet technique with freedom of movement and expression. Focus will be on balance, control, flexibility, and interpretation of music with dance. This class includes core exercises designed to strengthen the abdomen and upper body as well as improvisational skill. Students are required to have at least two years of ballet experience and must be currently enrolled in a ballet class.

Tap – (ages 4 & up)

Tap is a dance created by the “tapping” sound of metal plates on the ball and heel of the shoe against a hard surface. This class teaches rhythm, coordination, and syncopation, while strengthening the dancer’s ankles. The detail of footwork in tap helps students to become more agile and mentally aware.

Jazz –  (ages 7 & up)

Consists of foundational jazz dance elements including: counting & timing, directional changing, spotting, body alignment, contractions, isolations, jumps, turns and combinations. Dancers will also experience center core strengthening and stretching. Students are required to have 2 years of ballet experience.

Hip Hop – All levels (ages 8 & up)

This class combines jazz with the latest urban street styles. This class starts with a conditioning warm-up and teaches contemporary street dance. Innovative choreography and street style sets this genre apart from any other creating a high energy and athletic atmosphere.

Gymnastics

(ages 3 & up)

This class will combine tumbling, balance, flexibility, and coordination to develop basic floor skills of gymnastics. Stunts and beam work is also included. This class is sure to enhance your acrobatic skill for physical theater and increase your stength and flexibility for dance. Mats will be provided for safety.

Acting

Click here to learn more about our Acting sessions

Music 

Click here to learn about Private Music Lessons