Baby Combo is for 2.5-3 year old. It is a 30-minute class that explores creative movement, an introduction to ballet, tap and jazz. The primary function of this class is to introduce the joy of dancing and to prepare the student to separate from their parent and learn how to listen.
P/S Combo is for 3-4 year old. These classes are 45-60 minutes long. The students are exposed to ballet, tap, and jazz dance technique. They continue to work on learning to separate from their parent as well as learn how to take class and become astute listeners. At this level it is much more about the process of learning rather than the product.
Kinder Combo is for the 4-5 year old. These classes are usually 60 minuets long. They are designed along the basic principles as the Baby and P/S combination classes. They concepts are more advanced and they begin to distinguish between line and design and proper technique. They are able to use proper French vocabulary for ballet and rapidly expand their movement vocabulary.
Pre-classes (4-6 yr.) are for students ready to begin focusing on a full hour of a particular discipline. Their concentration needs to be more fully developed. They will more rapidly advance due to the full hour lesson in one particular subject. These classes are good for those students are decided as to what form of dance they want to study.
The Ballet Technique taught at the Academy is strongly based on Cecchetti technique, with influences of Royal Academy of Dance and Vaganova technique. We are serious about studying traditional ballet technique. The students learn the traditional ballet vocabulary as well as refined technique. Students are placed in classes according to their technical level and ability, as well as age of the student. Class advancement is determined by the teacher. Unlike school it is possible to take a beginning level class for two or three years. We are a process-designed academy. It takes time, effort, and concentration to develop the neuro-pathways to execute fine technique.
The Tap Technique taught at the Academy is eclectic and varied. We use Broadway Show tap, rhythm tap and classic tap. The tap teachers are well versed in accepted technique and will have the opportunity to explore the many styles currently used.
Modern Dance originally has its beginnings as being a rebellion against the rigid standards of ballet. It became a dance movement that was indicative of creative, free movement and some sort of intention or political or artistic statement. Currently, it is the most significant form of dance at major colleges and universities. At the Academy students are exposed to the various modern dance techniques, i.e. Horton, Limon, Graham, Cunningham, Humphrey. They are fully prepared for the college dance experience.
Lyrical /Contemporary Dance technique is a bridge somewhere in between ballet and modern dance. Lyrical dance has the creative expression and interpretive feeling as modern but the technical base of ballet. The intention of this form of dance is to express the meaning of the lyrics to a song or the mood of a piece of music directly and fluidly.
Hip Hop is street or social dance. The style and skill is as varied as the instructors and students themselves. It a form of dance that is a contemporary statement of self-expression. At the Academy we provide a safe place, (age appropriate lyrics and movement)
Broadway Babies (4-6 yr.) is a class that is creative and fun. It is going to explore various musicals, movies and cartoons with a pre-jazz emphasis.
Liturgical Dance (8 & up) is a class that is devoted to devotional and praise dancing. Any level of dance and age are welcome. Non-denominational. We are hoping to establish a dance company that will be able to perform at various churches and community events. Our goal is to bring back the LIGHT; to spread joy and hope.
Performance Dance (8 & up) is a class where audition skills will be taught as well as a dance(s) that will be used at various local community shows. Our very own Rachel K. will be teaching the class.
Belly Dance I is a class teaching basic technical foundations of Belly Dance. Core movements broken down and drilled. Based in the Suhaila Salimpour Belly Dance Format.
Dance Fusion is a fun class targeted at developing core dance foundations while working out in an upbeat and high energy atmosphere. Jazz/ Ballet/ Belly/ & Hip Hop fusion!
