Youth Division
Ages 5-18
Typical age range and skills for our levels:
Level 1: Dancers that have several years of experience, have proficient technique, and in at least 9th grade, can register for level 1.
Level 2: Dancers with several years of dance and in at least 6th-8th grade may register for level 2.
*Pointe dancers must be invited to train*
Level 3: Dancers that have shown proficiency in level 4 and have 2-3 years experience or in 5th or 6th grade may register for level 3.
Level 4: Dancers that have 1-3 years experience or in 3rd or 4th grade may register for level 4.
Level 5: Beginner dancers with 0-2 years or 1st or 2nd grade students may register for level 5.
Kinderdance: Kindergarten enrollment
Ballet
We have divided our ballet classes into five different levels each focusing on classical technique that is age appropriate. Beginner levels concentrate on teaching dancers the technical terms, correct body alignment, musicality, and more foundational ballet movements needed for later ballet instruction. At level 3 dancers train a bit more seriously to build the strength and confidence needed to move up to level 2 and potentially start pointe.
Pointe work will be considered at level two but only select dancers that are strong enough for pointe will receive their shoes. Dancers with a strong and fluid pointe foundation will be considered for level one which involves learning variations and continued instruction that is appropriate for the advanced level. It is up to the instructor's discretion on which students are ready for level one. Ballet takes years to learn so we ask our dancers to be patient and work hard in order to achieve success.
Modern
Modern dance is only available for levels 1-3 dancers. It is a dance style that breaks the rules of traditional ballet and has an emphasis on being free and expressive. Dancers will build upon their technique and expressiveness as well as develop their performance quality. Combinations will be simple to start and will progressively become more complex during the year with a focus on transitional movements and body awareness. Both structured and unstructured improv will be used during this class. Dancers need to be enrolled in ballet to take this class.
Contemporary/ Lyrical
Contemporary dance is a mixture of ballet and modern. It has elements of classical ballet but the free, expressive nature of modern. Dancers in contemporary must also be enrolled in ballet. As they progress through the levels, not only does the technique become challenging but so does the performance component. Contemporary usually tells a story and dancers must be able to convey the message to the audience.
Lyrical is done in level 1 jazz and company. It combines ballet and jazz to make a flowy, whimsical style dance. Like contemporary, lyrical tells a story and the music is a key component to the dance.
Jazz
Jazz dance is a high energy style that incorporates movement with clean strong lines of the body. Jazz classes focus on a variety of turns, leaps and tricks throughout the levels. Styles include commercial jazz, classical jazz, and Bob Fosse.
In level one, dancers go outside the traditional studied styles and work on lyrical jazz as well.
Tap
As dancers progress through tap classes, they will focus on mastering rhythm and coordination while also focusing on style, musicality, and weight transfer. Dancers will work on traveling steps individually and learn combinations while experimenting with tap improv.
Hip Hop
Hip Hop dance is a vibrant style influenced by a variety of other dance styles. Dancers learn to use rhythm and musicality to match their movements. It is primarily danced to hip hop music that has evolved in the hip hop culture.
Dancers need confidence, maturity, and a strong personality!
