Class Descriptions

Course Descriptions

• First Steps
  An introduction to dance for ages 3 -4 that incorporates creative movement with an age-appropriate introduction to ballet. Using basic dance concepts, this program develops motor skills, sociability and gives kids a fun, hands-on introduction to the world of dance.


• Pre-Ballet
  For the beginner student; class meets once a week. Students will learn some of the basic ballet positions, including some stretching, barre work, and center excercises. They begin to learn ballet terminology and teachers will incorporate creative learning methods into the curriculum.


• Ballet
  The foundation of all dance forms, ballet takes you into the world of classical music amd teaches discipline, and grace for all dancers. Technique-based training is offered from a young level, teaching correct placement and knowledge of the body as a fine-tuned instrument. Grade 1- Adult.


• Tap
  An original American dance form, tap emphasizes the beat by making sounds with metal taps fastened to the shoes. The focus is on strong technique and musicality, with an emphasis on learning the roots of Tap and the work of such greats as Buster Brown, Honi Coles, Jimmy Slyde, Gregory Hines and more. Grade 1 and up.


• Jazz
  A stylized form of American dance using many rhythms to coordinate and strengthen the body. Various styles include musical theater, traditional, funky, and hip hop. We strive to incorporate the styles of such greats as Jack Cole, Matt Mattox, Gus Giordano, Luigi and more. Jammin Jazz for ages 4 - 5. Jazz class is for ages 10 and up.


• Modern
  A fun class to learn how to move for those who love moving to great music! Children will build strength and confidence while learning rhythm, stretching, breath, jumps, space, shape, swings and more. This class is excellent for balance. Students will create their own dances and get to dance barefoot! Modern dance is a style that started in the United States at the turn of century. It explores non-traditional ways of expressing oneself through movement. It has its own unique set of exercises that are more weighted and grounded. Ages 8 - 10.


• Lyrical
  A poetic style of dance with a lovely flowing quality blending ballet & contemporary dance concepts. Using popular music, this dance form connects movement to the lyrics to express a message or emotion through the dancers performance. Ages 7 - 9.


• Belly Dance
  (Concurrent ballet class or experience recommended). We will learn the fundamental movements that comprise this beautiful dance form and how to combine them to create movement sequences that make sense with Arabic music. We will focus on proper carriage and arm positions. Students will build core strength and torso articulation. We will also focus on turning and spotting this year. We will continue working with finger cymbals and playing 2/4 and 4/4 rhythms. I will be choreographing a veil oriental piece on the students for the recital. More advanced students will also perform with their finger cymbals in the recital.*Students must buy finger cymbals and a 3 yard silk veil from Susi to participate in this class.Ages 10 - Adult


• Mexican Folk Dance
  Each of the thirty-one states of Mexico has distinct styles of dance and music, such as polkas and chotises from Chihuahua, jarabes and sones from Jalisco, jarochos and huapangos from Veracruz, and danzas and chilenas from Guerrero. The varieties of dances reflect unique combinations of indigenous, European and African influences. The Mexican folkdance class will explore the rich beauty and diversity of dances, history and costumes of Mexico. Students will learn dances from different regions of Mexico and basic zapateados (footwork). Ages 7 and up


• Flamenco: taught by Sabrina Avilés, Artistic Director "Flamenco Dance Project"
  Express yourself through this vibrant Spanish dance. Often accompanied by live flamenco guitar music, students will learn the basic elements of flamenco, including body stance, taconeo (footwork), palmas (hand clapping), and brazeo (arm work). There is also a strong emphasis on learning the challenging rhythms of flamenco. Choreographies are taught in all levels except Absolute Beginners. Levels offered: Absolute Beginners, Advanced Beginners and Intermediate/Advanced. Visit: Flamenco Dance Project for more information.