Dance Curriculum
Ballet is an academic dance form with a technique all its own (most notably the turnout of the legs). Ballet technique is the foundation on which all other forms of dance are built. Ballet instruction emphasizes proper body alignment and carriage of arms, jumps, turns, and extensions. It is best known for its graceful, flowing, precise movements and ethereal qualities. It is the highest development of skill and promotes self-expression by integrating all of the creative arts. Dance attire: black leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes.
Pointe is a form of dance in which special shoes are worn that allows the ballet dancer to balance on the tip of her toes. Mandatory requisites for pointe include strong ballet technique and foot/ankle strength. Dancers must adapt to new positions without straining or losing placement gained from ballet barre and center work. Dance attire: black leotard, pink tights, pink pointe shoes.
Jazz is a forever-changing form of popular and creative dance that includes a variety of jumps, turns, progressions across the floor, and combinations of various jazz styles. Ballet technique is helpful. Dance attire: black leotard, pink/tan tights, dance shorts, black jazz shoes.
Tap is a style of American theatrical dance distinguished by percussive footwork that marks out precise rhythmic patterns on the floor. Special shoes with metal plates on the bottom produce the tap sounds. Tap expresses rhythm, develops coordination, and teaches musical timing. Dance attire: black leotard, pink/tan tights, dance shorts, black tap shoes.
Lyrical is a form of ballet that combines movement plus innovative moves such as lifts, jumps, turns, and poses that are choreographed to tell the story of the lyrics of a song. All styles of music are used. Dance attire: black leotard, pink/tan footless tights, "footUndeez" or lyrical "turners" for shoes.
Hip Hop is a dance style that combines forms of jazz heavily based on body isolations. It is an exciting, street-driven, music video dance style that is a favorite of all dancers. Dance attire: T-shirt, shorts/dance pants, black hip hop shoes.
Creative Dance is an exciting combination of ballet and tap class for ages three and four that emphasizes motor coordination skills and creativity. Our pre-school curriculum introduces children to music and movement by including an introduction to ballet and tap steps with their proper vocabulary. Fun songs, dance games, props, and mat work are included. Dance attire: black leotard, pink tights, slim ballet skirt, pink ballet shoes (not slippers), black patent tap shoes.
