The Dance Works Classes

Ballet Level I (Ages 6+)

At age six, children move into the transition class between the Primary Programs and the study of classical ballet technique, which begins at age 7. Ballet Level I takes the concepts learned previously and begins to place them into the format used in an actual ballet class.

Ballet Level II - V

At this stage, each dancer is evaluated individually and placed in the appropriate level at the appropriate time. Specific criteria must be demonstrated before a dancer is advanced into the next level of classes. Proper form and technique is critical to the development of a dancer, as well as knowledge of ballet terms. It is important to remember that each student progresses at their own rate, and only advance when criteria is met. Auditions are held each summer for fall placement.

Tap Level I - V

Tap is the audible movement of the feet producing specific sounds and patterns. As in ballet, each student must achieve with accuracy certain elements in each level before they are promoted to the next level.

Jazz Level I - V

Jazz dance is an upbeat rhythmic dance style and has many forms! From the traditional Fosse style Jazz class, modern jazz, to our street Jazz classes we have a class for each student's individual style. Ballet technique in this dance form is highly recommended for any student wishing to develop and grow in the individual class chosen.

The class is broken down into six parts:

• Isolated warm-ups and stretching
• Balances
• Turns
• Leaps Across the Floor
• Choreographed Combinations and Routines
• Cool-down and Stretching

Contemporary

Contemporary is a beautiful form of dance encompassing the techniques of ballet, jazz and modern dance. Through the movement of the dancer, a story unfolds and is interpreted by the lyrics of the song. Ballet is required when enrolled in a contemporary class.

Musical Theater

This class is for the dancer interested in "a little more diversity" in the arts. Weekly class will include improve, acting, voice, and many other things related to the theatre. Music of all genres will be used and interpreted providing a truly theatrical experience. Be ready to have some fun! Ages 7 and up.

Hip Hop

Our hip-hop classes introduce students to this popular urban dance form. What separates hip-hop dance from other forms of dance is that it is often freestyle (improvisational) in nature and hip-hop dancers frequently engage in battles-formal or informal freestyle dance competitions.

Ballet/Creative Movement

Ages 4 - 6
Pre-K and Kindergarten Dancers Only
This class is designed for our younger dancers interested in ballet only. This 45 minute class will teach our younger ballerina's all the basic technical fundamental skills that will enable them to advance to our Ballet I program.

Primary Level I

Ages 2 - 3 years
This class introduces coordination and movement to the very young dancers. Children learn through play and creative dance/movement. Our Primary I program engages children through the use of their imagination while learning proper ballet terms, correct body placement and fundamental tap steps. Classes meet once a week for 45 minutes, September - June. Our year closes with a formal recital program in June.

Primary Level II

Ages 3 - 4 years
Our dance journey continues as students advance to the next level of dance. The class structure changes to facilitate a higher level of instruction. Dancers are introduced to the ballet barre and learn more challenging tap instruction. Advanced terms are used at this level as well as moving at a much quicker pace. Students advancing to this level must have been enrolled in our Primary I class the year prior or have comparable formal dance instruction. New students ages 3 - 4 may join Primary Level II only at the director's discretion. These classes meet once a week for 45 minutes September - June. The year closes with a formal recital program in June.

Primary Level III

Ages 4 - 5 years
Pre-K program
This level continues to build on curriculum introduced in the Primary I and Primary II classes. Students at this age now learn to further control their movements. Weight transfers are done not only forward and backward, but also from side to side. Balances are more sustained. Jumps and traveling steps are performed in basic patterns. Students begin learning the concepts of counting music and opposites. They utilize opposite arms and legs while skipping, galloping and balancing. Students must have completed Primary classes at The Dance Works or have comparable formal dance instruction prior to enrollment in our Level III/Pre-K program. Students having dance experience outside The Dance Works may join only at the director's discretion. These classes meet for 45 minutes September - June. The year closes with a formal recital program in June.