Jazz and Modern are uniquely American dance forms. Usually danced to contemporary music, or none at all (as is sometimes in Tap), they help dancers develop strong rhythmic sense and style.
JAZZ is a stylized dance form based on ballet and modern technique, therefore ballet training is strongly encouraged.
Beginning Jazz: This class introduces the basic movement fundamentals and terminology of jazz dance. It is intended to enhance a beginning student’s flexibility, strength, body alignment, coordination, and balance through jazz technique.
Continuing Jazz: This class is a continuation of beginning jazz, building a foundation of skills necessary for the technique and performance of jazz dance. It is intended to enhance the continuing student’s flexibility, strength, body alignment, coordination, balance, and personal range of motion through jazz technique.
Advanced Jazz: This class is a low intermediate technique and performance training in jazz dance. Flexibility, strength, body alignment, and coordination are used as a foundation for more advanced dance artistry, including mobility, musicality, and style.
TAP is a rhythm based movement technique and an important part of the well-rounded dancer’s training. Tap provides a strong sense of musicality, dynamics, and performance quality.
KinderTap: This level is intended for dancers ages 4-6 who are
interested in exploring the exciting world of tap. They will learn basic tap
steps and begin building a foundation for their future in tap. The class will
focus on learning how to be in the environment of a dance class; building
relationships with their fellow dancers; and musicality.
Tap I: Thislevel is intended for dancers ages 7-9 who are interested in adding tap to
their repertoire. Students will learn
basic tap steps and begin working on basic combinations of these steps. The
class will focus on building a strong base to continue learning more advanced
combinations, creating a supportive environment for fellow dancers, learning
more complex rhythm variations and a gaining an introductory understanding of
the history of tap.
Tap II: This level is intended for dancers ages 10-12 who are interested in expanding their tap knowledge and skills. Students will continue to review basic steps and use this foundation to master more complex combinations. Students will also be introduced to more advanced steps. The class will focus on students’ skill development, musicality, combinations, and tap history. Class will include
several of the main tap styles including Soft Shoe, Broadway, Jazz Tap and Buck
and Wing. Most students in this level should have taken Tap I, please contact the studio if your child is in this age range and new to the program.
Tap III: This level is intended for dancers ages 12 and up who are
interested in learning an advanced tap curriculum. Emphasis will be placed on
improving technique through advanced steps and combinations while nurturing
students musicality and skill development. The class will build off a combined
curriculum of Soft Shoe, Broadway, Jazz Tap and Buck and Wing styles. Most students in this level should have taken Tap I and II, please contact the studio if your child is in this age range and
new to the program.
MODERN is a more relaxed, free style of dance in which choreographers use emotions and moods to define steps, in contrast to the ballet code of steps. It has deliberate use of gravity, whereas ballet strives to be light and airy. Famous Modern dancers include Alvin Ailey, Isadora Duncan, and Martha Graham.
RHYTHM DRILL is a class for those interested in pursuing school dance teams or just to have fun! Incorporating skills necessary for all dance forms as well as Pilates and yoga, for balance, strength, and flexibility, this class offers basic technical fundamentals.
SWING DANCE For teens and adults interested in learning a new style of dance while engaging in a fun work out, Swing and Latin dance is a great place to start! This class will be an introduction to a variety of styles such as Lindy, Charleston, East Coast, West Coast, Bachata, Salsa, Shag and more! This class will include warm ups and stretching to help maintain healthy flexibility as well as skill
development in a variety of styles. The class will include both partner and individual dances. Individuals may register; there is no need to register in pairs.
CLASSES OFFERED: See Schedule 2011-12
Tuesday KinderTap ages 4-5 4:00 – 4:45
Tuesday Tap I ages 7-9 4:45-5:30
Tuesday Tap II ages 10-12 5:30 – 6:30
Tuesday Tap III age 12-plus 6:30-7:30
Wednesday Beginning Jazz ages 5-6 4:00-4:45
Wednesday Continuing Jazz ages 7-9 4:45-5:45
Wednesday Advance Jazz age 10 plus 5:45 – 6:45
Wednesday Modern ages 10 plus 6:45-7:45
Thursday Rhythm Drill I ages 6-9 4:30-5:15
Thursday Rhythm Drill II ages 10 plus 5:15-6:15