Classes
CLASS PLACEMENT
Class placement is based on age, technique, progress and strength. It is most important that each student be placed in the appropriate level and class where he or she will be challenged, but not overwhelmed, and will be able to execute dance movements without injury or instilling bad habits. Because it usually takes 2 to 3 years before the necessary skills are attained, and because there are only a few levels per age group, it is normal for a student to spend multiple years in each level. Sometimes it is necessary for a student to be moved into a different class, level, or more suitable genre, after registration has taken place. This will be done as soon as possible at the beginning of the year and will be discussed with the parent first. It is very important that each dancer is comfortable in their class/es so please don’t hesitate to call with any questions or concerns.
Ballet is the foundation of all dance. It helps students further their strength, technique and helps them understand proper posture and placement. We strongly suggest that students take a Ballet class in conjunction with their other class/es. Some classes must take a Ballet class in conjunction (indicated as (B)) with their other class/es. R.A.D. Ballet classes Grades 1 and up attend their grade twice per week (2x).
In addition to the companies, some classes must take an additional class per week (indicated as (AC)).
JAZZ
Jazz…a forever-changing dance style since the 1920s. Dances like the Charleston are known as Jazz, but so are the styles of Bob Fosse & Alvin Ailey. Jazz is energetic & fun, consisting of moves, footwork, leaps & turns.
Broadway Babies – (45 min.) (Ages 2-3yrs.) (must be 2 yrs. old by Sept. 1/18)
Showstoppers (Ages 4-5 yrs.)
Primary Jazz (Ages 6+)
Boys Jazz (Ages 6+)
Junior Jazz
Intermediate Jazz (Must take an additional class)
Alumni Jazz
LYRICAL
Lyrical is a combination of ballet & jazz that interprets the music. It is allows dancers to express emotion through movement. It is typically softer & more fluid than jazz & it allows more freedom and release than ballet.
Must take Grade 1 Ballet (or equivalent) or higher & have a Ballet & Jazz background.
Junior Lyrical (45 min.) (Ages 8+)
Intermediate Lyrical
Senior Lyrical
ACRO
Acro combines elements of gymnastics, acrobatics and dance while teaching strength, flexibility and muscle control. It is defined by it’s athletic character, it’s unique choreography which seamlessly blends dance and acrobatics, and it’s use of acrobatics in a dance context. A Jazz class is highly recommended.
Pre-School Acro – (30 min.) (Ages 3+)
Junior Acro 1 – (45 min.) (Ages 6+)
Junior Acro 2 – (45 min.) (Ages 6+)
Intermediate Acro 1
Intermediate Acro 2
OPEN BALLET
Pre-Primary Ballet – (45 min.) (Ages 5+)
Primary Ballet (Ages 8+)
Junior Ballet (Ages 10+)
Intermediate/ Senior Ballet (Ages 13+)
Adult Ballet
THE ROYAL ACADEMY OF DANCE…
The Academy was founded in 1920 and has come to represent the very highest standards in the teaching of classical ballet. With over 15,500 members spread across 82 countries, The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is one of the largest and most influential dance education and training organizations in the world. The Academy works constantly to improve the standards of dance and dance teaching. Teachers are provided with a wide range of courses designed to help them in every aspect of their work and to ensure that young students who dance are taught correctly and carefully, at the right speed for their developing bodies. The Syllabus used incorporates Classical, Free Movement and Character work in nine grades of examination (Primary to Grade 8 Award). Serious students who are sufficiently prepared have the option of taking an examination, in which their work is evaluated by a visiting RAD examiner.
HIP HOP
Hip Hop originated in the 1970’s on the streets of New York. It consists of several elements that work together to create a distinctive style. Some of those styles include locking, popping and krumping.
Primary Hip Hop – (45 min.) (Ages 6+) (Saturday class)
Primary Hip Hop – (45 min.) (Ages 7+) (Wednesday class)
Junior Hip Hop (Ages 10+)
Intermediate Hip Hop (Ages 13+)
TAP
Tap dance has roots in dancing such as the Juba Dance, Clogging & Irish Step. By the mid 1900’s, Irish and British clogging steps were combined to create “buck and wing”, which became Modern Tap. Tap dance uses the sound of tap shoes hitting the floor as a percussive instrument.
Primary Tap (30 min.) (Ages 6+)
Junior Tap (45 min.)
Intermediate Tap
MUSICAL THEATRE
Musical Theatre dates back to the 5th Century B.C., when the ancient Greeks included music & dance in stage comedies & tragedies. It combines songs, spoken dialogue, acting, & dance to communicate the story.
Musical Theatre (ages 7+)
MODERN
This class is composed of original Modern technique exercises based on the styles of Graham Laban & Horton with a Contemporary twist. Elements of improvisation & contact improv are introduced to encourage self confidence & individual creativity in a safe & positive environment.
Must take Ballet.
Junior Modern (ages 8+)
Intermediate Modern
R.A.D. EXAM BALLET
Pre-Primary Ballet – (45 min.)
Primary Ballet
Grade 1 Ballet – (2 x /wk. = 1.75 hrs./wk.)
Grade 2 Ballet – (2 x /wk. = 2 hrs./wk.)
Grade 3 Ballet – (2 x /wk. = 2.25 hrs./wk.)
Grade 4 Ballet – (2 x /wk. = 2.5 hrs./wk.)
Grade 5 Ballet – (2 x /wk. = 2.5 hrs./wk.)
Intermediate Foundation Ballet –
(2 x /wk. = 2.75 hrs./wk.)
Please note: R.A.D. Exam program – Grades 1 & up must take their grade twice per week and maintain an excellent attendance record. New students will be assessed in September in the Open program and placed accordingly.
PERFORMING COMPANIES/ CREWS
Performing Companies and Crews are by audition only. Please see the Company section on this website for all Company/Crew information.