The Creative Dance, Pre and Primary classes are designed to introduce young children to the joys of movement by exploring and expanding their movement range in an uplifting and joyful atmosphere. It is an enjoyable program that develops the child's self-esteem. Building coordination, strength, flexibility, and balance in combination with musical exercises are some of the primary objectives of the class.

The Ballet curriculum is based on a graded syllabus. Placement is determined by the teacher upon evaluation of the student's progress and development according to ballet technique achievement. Each class level progresses through a carefully constructed syllabus for a steady technical and artistic development of the student. To ensure this progress, a minimum number of classes per week is required for each level. Progress is dependent upon regular and consistent participation. Students are encouraged to continue their dance studies year round, especially if they aspire to advance to pointe work.

Jazz, Tap and other forms of dance also follow a curriculum. Placement is determined by the teacher upon evaluation of the student's progress. Each class has a set of required steps that need to be mastered before moving to the next level. Jazz and tap classes do not have as many levels as ballet since the class syllabus is built on the assumption students will complete two years before they are considered for the next level.

Each level is divided into three sections:

a. Technique

In the Pre, Primary & Beginning levels, emphasis is on correct stance, body control and the coordinated use of the head, body and arms to gain a good sense of line. Dance movements are based on natural movements of the body, eg. walking, running, skipping and jumping. The student is introduced to the French ballet terms.

At intermediate and advance levels, a wider range of physical movement is developed within the student's own capabilities, and the use of head, body and arms is increased to develop a greater variety in style. The dance movement vocabulary is increased to encompass more dance steps and required technique.

At Pre & Primary levels, the emphasis is on listening to, and being able to keep in time with the music. At the upper levels, the rhythm is developed from the understanding of simple time signatures such as 4/4 and 3/4 to more complicated compositions. At each level there is the opportunity for the student to explore the development of rhythm into movement in their own individual way.

c. Presentation

In the lower levels, the emphasis is on being able to present the syllabus with a natural sense of enjoyment which is gained by developing self-confidence to perform in front of others. As the student progresses through intermediate and advance levels, they have the opportunity to communicate a growing variety of moods through both movement and expression to develop an artistic performance.

 

Creative Dance Ages 2 1/2  - 4 1/2 years

Emphasis on rhythm, movement, coordination, introduction to very basic ballet positions and terms. Occasional special classes include Story Ballets. The student must be able to spend 45 minutes in a structured class.

Warm Up
Ballet and/or Tap
Group Movement - Listening Skills
Showcase Dance
Individual Movements - Locomotive Skills
Dance Combinations
Music
Prop Dance Activity
Reverence
Occasional Special Classes
       Story Ballets

Pre - Ballet - Tap Ages 4 1/2 - 6 years

Elementary ballet positions, rhythm and dance class etiquette is introduced with musical exercises. Occasional special classes include Story Ballets. As for Tap/Jazz, the class is a introduction to basic tap, rhythm steps and free style movements danced to today's music. The student must be able to spend 45 minutes in a structured class.

Ballet

Plies
Tendus
Sautes
Passe
Efface/Crosse 
Grand Battements
Port de Bras
Point Lift
Point Tap
Curtsey
Spring Points
Gallop/ Spring Points
Step close Step Hop 
Little Runs

Trench 
Shuffle/step/ hop
Toe 
Stamps
Heel
Boogie
Cakewalk
Shuffle b/c
Irish
Flap
Jump out/in
Grapevine
Sugars

Music

Prop Activity Dance

Showcase Dance

Primary - Ballet - Tap    Ages 5 1/2  - 7 years

Elementary ballet positions, terms, and ballet class etiquette is introduced including basic dance technique skills. As for Tap/Jazz, the class is an introduction to expanded basic tap and jazz steps danced to today's music. The student must be able to spend 45 minutes in a structured class. 

Ballet

Plies Rond de jambe a terre Passe Tendus Glisses Attitude Grand Battements Sautes Port de Bras Gallop Pas de cheval Attitude combo Head spotting

Hungarian Pas De Bourree Spring Points Gallop/ Spring Points Pas de chats Jete - petite Grand Allegro Step close, Step Hop Temp leve Arabesques a terre & en l'air Grand Walk Balance - side Curtsey

Tap

Shuffles - front/side Shuffle Step/Hop/Ball change Cross overs Hop/Jump/Toe Irish Cramp rolls Flap

Maxi fords- no turn Grapevine Toe/Heel walks Brush/hop/step Flaps - heel Chugs

Jazz    

Jazz, Tap and other classes introduce the student to the contemporary dance movements developed from the dynamics of the American music and theater. Classes in ballet are highly encouraged for those who recognize that a classical background is a necessary ingredient to becoming an accomplished jazz, tap or theatrical dancer.

          Jazz  Elementary

Jazz I

Jazz Walks P/d/bourree Kicks Head Spot Grapevine Chasse Chaines (no arms) Bicycle

Step touch Kick Ball change Pirouette - 11 & up Pivots Grand Jete Pony Skips Skip Turns

Jazz II

Pique turns P/d/bourree turns Stag jump

Pirouettes (inside/outside) Attitude turns Grand jetes (front/second/attitude)

Jazz III

Fouette turns Arabesque turns Needle

Second Turns Barrel turns Grand jetes (flick/switch)

Tap   

Tap, Jazz and other classes introduce the student to the contemporary dance movements developed from the dynamics of the American music and theater. The Tap syllabus follows the Al Gilbert graded tap system. Classes in ballet are highly encouraged for those who recognize that a classical background is a necessary ingredient to becoming an accomplished jazz, tap or theatrical dancer.

Tap Elementary

Irish Flaps Cramp rolls Locomotive Maxi fords (no turn) Buffaloes Waltz Clog

Shuffle Ball/Change Grapevine Digs Flaps - heel /ball change Off the Log Toe/heel walks Simple Time Step

Tap II

Time Steps Train Back Essence Bell Kicks Brush/hop/step Maxi fords Toe Stands

Waltz Clog (no turn) Buffaloes - doubles Cincinnati Draw Backs Cramp rolls (full turns) Turns & Pivots Wings

Tap III

Rifs Wings Soft Shoe Cramp roll with Flap Waltz Clog - turning Boomershay

Scuf Time Steps - various styles Draw Fronts Turns & Pivots Pull Backs Barrel turns