Curriculum
Three Child Ballerinas Dance Expression dance arts

FIRST STEPS-PRE-SCHOOL - Ages 1-6

The primary goals for our pre-school programs, including DANCE with Me are for each child......
to love dance and feel the joy of movement
to master basic movement skills, including hopping, skipping, leaping, chasse-ing, marching, jumping, and galloping
to be introduced to simple ballet vocabulary: plie, releve, tendu, passe, bourrees in parallel position
to acquire basic rhythm skills, including finding the downbeat, clapping, tapping, drumming in quarter-note time
to improve body awareness, flexibility, strength and coordination to improve overall wellness through participation in activities that challenge the body and mind, stimulate the imagination and enhance self-esteem!


DANCE with ME - 2 yr and Parent 

Parent/Tot program is designed with the specific needs of a 2 year old in mind. For that reason our class will use the parents to help us orient their child to the workings of a classroom while at the same time encouraging the child’s natural movement. Fine and gross motor skills are developed through the use of music, dance and sometimes their favorite obstacle courses. The amount of growth seen in each child by years end is truly amazing. When each child is ready, and no longer needs the aid of the parent, we will encourage a cross over to an independent Pre-Ballet & Tumble Class. If the class as a whole is ready after a 10 Wk Session our teachers and assistants will be able to work with just the children and transition the entire class to an independent Pre-Ballet & Tumble Class.
Two year old dancers Dance Expression dance arts
Four Smiling Tap Dancers at Dance Expression dance arts

FIRST STEPS - TINY DANCERS - PRE-BALLET  - TAP N' BALLET - HIP TOTS 

A wonderful introduction to dance for our dancers 2 1/2 - 6/7 yrs. Fundamental ballet, tap and jazz exercises are taught, and basic motor skills and rhythm exercises are reinforced. Dancers are encouraged to explore the use of their creative minds in relation to movement.

PETITE PROGRAMS — Ages 7-10

Our petite programs are 45 minute,1 hour classes or 1 1/4 hr Combo Classes designed for dancers ages 7 -10. These classes are more technically advanced and structured than our Creative Movement/Introduction to Dance classes and are the next step in your child's dance development. Petite classes are offered in Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz, Tap, Musical Theatre are also appropriate for dancers with no experience. Many of our petite programs run back to back so you can attend two classes for a perfect combination of dance, exposing your child to a variety of styles.
Five Dancers at the Barre at Dance Expression dance arts

TWEENS (10-13 yrs.) - TEENS ( 13+) - ADULTS

Five Teen Ballerinas at Dance Expression dance arts

BALLET 

Classical technique yet vibrant, traditional positions and alignment, always evolving, the technical ­­­­training of ballet is the basis of all dance movement. Ballet training is essential to all other dance styles and develops muscular strength, endurance, flexibility, grace, poise, posture and musicality.
Ballet is not just for serious dancers, but for all students of dance who want to improve posture, coordination and agility. Alignment, placement, strength, flexibility and technique are achieved at the barre and in the center.


MODERN 

Modern technique is based on the artistry of Martha Graham, Charles Weidman, Lester Horton and Jose Limon. It emphasizes organic body movements such as contraction, fall and recovery and suspension and release. A focus on floor-work builds strength and fluidity. Modern Dance explores movement, space, rhythm and the dancer’s creativity. Students become aware of the human body’s tremendous potential for expression through dance. This style is informed and inspired by nature, music, art and human emotions.
Five Graceful Dancers in Motion at Dance Expression dance arts
Hip Hop Dancers at Dance Expression dance arts


HIP HOP

A funky, contemporary form of jazz with a sharp, street-smart edge is athletic, energetic, technically freer and influenced by today's pop culture. This high energy class will focus on musicality and style as well as the history and culture of hip hop dance. Hip Hop music makes these classes especially lively.


JAZZ 

This is eclectic style of movement and fusion of many dance forms. Classic or "Vintage" Jazz is based on the traditional techniques seen in concert and theatrical dance. Jazz can range from classical to funky. Dynamic approaches emphasized include isolations, rhythmic varieties and energetic locomotion. Classes focus on technique, placement, strength, coordination and style.
Jazz Dancers Performing Dance Expression dance arts
Jazz Performance at Dance Expression dance arts


TAP

A dance technique that emphasizes rhythm variations, phrasing and syncopation created by metal taps on the balls and heels of each foot. The tap sounds are colored by volume, speed and style. Musicality, Rhythm and Timing are foundations of tap technique. Emphasis is placed on precision, speed, and clarity of sound with an upbeat and fun approach to rhythm and dance.


BROADWAY BOUND

Become a triple threat! An exciting class combining the classical jazz dance of musicals with introductions to acting and voice training. Classes will focus on specific American Musicals for each semester. Musical Theatre Jazz Dance is stylized and encourages performance and personality! Theatre Games, improvisation, Vocal Training and Theatre Jazz Dance combine to form the American Tradition of Musical Story Telling.
Musical Theater Performance Dance Expression dance arts
Two Lyrical Jazz Performers at Dance Expression dance arts


LYRICAL JAZZ

A beautiful blend of ballet technique and jazz rhythms, the style creates dances that reflect the emotions and lyrics of today's contemporary music. Lyrical dance encourages personal interpretation and emphasizes slower, sustained movements.


ACRO - TUMBLE DANCE

The Tumbling class combines floor gymnastics and acrobatic dance. It focuses on strength, agility and flexibility. Rolls, cartwheels, headstands, handstands, walkovers, handsprings and aerials are all included.
Tumble Dance Performer at Dance Expression dance arts
Pre Teen and Teen Pointe Dancers at Dance Expression dance arts


POINTE — Ages 11 and Up 

The technique of performing on toe (pointe) for classical and contemporary ballet. For advanced students with several years of ballet technique, upon recommendation of the instructor only. Students must be enrolled in 2 ballet classes in addition.


CONTEMPORARY

Contemporary dance is a style of expressive dance that combines elements of several dance genres including modern, jazz, lyrical and classical ballet. Contemporary dancers strive to connect the mind and the body through fluid dance movements.
Six Contemporary Dancers at Dance Expression dance arts
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