INFORMATION ABOUT OUR DANCE CLASSES
The Academy Dance Division offers 19 weeks of instruction each semester for various age groups in ballet, jazz and tap. Our certified ballet instructors follow the world-renowned Royal Academy of Dance method beginning at the Primary class level.
Pre-Ballet 1 - age 4 by 08/15/2007. A fun, creative class for boys and girls full of age appropriate movement, songs, games and exercises. Classes consist of activities designed to increase children's awareness, understanding and control of their bodies in space and time. Exercises will develop basic dance skills such as coordination, balance, spatial awareness and their ability to cooperate and dance well with others. Classes include practice in all locomotor steps and creative, expressive dancing to music.
Pre-Ballet 2 - age 5 by 08/15/2007. A fun class for boys and girls full of age-appropriate dance skills and movement songs, games and exercises. Classes consist of both basic dance technique and the creative exploration of the four elements of dance: body, space, time and effort. Children will develop coordination, balance spatial awareness and their ability to cooperate and dance well with others. Classes include practice in all locomotor steps, expressive dancing to music and the preparation of creative dances for a performance for parents during the last class of each semester.
Pre-Primary - age 5 by 08/15/2007. This level of dance consists of both the Pre-Primary set of dance exercises designed by the Royal Academy of Dance which prepare children for beginning ballet and the creative exploration of the four elements of dance: body, space, time and effort. Children will develop coordination, balance, control and awareness of space, rhythm and effort qualities. They will also develop their abilities to learn movement combinations and to cooperate and dance well with others. Classes include practice in all locomotor steps, expressive dancing to music and the preparation of creative dances for a performance for parents during the last class of each semester.
Primary - age 6 by 08/15/2007. The beginning of classical ballet technique is introduced in this class which will include the study of proper placement, partner and group work, and musicality.
Grades 1-8. A progression of ballet technique and performance qualities based upon the Royal Academy of Dance Grades Syllabus. Age 7 (by 08/15/2007) and up.
Intermediate Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced 1 & 2. (also including Pre-Pointe and beginning Pointe Classes): A more in-depth look and study of ballet technique. These classes could also include the study of pointe work.
Variations. Intermediate through advanced dancers learn sections of ballets in order to increase strength, technique and improve performance quality.
Tap 1. Basic tap dance technique is learned, with emphasis on counting, rhythms and performance. Age 7 (by 08/15/2007) and up.
Tap 2. A continuation of Tap 1, working at a low intermediate level.
Tap 3. A continuation of Tap 2, working at an intermediate level.
Jazz 1. Basic jazz dance technique is learned, emphasizing proper placement and technique, making use of varying styles of jazz dance. Age 7 (by 1/01/2007) and up.
Jazz 2. A continuation of Jazz 1, working at a low intermediate level.
Jazz 3. A continuation of Jazz 2, working at an intermediate level.