Dance Connection Dance Classes & Descriptions

2-Cute

(ages 2 - 3 years)

Introduce your curious toddler to dance and creative movement in a playful, colorful and encouraging environment! A parent or caregiver accompanies the child in this class to help with comforting and encouraging their young dancer. This class will strengthen the brain-body connection through imaginative play, song, and dance. Important developmental skills like large and small motor skills, proprioception, and coordination will be encouraged through active play. We also introduce basic classroom concepts like listening, following directions, and cooperation with classmates.

PreBallet

(ages 3-4 yrs)

This drop-off class is more structured than our 2-cute program. It is an introduction to basic Ballet technique and theory. Classes are geared for preschool age students with games, creative play, props and simple progressions. Critical developmental skills are exercised to strengthen balance, coordination, rhythm, and spatial relationships. We focus on the whole-child with games that explore the physical and emotional connection. PreBallet dancers enrolled in our Recital Season (Sep-May) perform in our annual recital production! These classes have Zoom viewing once a month for parents to view a full class and watch their dancer's progress throughout the season!

Combo Level 1

(5 yrs old by start of session)

Building on the foundation of our Preschool classes: Our combination class programs, students take a weekly class focusing on Ballet, Tap and basic Jazz technique. Center floor and progression work is introduced at this level and students continue to develop their Ballet training. Basic character Jazz steps and combinations are introduced. Tap skills include developing and understanding of rhythm and musicality, simple Tap steps, and use of space. Dancers will learn and perform two routines for the recital.

Combo Levels 2 – 3

Jazz and Tap Combination

With each year of experience, dancers fine tune their technical skills as well as their spatial comprehension and performance ability. In these combo classes, more focus is put on building technical skills. More classical Jazz styling and more complex Jazz skills are also honed at these levels. Tap work becomes more intricate and faster-paced as new steps are introduced in each stage. Routines are made more challenging each year and continue to build on what the dancers will learn at each level. Dancers in Combo 3 prepare for more focused study before moving to our intensive levels (classes separated by style). Each combo class performs two routines in recital: a Jazz dance and a Tap dance.

Hip Hop (Ages 6+)

Hip Hop began as a dance form in the late 70s and early 80s and has developed over the years to include breaking, popping, locking and stepping. This is a high energy, and very athletic form of dance. Students must be at least 6 years old and we recommend having some background in dance before joining these classes.

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Jazz Funk (Ages 11+)

Jazz Funk is a fusion of Hip Hop styling with classical Jazz technique. Do you love the Pop-Hop styles performed by the latest music artists? Then Jazz Funk is for you! (ages 11+)

Jazz (Level 4-7)

Classical Jazz Technique is studied more intensely, beginning at Level 4, with the focus on increasing strength, flexibility and endurance. Movements become more isolated and include more demanding stunts and floor work. Routines become more varied and challenging. Precision, isolation, strength, and character/storytelling are the main focus in this style. Dancers are expected to have a higher level of discipline, dedication and focus at this stage. Students must test into upper level classes.

Tap (Level 4-7)

More intricate and articulate Tap technique develops beginning at Level 4. Students train more vigorously and work to vary their tone, pitch and clarity of sound. More complicated steps and rhythms are a part of the Tap 4, Tap 5, and Tap 6/7 curriculum. Routines are faster, more stylistic and develop through more transitions. Dancers are expected to have a higher level of discipline, dedication and focus at this stage. Students must test into upper level classes.

Ballet (Level 2-7)

Beginning at age 7, dancers are encouraged to take a separate Ballet class per week, in addition to their combination classes. We recommend the study of Ballet for all dancers for a foundational understanding of dance technique and training and to develop necessary skills that translate to other styles of dance. In this class, time is spent focusing on the development of these skills through barre work, center work and across the floor progressions/variations.

Pointe is an advanced level skill and all dancers must train through the Ballet 5 class – where the focus is on skills and strength – for at least one year before becoming eligible for consideration for the Pointe program. Our Ballet and Pointe students also participate in a traditional Ballet production piece as part of our annual Recital Showcase.

Dancers Level 4 + must test into Ballet and Pointe.

Lyrical (Level 3-7)

Lyrical is a Ballet-based style of dancing that incorporates Jazz and Modern techniques and pedagogy. Dancers learn to incorporate sustained energy, dynamic movement, and clean lines as well as assimilate emotion and storytelling into their performance. Routines include many and varied transitions and groupings. Dancers are expected to have a higher level of discipline, dedication and focus at this stage. New students should start with Lyrical 3.

Contemporary (Ages 11+)

Like Lyrical, Contemporary dance offers students a fusion of Ballet, Jazz, Modern, and Lyrical techniques. This style focuses on unique movement paired with unconventional music and improvisational styling to achieve it's performance perspective. Offered with teen, beginner dancers in mind.