The following class descriptions are meant to give you a general idea of what you might expect from each of the classes offered. They are not intended to encompass all that we will learn, nor do they dictate what will definitely be learned. Approximate ages vary greatly due to a large difference in starting ages and years of previous experience. A very rough outline of pricing follows the class descriptions.
Ballet:
We begin each class with stretching, then warm up and move to the barre. At the barre, we begin with the basics (such as plies and tendus) and move to more advanced moves (such as grade battements, developes, etc.). We then practice our traveling movements across the floor, from skips to glissades and pique turns. We will do some center practice and finish with an activity. This could be a game at lower levels or a choreography challenge at higher levels. In most ballet classes (especially toward recital time), I try to make a point of including a bit of modern, jazz, and/or hip hop. This is just so we can have a little fun, and it gives us a second recital dance as well.
Ballet I:
Approximate age: 3 years to 5 years.
Approximate duration: 1/2 hour.
Ballet II and III:
Approximate age: 4 years to 9 years.
Approximate duration: 1/2 or 3/4 hour.
Ballet IV:
Approximate age: 7 years to 13 years.
Approximate duration: 3/4 or 1 hour.
Ballet V:
Approximate age: 11 years through adult.
Approximate duration: 1 hour.
Tap:
We begin each class with stretches and an active warm up. We then work on traveling moves, such as heel-toes at lower levels and running flaps and Shuffle Off to Buffalo at higher levels. We also work on center moves, such as the Shim-Sham at lower levels and time steps at higher levels. We finish each class with games or choreography. This is a great class for any dancer who is looking to expand into something where being loud and proud is expected and holds special appeal for my male students. Tap shoes are a requirement and may be purchased at Payless shoes or online.
Tap A:
Approximate age: 5 years to 7 years.
Approximate duration: 1/2 hour.
Tap B:
Approximate age: 5 years to 9 years.
Approximate duration: 1/2 hour.
Tap C:
Approximate age: 7 years to 13 years.
Approximate duration: 3/4 hour.
Tap D:
Approximate age: 11 years to adult.
Approximate duration: 1/2 or 3/4 hour.
Pointe:
Pointe classes are only offered for dancers aged 12 and up who have sufficient experience in ballet. Admission into and retention in this class is completely at the teacher’s discretion. We begin each class with a barre warm-up and then progress into the more challenging moves either at the barre or in the center. This is a class for dancers who are very dedicated and want to take their ballet training to the next level. Classes generally last 1/2 hour.
Hip Hop: We begin each class with stretching, then warm up with isolations. We then practice different styles of movement across the floor. We then learn and practice traditional hip hop movements and styles and incorporate these into short combinations and full dances. We often finish with a game which forwards our learning.
Hip Hop A:
Approximate age: 5-8 years.
Approximate duration: 1/2 hour.
Hip Hop B:
Approximate age: 8-11 years.
Approximate duration: 1/2 hour.
Hip Hop C:
Approximate age: 11 years and up.
Approximate duration: 3/4 hour.
Dance Fitness:
Our dance fitness classes begin with a warm-up dance and progress to dances that will make you sweat while keeping you engaged.
Pricing:
See the bottom of the Information page.