Classes emphasize the development of classical ballet skills with a focus on proper placement and alignment. Students will learn ballet vocabulary through barre and center work while building strength and flexibility.  A Dance Institute Prep class is also available for grades 3-5 with the successful completion of Ballet 1 and/or permission of an instructor.

Fluid arms and percussive footwork are hallmarks of Flamenco dance that are paralleled in the beautiful melodies and intricate rhythms of Flamenco music. Originating in the Andalusia region of southern Spain, the fire of Flamenco dance is reflective of its gypsy (Gitano) dancing roots and influences from Arabic traditions. Learn traditional as well as original dances that are steeped in folklore and melding cultures dating back to the 1500’s in then Moorish Spain.

Students will learn movement terminology and historical facts about urban dance culture. This class uses Rap, R&B, and other popular music of today. Dancers are introduced to the elements of freestyle and the styles that influence it such as popping, locking, and b-boying/b-girling.

Jazz is an exciting and ever-evolving dance form full of rhythm, syncopation, passion, and life. Steeped in the rhythm of jazz music, a true American art form, jazz dance brings energy and life to all those who dance it. Classes explore body isolations of the head, shoulders, ribcage, feet and arms, and encourage individual expression and the development of personal style. Jazz can be powerful and percussive or expressive and lyrical. Ever-evolving, jazz dance is taught with the music of today together with the classical jazz of yesterday. Broadway Jazz, jazz influenced Contemporary Technique, a Jazz/Modern combo class, and a Jazz/Tap combo class are also available for grades 3-5.

Modern dance is a contemporary dance form that has its roots in ballet. Classes include floor and center work that incorporate the use of gravity and a sense of weightedness in the body, on top of technique work. The movement vocabulary and range of motion used is endless and creative, and draws on each student’s personal expression. Classes may include improvisation and creative exercises. Modern influenced Contemporary technique and a Jazz/Modern combo class are also available for grades 3-5.

Tap focuses on rhythms and intricate footwork, creating a percussion instrument out of the dancer’s feet. Just like jazz vocalists who add rhythms to music by scatting, tappers add their voice by “scatting” with their feet. Classes emphasize the development and strengthening of basic tap technique and terminology, highlighting the importance of rhythm and sound. A Jazz/Tap combo class is also available for grades 3-5.

Send your children to learn about West African dance and music! Moving to the rhythms of live musicians is a one-of-a-kind learning experience. Students will engage in introductory West African dance movements while building a foundation for future progression in the study of West African dance. Dancers will learn about the origin and purpose of dances/rhythms learned. The instructor will lead students through basic West African dance movements originating from Guinea, Ghana, Senegal, and Mali to live drumming and/or percussive recording.