dance classes

DANCE

BELOW YOU WILL FIND INFORMATION ON:
* Dance Class Options & Descriptions
* Dance/Voice/Acting Dress Codes
* Private Dance Class information.

When it comes to Dance, we offer a wide variety of options for our student dancers. Classes range from our youngest "Boogie Babies" option to Combination Classes, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Hip Hop, Pointe and Pre-Pointe. There's something for everyone. Below is a list of dance class options as well as descriptions.

* Please note that we use grades as a guideline for classes. If the instructor feels that the student will be more successful in another group, we will move them to the more appropriate class.

* Students joining after 1/20/2023 may not be able to perform in the end of the year show due to costumes. Contact us for more details to see whether this would apply to your student.

* CONTACT US FOR THE TIMES AVAILABLE FOR EACH CLASS! We do not post our schedule online. Thank you!

CLASS OPTIONS

Ages 3-4 “BOOGIE BABIES” : 30 min.
Our youngest dancers are very special to us and we want their first experience with dance to be positive and light. Studio performances are held on the last day of each quarter. Classes focus primarily on Ballet movements. Creative Movement, Basic acrobatics and Rhythm games may also be included.

Dance Combo I (Ages 4- Grade 1)
This is a 45 minute class that focuses primarily on ballet technique. Beginning jazz techniques such as simple isolations and sharp movements as well as basic acrobatics skills will be incorporated into the classes periodically. The main objective is to increase the students knowledge of basic ballet terminology and technique while also introducing them to simple jazz movements that stem from ballet. Students who have danced previously will have the opportunity to expand on their knowledge of basic fundamentals while developing leadership skills toward students who are new to dance. Proper classroom etiquette will be stressed while expanding on the students' love of music and movement. This class will perform one dance in the spring performance.

Dance Combo II (Grades 1-3)
This is a 60 minute combination Ballet/Tap class which also incorporates basic jazz movements and techniques. Students who have danced previously will have the opportunity to expand on their knowledge of dance while developing leadership skills toward incoming students who are new to dance. Proper classroom etiquette will be stressed while expanding on the students' love of music and movement. This class will perform one dance in the Spring performance.

Combo III (Grades 3-6)
This is a 90 minute Ballet/Jazz combination class. Classes are available for new dancers as well as experienced dancers. This class will perform one dance in the spring performance.

Combo IV (Grades 6-12)
This is a 90 minute Ballet/Jazz combination class appropriate for beginners and dancers with 1 year or less of dance or for students who have not danced in several years.

Individual/Boys Classes

*Please note that we use grades as a guideline for classes. If the instructor feels that the student will be more successful in another group, we will move them to the more appropriate class.

Tap: (Grades 3-12) 45- 60 min. Ballet is Required.

Hip Hop: (Grades 3-12) 45- 60 min. Ballet is recommended but not required.

Ballet: (Grades 6-12) 60- 75 min. Students who have already taken Combo III or Combo IV may enroll for Ballet only. Beginners should start in a Combo class (see above).

Jazz: (Grades 6-12) 60 min. Ballet is Required. Beginners should start in a Combo class (see above).

Modern: (Grades 6-12) 60 min. Current enrollment in Ballet as well as participation in Ballet & Jazz for the past 2 years is required.

Pointe:(Grades 7-12) 60 min. 2 + years of CONSECUTIVE Ballet & Teacher approval.

“BOYS CLUB ” (Grades 3-7): Must be entering 3rd grade: 45 minutes: No girls allowed…just us guys! (except for our instructors of course) Classes are designed just for boys. Special teaching techniques and styles will be taught specifically for them. Our objective is to get more guys interested in dance, to introduce them to a few of the world's coolest male dancers and do away with the stereotypes of dance being only for girls. Classes will incorporate Jazz, Hip Hop & Basic Dance Technique as well as time for them to continue developing their own individual style of dance.

*Boys Ballet/ Tap/ Jazz/ Modern/ Hip Hop: Although we do offer the boys club class listed above, boys are welcome and encouraged to attend all of our other classes as well.

DRESS CODES

Dear Parents: Each year we are challenged in regards to our dress codes. We would like to ask for your support and help in this area. Dance classes are most commonly affected with students occasionally showing up in the wrong attire, but mainly showing up without hair properly tied back. When teachers have to take time to fix a student's hair, this takes time away from the class. A good rule of thumb is that students should be able to get through an entire dance class without touching their hair. Otherwise, it is not fixed properly. Thank you for your help!

REASONS FOR DRESS CODES IN DANCE

1. Proper dress is a visual reminder that students are part of a special group.

2. Uniformity limits distractions and allows students to focus and concentrate on developing new skills.

3. Dress codes in dance look more professional and are part of the long history of dance.

4. Color or style specifications with leotards, tights and shoes, may differ only slightly, but can denote a student’s level. Students are very aware of subtle details. Seeing older students in slightly different dress may not seem like a big deal to adults, but it gives students something to look forward to and work towards. Seeing younger students in different dress gives older students an opportunity to be looked up to and may motivate them to be good role models.

5. Dance involves discipline, respect, focus, and hard work. Dress codes are a part of that.

6. Proper dress helps teachers to make important corrections with placement, lines, etc.

7. Older ballet and jazz students need to be in only leotards (and no skirts) because of reason #6. Unfortunately many girls seem to begin having self esteem issues somewhere between ages 9-12. Not wearing skirts beginning at age 6 allows students to get comfortable in just a leotard and tights before the critical self esteem ages hit.

*In general, having a dress code teaches students to take responsibility for themselves and their appearance. It also helps maintain a level of professionalism for the business.

BOOGIE BABIES/COMBO I DRESS CODES

Boogie Babies (Ages 3-4) & Combo I (Ages 4-5)
Solid pastel color or black leotard. Pink, White, or Tan tights. Leather ballet slippers can be pink, white or black.
NOTE: Combo 1 will need white ballet shoes to perform with us in the May end of year show.
* No Underwear under leotard. That is what tights are for!
* Hair needs to be secured in a bun or twist. A headband must be worn with bobby pins or barrettes to hold them in place. We have headbands for only $1.00 in a variety of colors :)
* No long earrings or other jewelry. Only small stud earrings are allowed.
*Short skirts in pastel or black may be worn as long as they do not become a distraction.

COMBO II (AGES 6-7)

Solid Black or Pink Leotard. NO skirts. Pink, White, or Tan tights.
White leather ballet slippers. Black patent leather tap shoes.
*NO underwear under leotard. That is what tights are for!
*Hair needs to be secured in a bun or twist. A headband must be worn with bobby pins or barretts to hold them in place. We have headbands for only $1.00 in a variety of colors:)

*No long earrings or other jewelry. Only small stud earrings are allowed.
*No skirts

COMBO III (AGES 6-7)

Same as Combo 2 only with Pink full sole leather ballet slippers and tan jazz shoes.
Pink, Tan or Black tights.

COMBO IV

Solid Black or Burgundy Leo. NO skirts. Pink full sole ballet slippers. Tan jazz shoes. Pink, Tan or Black tights.

*NO underwear under leotard. That is what tights are for! If underwear must be worn, they should be nude color or match the color of the leotard and be pulled up high enough that we do not see underwear lines. We have nude seamless underwear for sale in the lobby.

*Hair needs to be secured in a bun or twist. A headband must be worn with bobby pins or barretts to hold them in place. We have headbands for only $1.00 in a variety of colors:)

*No long earrings or other jewelry. Only small stud earrings are allowed.

BALLET, JAZZ & MODERN

GIRLS – HAIR- Long hair should be completely up in a bun or twist. Shorter hair needs to be pulled back into a short ponytail with sides secured. If hair is too short for ponytail then sides should be pulled back out of face. No long pieces hanging down. Learning to turn among other things is impossible when you keep getting hit in the eyes with your hair.

LEOTARD - Solid Black or Burgundy

TIGHTS - Pink, Black, or Tan

SHOES – Full sole Ballet Shoes for students in their 1st or 2nd year of ballet. Split sole ballet shoes for students with more than 2 years consecutive experience, Tan Split Sole Jazz Shoes, Footless or convertible tights for modern

*NO SKIRTS, BIKE SHORTS, OR UNITARDS * No Leg Warmers or additional accessories.

BOYS DRESS CODES for COMBO, BALLET, JAZZ and MODERN Classes:

*Solid FORM FITTING (like under armor) white black or gray T-shirt or Tank top

*BLACK FORM FITTING bike shorts

*Black Leather Ballet and Jazz Shoes. No Shoes needed for Modern

TAP, HIP HOP & ADULT

TAP (Ages 8 and up) – Same as above.

GIRLS-Short SOLID Black tap shorts with no writing on the behind are allowed. Tan Merry Jane Style Tap Shoes.

BOYS- Black Jazz Pants, Black or Gray Sweat Pants are allowed. Black oxford style tap shoes.

HIP HOP: Clothing should not be baggy. No Jeans. No short shorts unless tights or bike shorts are worn underneath. No pajama pants. Tops should be stretchy and comfortable. Underwear should not be seen! Black dance sneakers. Long hair should be pulled back off of face and neck. Sides of hair and bangs should be secured regardless of hair length. Knee pads, leg warmers or something to cover knees should be brought to class.

Boys Club – Same as Hip Hop.

*Open Adult Classes – Dance wear is recommended with appropriate footwear.

ACTING AND VOICE DRESS CODES

Acting & Voice Classes – Comfortable clothes that are modest and do not restrict movement. No half tops, low cut tops, or short shorts. Undergarments should not be visible when standing or sitting down. Shoes may need to be removed in dance studios.

ADULT JAZZ CLASS DRESS CODE
Comfortable clothes that you can easily move in. Jazz shoes can be ordered from Forte Studios and usually take one week for delivery. Socks and bare feet are fine to get started!

PRIVATE DANCE LESSONS

HOW TO SCHEDULE A LESSON: Just send us an email and we will get your lesson set up!
Costs:
30 min = $30
45 min = $40
60 min = $50

Costs for 2 students:
30 min = $15 per student
45 min = $20 per student
60 min = $25 per student

IF YOU:

* Are interested in improving your technique in a specific style
* Feeling behind in a certain class and need help to catch up
* Want extra help with a specific skill
* Need to fulfill contract obligations for pointe classes
* Just want to have some one on one dance time with one of our teachers

Then send us an email & we will be happy to schedule your lesson or lessons!

Students have the option of choosing 30, 45, or 60 minute time slots. Lessons will need to be pre-paid, but can be a pay as you go type of thing. You can also just schedule one lesson or several lessons at a time.

There is a lot of flexibility with times, commitments, teachers, and goals for each class. We are excited to be able to offer this option for our dancers!