Class Descriptions
Acrobatics/Tumbling
Acrobatics/tumbling is centered on fundamental technique to increase flexibility, strength, balance, coordination, endurance, timing, body awareness, self-discipline, and confidence.
Students will learn basic tumbling skills such as forward & backward rolls, straddle rolls, backbends, cartwheels, round-offs and handstands. With progression, students will move on to more difficult skills such as back & front walkovers, aerials and handsprings, just to name a few. As each student progresses, contortion elements will be incorporated as well.
Every class will have a rigorous, full-body stretch, at the beginning and end of each class. Strength and conditioning exercises will also end each class. We will mix tumbling skills with basic dance movements to create a fun and energizing acrobatic routine for the year end recital!
It is teacher’s discretion to place students in classes that are appropriate for his/her skill level.
Ballet
Ballet is the foundation of all dance training and will maximize technique in all genres of dance. Ballet classes help dancers with posture, flexibility, fitness, balance, self-discipline, and self-confidence.
All classes will work on the barre, in the center and across the floor. Each student will focus on the skills and technique within the grade class they are in.
Each grade will have the opportunity to participate in the annual RAD examination process, which allows the student to celebrate their progress.
Our studio follows the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) ballet curriculum and is taught by a certified RAD teacher. The Dance Connection is a registered RAD ballet studio.
It is teacher’s discretion to place students in classes that are appropriate for his/her skill level.
Creative Movement
This class is designed especially for our young toddlers!
Creative Movement will encourage age-appropriate movement that helps strengthen both fine and gross motor skills. In this program, we will introduce the art of dance and music in a very fun, loving, and professional environment. We will work on developing skills such as rhythm, coordination, self-confidence, discipline, and structure. And also work on social skills like taking turns, making friends, teamwork, and listening.
This class will require the participation of a parent/guardian
Hip Hop
Hip hop dance includes a wide range of styles notably breakin’, poppin’, and lockin’, which were created in the 1970s and made popular by dance crews in the United States.
This dance class is designed to use the outer limits of our imagination through music and dance. Classes will encourage students to step outside of the box by bringing their own individual style and personality to the movements. Our Hip Hop classes teach rhythm, coordination, musicality and choreography without suggestive music or movements and we always encourage our staff to use family-friendly music in these classes. Students are challenged to think on their feet while enjoying an energetic and fast-paced dance class.
Jazz
Jazz class will focus on learning proper dance technique. Classes will begin with a warm-up/stretch, center & across the floor work and progressions of level appropriate fundamentals.
Students will focus on isolations of the body, turns, jumps, leaps and kicks. They will work on improving performance quality through age-appropriate choreographed combinations.
Students will develop their style and artistry through their exposure to various styles of jazz such as Broadway, Street/Funk and Contemporary.
We highly recommend all students also take a separate Ballet class to gain and strengthen proper dance fundamentals.
Jazz/Tap Combo
In this 90-minute class, we will focus on technique and fundamentals of Jazz and Tap. Classes will begin with a warm-up/stretch, center & across the floor work and progressions of level appropriate fundamentals.
In jazz, students will focus on isolations of the body, turns, jumps, leaps and kicks. They will work on improving performance quality through age-appropriate choreographed combinations.
In tap, we will combine the study of rhythm, precision and fluidity of movement & style while using our feet!
We highly recommend all students also take a separate Ballet class to gain and strengthen proper dance fundamentals.
Lyrical/Contemporary
Lyrical is a fusion of ballet and jazz, with expressive motions that tell a story. Contemporary dance is developed from modern and post-modern dance. It is a compilation of different styles of dance, including lyrical, classical ballet and modern dance.
Students will learn lyrical technique along with how to express emotion through movement. Warm-up exercises and center work will focus on improving flexibility, extension, core strength, and balance while creating combinations. Lyrical combinations will incorporate the technical elements of ballet with jazz and modern movements. Students will also learn how to express a wide range of emotions based on musical interpretation.
We highly recommend all students also take a separate Ballet class to gain and strengthen proper dance fundamentals.
Mini Moves
This primary school age class is a combination of Ballet, Tap, and Jazz. The basic technical aspects of each discipline will be introduced in this class.
This class introduces the basic foundations and vocabulary of ballet. In tap, we will acquire basic rhythm skills. In jazz, we will work towards mastering basic movement skills including hopping, skipping, leaping, marching, and jumping.
No previous dance experience is needed.
Tap
A fun, high energy genre of dance where rhythmic sounds are created by the feet.
This lively class combines the study of rhythm, precision and fluidity of movement and style. Tap offers a great work out as well as technique, precision and placement. Tap also develops stage presence and adds to the overall versatility of the dancer.
Our tap classes follow the curriculum and philosophy of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance (ISTD).
We highly recommend all students also take a separate Ballet class to gain and strengthen proper dance fundamentals.
Tiny Tots
This preschool age class introduces the basic elements of Ballet and Tap in a structured, but loving and fun environment.
This class introduces the basic foundations and vocabulary of ballet. In tap, we will acquire basic rhythm skills. In every class, we will focus on building all our basic social & development skills like following directions, taking turns, and teamwork while also building self-confidence and a love for dance!
No previous dance experience is needed.