Creative Technique, Modern 1& 2In these fun, lively classes, students are introduced to the fundamentals of modern dance technique through creative lessons using storytelling, song, props, games and lots of structured dance improvisation. Students explore basic skills and dance concepts (such as level, pathway, direction and rhythm) while developing social skills and refining body awareness and self-expression.
Modern 3 Level 3 more thoroughly explores the themes introduced in earlier levels while integrating more choreographed movement material, expanding the student’s capacity for physical memorization. Through detailed warm ups, floorwork, set phrase material and improvisation, students increase body awareness while building confidence, strength and flexibility.
Modern 4Modern 4 is a mixed level class open to intermediate dancers and those with minimal dance training. Through floorwork, standing warm-up exercises and partner weight sharing explorations, students practice creating strong, supportive muscular engagement and prepare themselves for safe, aligned dancing. Class includes improvised movement scores, introduction to inversions and lots of choreographed movement phrases focusing primarily on development of timing, rhythm, weight and momentum.
Modern 5This class follows many of the same themes as Modern 4, though with a more advanced and nuanced approach to the technique. Students explore more complex movement material, and delve more deeply into refining performance skills and developing precise articulation within phrase work and improvisational scores. This class is most suited for those comfortable with the basics of modern dance technique.
Ballet 1, 2 & 3 Basic classical ballet warm-ups are explored with sensitivity to the students’ individual anatomy and capabilities. Emphasis is placed on developing strength and coordination while nurturing a love of dance. Class also explores dance-based games to develop self-confidence and learn how to work in a group.
Ballet 4 - 7
These classes are designed to emphasize a physical understanding of the source of ballet technique. Through level appropriate barre exercises students are encouraged to recognize their individual anatomy and learn how to practice ballet in a secure and effective way, placing a strong emphasis on épaulement (upper body) working in harmony with the rest of the body. Center exercises further develop an awareness of technique using accessible combinations that are designed to escalate in complexity, giving the dancer the substantial benefit of a classical ballet class.
Pointe*Note: This class is open only at the permission of the instructor. All pointe students must attend a ballet class directly prior to the pointe class*Through barre and center exercises, students will explore level appropriate sequences, which will give strength and alignment with the ultimate goal of giving the students a sense of ease
en pointe. Pointe RepertoryIntermediate through advanced pointe students (not suitable for beginning pointe students) will have the opportunity to study original pointe choreography throughout the semester. The class will culminate in a formal performance of the work at our end-of-year student concert. This class must be taken in addition to another pointe class throughout the week. Intro to Dance MakingIn this mixed-level class, students explore how dances are made. Students investigate compositional tools through improvisation, and practice building short pieces of their own choreography individually and collaboratively with other students in the class.