photo: dan fine
dancer: hanako ferro
dancer: hanako ferro
DISCIPLINES
Ballet is a dance technique that has been developed over 350 years. Ballet is considered the
foundation of the dance disciplines; ballet is to dance as the piano is to the rest of the musical
instruments. Classes are taught in the classical traditions, and students of advanced levels may study
on pointe as well as slipper.
Modern is a technique that was developed in the United States during the early 20th Century. Martha
Graham is one of the most commonly known early pioneers of this style. The technique is based more
in physical expression as opposed to the pretty lines of ballet. Modern dance technique is most
dominant on the collegiate level. More contemporary modern choreographers are Twyla Tharp, Mark
Morris, and Jose Limon. You must have completed a year of Ballet I or Jazz I to enroll in Modern.
Jazz is a form of dance that is seen in Broadway shows or music videos. The technique is influenced
by ballet and consists of kicks, turns, and leaps with a more contemporary flair.
Tap originated in the United States and became popular during the ‘Jazz Age’. The technique involves
rhythmic percussion, utilizing the taps on the shoes, combined with dance movements. Many classic
Broadway shows feature tap dancing.
Acrobatics (acro) is a combination of gymnastics tumbling and dance. A strong emphasis is placed on
executing the movements with the style and grace of ballet. Dance is incorporated into the
choreography for performances. This style of dance can be seen in Cirque de Soleil shows. (It is
highly recommended that acro students enhance their training with ballet.)
Hip-hop is a ‘street’ or ‘funk’ style of dance performed to rap, hip-hop, and R&B music. The
movements are ‘fresh’ and contemporary. This style of dance does not require a great deal of
technique due to its very casual style. Therefore, these classes are structured according to age, not
level. (If you find the content of popular music videos or the language of popular rap songs offensive,
this might not be the class for you.)
Irish step dance is a traditional ethnic dance that originated in Ireland. The ‘Riverdance’ explosion has
made this style of dance very popular in recent years. Students begin their studies in ‘soft’ shoes and
eventually advance into studying both ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ shoes.
Yoga unites the body, breath, and mind. Poses can be held, or the movements could have a more
flowing quality from one pose to the next (vinyasa). The practice should be done very consciously and
mindfully as the breath guides the practitioner through the practice.
LEVELS
Mommy and Me is for students 2 or 3 years old before September 1st. This is an adaptive program.
The students eventually progress into performing on stage without their parent.
PK-K is for students 4 or 5 years old before September 1st. Students that start this level at 4 years will
stay in this level for two years.
B (beginner) through A (advanced) Students entering the first grade may register for any class in a B
level. All other classes will be advanced into in sequential order after graduating out of the B level. Hip-
hop levels are unique in that they are structured by age. Hip-hop B is elementary students, Hip-hop I is
a Middle School class, and Hip-hop A is reserved for Senior HS. Because we have 6 levels of Ballet,
students will advance through the levels in Ballet much quicker than they will in Irish, Jazz, or Tap.
Ballet is a dance technique that has been developed over 350 years. Ballet is considered the
foundation of the dance disciplines; ballet is to dance as the piano is to the rest of the musical
instruments. Classes are taught in the classical traditions, and students of advanced levels may study
on pointe as well as slipper.
Modern is a technique that was developed in the United States during the early 20th Century. Martha
Graham is one of the most commonly known early pioneers of this style. The technique is based more
in physical expression as opposed to the pretty lines of ballet. Modern dance technique is most
dominant on the collegiate level. More contemporary modern choreographers are Twyla Tharp, Mark
Morris, and Jose Limon. You must have completed a year of Ballet I or Jazz I to enroll in Modern.
Jazz is a form of dance that is seen in Broadway shows or music videos. The technique is influenced
by ballet and consists of kicks, turns, and leaps with a more contemporary flair.
Tap originated in the United States and became popular during the ‘Jazz Age’. The technique involves
rhythmic percussion, utilizing the taps on the shoes, combined with dance movements. Many classic
Broadway shows feature tap dancing.
Acrobatics (acro) is a combination of gymnastics tumbling and dance. A strong emphasis is placed on
executing the movements with the style and grace of ballet. Dance is incorporated into the
choreography for performances. This style of dance can be seen in Cirque de Soleil shows. (It is
highly recommended that acro students enhance their training with ballet.)
Hip-hop is a ‘street’ or ‘funk’ style of dance performed to rap, hip-hop, and R&B music. The
movements are ‘fresh’ and contemporary. This style of dance does not require a great deal of
technique due to its very casual style. Therefore, these classes are structured according to age, not
level. (If you find the content of popular music videos or the language of popular rap songs offensive,
this might not be the class for you.)
Irish step dance is a traditional ethnic dance that originated in Ireland. The ‘Riverdance’ explosion has
made this style of dance very popular in recent years. Students begin their studies in ‘soft’ shoes and
eventually advance into studying both ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ shoes.
Yoga unites the body, breath, and mind. Poses can be held, or the movements could have a more
flowing quality from one pose to the next (vinyasa). The practice should be done very consciously and
mindfully as the breath guides the practitioner through the practice.
LEVELS
Mommy and Me is for students 2 or 3 years old before September 1st. This is an adaptive program.
The students eventually progress into performing on stage without their parent.
PK-K is for students 4 or 5 years old before September 1st. Students that start this level at 4 years will
stay in this level for two years.
B (beginner) through A (advanced) Students entering the first grade may register for any class in a B
level. All other classes will be advanced into in sequential order after graduating out of the B level. Hip-
hop levels are unique in that they are structured by age. Hip-hop B is elementary students, Hip-hop I is
a Middle School class, and Hip-hop A is reserved for Senior HS. Because we have 6 levels of Ballet,
students will advance through the levels in Ballet much quicker than they will in Irish, Jazz, or Tap.
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photo: dan fine
dancers: kasey panek, shaylee traugh, colton rosario,
gabriella page, amanda shaleen, kianna morgan, morgan patti.
dancers: kasey panek, shaylee traugh, colton rosario,
gabriella page, amanda shaleen, kianna morgan, morgan patti.
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