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Competitive and Pre-professional
Dance Class Descriptions

Page Contents
Ballet
Tap
Jazz
Production

 

Dance classes are divided into two general categories: Recreational Classes and Competitive or Pre-professional Classes. Dancers who wish to participate in the recreational classes are usually placed by age and years of experience.

Competitive and Pre-professional students are placed by audition, and train in a comprehensive program which includes several specific technique classes each week. The number of required classes per week varies depending on level.

 


Ballet

 

Pre-ballet

Introduction to ballet for younger children. Students learn basic ballet steps and positions, with an emphasis on large muscle groups and simple motor skills. Required: one class/week

 

Ballet 1

Beginning level ballet class for students with little or no experience. Students will learn basic steps, positions, vocabulary, and will begin learning proper technique practices. Required: one class/week

 

Ballet 2

Beginner/Intermediate level ballet class for students with one or two years of previous experience. Students will continue practicing basic technique and vocabulary, with an emphasis on alignment. Required: two classes/week

 

Ballet 3

Intermediate level ballet class for students with at least 3 years of previous experience. Students will focus on proper technique, alignment, and movement quality development. Required: two classes/week

 

Ballet 4

Intermediate/Advanced level ballet class for students with at least 5 years of previous experience. Students will continue to refine their technique, should have a comprehensive knowledge of vocabulary, and will be introduced to pointe work. Required: three classes/week

 

Ballet 5

Advanced level ballet class for students with at least 7 years of previous experience. Students will focus on refining a performance quality level of technique, with an emphasis on pointe work. Required: four classes/week

 

 


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Tap

Tap students are required to take one ballet class per week

 

Tap 1

Beginner level of tap for students with little or no previous experience. Students will learn basic tap vocabulary and rhythmic skills.

 

Tap 2

Intermediate level of tap for students with at least two years of previous experience. Students will learn more complicated vocabulary while refining control and rhythm.

 

Tap 3

Advanced level of tap for students with at least three to four years of previous experience. Students should have a comprehensive knowledge of vocabulary and technique, and will master difficult rhythmic combinations.

 


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Jazz

Jazz students are required to take two ballet classes/week

 

Jazz 1

Beginner level of jazz for students with little or no previous experience. Students will learn basic steps and technique.

 

Jazz 2

Intermediate level of jazz for students with at least 2 years of previous experience. Students will learn increasingly difficult vocabulary and practice quality.

 

Jazz 3

Advanced level of jazz for students with at least 3 or 4 years of previous experience. Students should have a comprehensive grasp of vocabulary and technique, and will continue to refine movement style and quality.

 

 


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Production

Production classes focus on a Broadway-style combination of song and dance. Routines learned are generally seven to eight minutes and incorporate medleys in various dance and song styles.

 

 

 

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View Recreational Class list here