DanceArt Centers

By Melisa

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Since 1983

DANCE CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

We want you to appreciate what we may accomplish or be developing in each age group. We have included general descriptions of strengths or goals for each gemstone, with skills listed ‘graduating‘ from the ones listed previous.

All of our movement experiences help us to learn and perform with confidence and fun.

“Rubies: 3-4 years old: a class designed for the preschool dancer to explore the world of beginning ballet and creative novelty using props and imaginations. Balance, body awareness and following directions are experienced while doing basic ballet positions and steps.

“Sapphires” 5-6 years old: enjoy ballet, creative movement, and beginning tap. Students begin to expand their ballet technique, learning the French terms to accompany their movements. Props are used for creative dance, making the connection of music to body. More complex concepts involve changing weight, and counting and rhythm while working on clear toe or heel sounds in tap.

“Emeralds” 7-8 years old: do ballet, tap, and beginning jazz. As dancers progress with more difficult positions and steps, they experience movement relative to music, space and teamwork with added grace and complexity. Knowledge of dance and music concepts add to their gracefulness, self-confidence and independence. Jazz is utilized with tap training for fun and challenge.

“Pearls” 9-10 years old: learn ballet & jazz with memorization. More attention to body alignment; health and self-concept is stressed while combinations become more difficult. Jazz concepts and self-expression are explored while defining quality in use of the whole body.

“Opals” 11-13 years old: study ballet & modern jazz with more advanced concepts, combinations and rhythms with emphasis on grace, memorization and team-work. Body alignment and self-concept is accentuated for healthy development.

“Jade” 13+ progressed dancers (formerly Opals II) must have completed two years as an Opal. Class involves ballet, as well as jazz. Those students beginning to dance ‘en Pointe’ are eligible for class based having completed two years in Opal‘s ballet, and will participate in a 6-week summer intensive.

“Diamonds” (Sr Hi) Separate lessons, costume and fee for ballet and jazz classes. These two dynamic styles can be taken and appreciated by students, or choose the dance style of preference.

“Turquoise” NEW! Jazz funk class for 4th graders to high school. This is a modern combination of hip hop meets jazz, using a variety of techniques to include strength training with arms and legs to do the latest hip hop, funk and jazz styles.

“Crystal” Lyrical for 8th graders through high school/ adult. A creative, expressive style of dance that involves some ballet, lyrical and jazz technique, without restriction of movements. A great opportunity to learn alternative choreography, rhythm and expression.

“Topaz Tappers” for middle school to adult in modern tap technique and skills. Working on coordination and control, confidence is stressed while following varying rhythms, phrasing and counting to make a great tapper with clear use of toes, heels, proper posture and accuracy. Tap accentuates syncopation and teamwork.

"Just Dance" class samplers 4-week classes offer a sample of ballet, jazz, novelty and creative lessons. This open level class is designed for the beginner and/or recreational student for enjoyment of the many benefits of dance.

"Teddy Bear Picnic" for your two or 'just-three' year old - parents or caregivers welcome, too. Your special toddler can bring his or her special teddy bear for special activities, dances and props to keep. Participants will be treated to a snack and should wear comfortable clothes and socks. Meets for 3 weeks.

"Belly Dance" is suitable for women of ALL ages and body types. You will learn to appreciate and be more comfortable in your own skin as you explore expression through movement. Belly dance has benefits that are both mental and physical. It provides a good low impact workout and helps increase both flexibility and strength. Many belly dance moves focus on the torso or "core muscles", although you will get a workout from 'head' slides to 'toe' stretches and everything in between. We will start by teaching lifts, drops, circles, figure 8's, shimmies, undulations and more. These moves may seem challenging at first, but that's only because you have probably never moved like this before. Belly dance is a way to make 'work out' feel like play! The music is beautiful, the friends are supportive, you get to wear jewelry, and oh yeah, did we mention you get to tie coins to your butt!!! :)

Contact: Nona Carpenter (Nona@DanceArtCenters.com)

"Piano, Vocal, or Flute" classes are half an hour each. Kate loves to teach not just listen. Learn techniques, theory, and of course the joy of knowing how to use your talent.

Contact: Kate Buehner (kcbuehner@DanceArtCenters.com)

General Information

For more information about DanceArt Centers By Melisa contact us via phone or e-mail.

Phone: (608) 372-4521

E-Mail: Info@DanceArtCenters.com

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