Class Descriptions

Ballet

• Basics: Introduction to the vocabulary and positions of classical ballet. Students will learn barre and center work.
• Beginning/Intermediate: Beginning level suited for students with varied dance backgrounds. Prior understanding of ballet at the basic/mid-level is required.  Because it is combined, beginning and intermediate, this class has a faster pace than just a beginning level.
• Intermediate: Mid-level class for students with previous training.
• Advanced: Intense muscular workout - considerable experience a must.
• Performance (VDT): Work with choreographer to prepare performance piece for concert. Must be enrolled in Advanced Ballet and be prepared to attend every class.
• Pointe: Designed for students in the Int/Adv level classes.

Ballroom

• Beginning: Learn the basics of ballroom including fox trot, waltz, swing, cha-cha, rumba, tango, and more. Hard-soled shoes preferred.
• Intermediate/Advanced: Designed for students with solid working knowledge of ballroom dance. Partner preferred, but not necessary.

Bharatanatyam

Classical dance of South India involving footwork, hand gestures and facial expressions on traditional Indian themes. Informal attire and bare feet.

• Beginning: Class designed to introduce the beginning student to Bharatanatyam technique.
• Intermediate: For students with previous experience. No shorts or skirts.

Belly Dance

• Beginning:  An introduction to the fundamentals of belly dance. This course includes instruction in isolations and foundation techniques. Later in the semester, these movement will be formed into exciting combinations and choreography.
• Intermediate:  Moderate experience required. 

Hip Hop

Based on street dance and video/commercial dance. Tennis shoes and sweats or shorts preferred.

• Beginning: No experience required; basic Hip Hop techniques and rhythms.
• Intermediate/Advanced: Moderate to considerable experience required for this fast-paced class.

Hip Hop Funk

Combines lyrical jazz, artistic interpretation and hip hop dance. Focus is placed mostly on style and loosely on technique. Tennis shoes and shorts, or dance clothes preferred.

• Beginning: No experience required; basic techniques and rhythms.
• Intermediate/Advanced: Moderate to considerable experience required for this fast-paced class.
• Performance (VDT): Must audition in September. Work with a choreographer to prepare piece for concert. Enrollment and attendance in the Int/Adv class is strongly recommended.

Irish Dancing

• Beginning/Intermediate: Irish step dancing including jigs, reels, slip jigs, figure dancing, and beginning hard shoe work. Soft soled shoes and Irish hard shoes (for later in semester) preferred.

Jazz

• Beginning: Basic jazz techniques and positions, plus stretching and strengthening.
• Intermediate: Mid-level class for students with previous jazz experience. Focus is placed on strengthening technique and further developing style.
• Advanced: Designed for dancers with a solid working knowledge of lyrical and jazz technique and considerable experience.
• Performance (VDT): Work with choreographer to prepare performance piece for concert. Must be enrolled in Intermediate or Advanced Jazz and attend every class. Must have previous experience in level of performance class.
• Musical Theatre Jazz (Offered occassionally in Summer Dance Festival) : Class explores the technique of Bob Fosse and other styles of movement commonly found in musical theater productions. This class is for experienced dancers with a good technical foundation. Ladies should bring heeled character shoes to wear in the second half of class

Latin

• Beginning: Beginning class focusing on the Cha Cha, Samba, Mambo, Rumba, and more. No partner necessary.

Modern/Contemporary Technique

• Beginning: Introduction to the basic skills and terminology of modern dance. Focus on control, center, breathing, balance, strength and musicality.
• Intermediate/Advanced: Designed for experienced dancers, refining and articulating modern dance principals.
• Performance Modern (VDT): Work with choreographer to prepare performance piece for concert. Must be enrolled in Int/Adv Modern or Advanced Contemporary Technique and attend every class.
• Choreography: Learn the art of choreography while understanding movement improvisation and other movement practices to form and create dances. Focus on constuctive critique and compostional innovation.

Pilates

The Pilates method of body conditioning. This aerobic series of floor work exercises will condition entire body from the inside out. Improved posture, a sharp mind and physical rejuvenation are the benefits.

Salsa

• Beginning:  Students will learn footwork, dance positions and connections between partners. A partner is preferred, but is not necessary.

Swing

• Beginning: Beginning to mid-level class; some experience necessary.
• West Coast : This fun and energetic class is a contemporary, club-style danced to hip hop, R&B, or jazz music.

Tap

A syncopated movement dance style that is exhilarating and great fun for all ages.

• Beginning: Basic techniques of tap.
• Intermediate: Designed for students with solid knowledge of tap technique.
• Performance: Preparation for concert piece. Must be enrolled in Intermediate Tap and attend every class.
• Advanced Rhythmic Tap: This class will focus on the importance of rhythm and sound, and is designed for students with extensive tap experience.

Yoga

Offers a meditative approach to assist the body in stretching to its fullest potential.

• Beginning: Learn basic postures and posture flows.
• Intermediate: Continue learning posture flows in addition to inverted postures such as backbends, spinal twists, head stands. Blanket or mat needed.