Studio Curriculum

Navigation
Class Descriptions Intermediate and Advanced Techniques Competition and Performance Opportunities Advanced Teen Competition Team Class Levels and Placement

Class Descriptions

Terrific Twos (ages 2-1/2 - 3-1/2)
3/4 hour class ~ Monday morning
Students are introduced to the basics of movement with exercises designed to improve motor skills, develop rhythmic abilities and increase flexibility. Participants learn to listen and take direction while having fun with songs, balls and introductory dance moves.

Pre-School Tiny Tots I & II (ages 3 - 5)
3/4 hour class ~ Weekdays & Saturdays
Children have fun and develop self-esteem with the basics of song and dance in these combination tap, pre-ballet and pre-jazz classes. Classes are designed to improve coordination, increase muscle tone and develop a sense of teamwork.

Kinderdance I & II (ages 4-1/2 - 6)
3/4 hour class ~ Weekdays & Saturdays
In this more advanced version of our introductory combination classes children strengthen movement skills while increasing their dance vocabulary and developing a better understanding of individual dance forms.

Danceworks (ages 6 - 8)
3/4 hour class ~ Weekdays & Saturdays
Dance movements increase in difficulty and teamwork is emphasized as the dancer's attention span and strength and coordination continue to develop.

Tap/Jazz Combination Classes (ages 7 - 10)
1 hour class ~ Weekdays & Saturdays
(Beginner thru Intermediate I) This high energy class combines the development of strong tap skills with the fun of jazz danced to popular music.

Intermediate and Advanced Techniques

As the dancer develops in strength and maturity it is important to design a program that highlights a student's interests and needs. Many dancers choose multiple weekly classes in individual techniques. Teachers strive to combine challenging technique with a sense of fun and personal achievement. Dancers may select from the following dance forms.

Ballet - Formal instruction in classical ballet developing technique at the barre and center floor. This is a far more disciplined form of dance and recommended basically for children at least 7 years old with prior dance experience.

Tap - Intermediate and advanced tap classes explore intricate rhythms, develop a strong tap vocabulary, and strengthen performance skills. Students study various styles - from the techniques of the 1940s to the funky moves of today.

Pointe - For qualified students who have had sufficient experience in classical ballet and have developed the strength and technique required to include pointe work in their weekly ballet training. Students must be enrolled in a minimum of 2 weekly ballet classes.

Jazz - A creative dance technique set to a wide range of contemporary music. Dancers develop strength with body isolation, jumps, leaps, turns and explore a wide variety of jazz styles.

Lyric - Incorporates the techniques of jazz and ballet to result in an expressive dance form that "tells a story" or relates "a feeling". Lyric dance is incorporated into the weekly technique of all intermediate and advanced level jazz classes.

Hip Hop - Full energy dance form using the latest music and strong funky movements. Learn the latest "street dance" moves.

Modern - An innovative and creative dance technique that explores inventive movements, techniques of improvisation and the tools of creative choreography. Appropriate for students with a strong background in ballet and jazz.

Competition and Performance Opportunities

Students interested in dance competition and local performances need to develop a well-rounded program, which includes tap, ballet and jazz. The technique of each dance form overlaps to develop a well-rounded performer. Therefore, we encourage serious dancers to register for weekly classes in tap, ballet and jazz. Advanced dancers should register for multiple weekly classes in the individual dance forms and may be interested in the teacher training program where they can develop teaching skills by working as class assistants.

Advanced Teen Competition Team

This is a new team designed for teens who are interested in performance and specialty choreography - a minimum of three weekly classes are required. Dancers are required to take - Ballet / Lyric, Jazz / Hip Hop, and Tap. Dancers will perform in two regional competitions (Worcester area) and may be invited to participate in specialty choreography (small group, trios, etc.). Weekly attendance, strong technique, and good team work are mandatory.

Class Levels and Placement

Students are placed according to age, coordination, previous experience, musicality, natural ability, physical endurance, and maturity in accepting correction and constructive criticism. Classes frequently advance as a unit; however, students master the skills of dance technique at an individual rate. Some students need more drilling in the basics before advancing to the next level. This does not mean that their overall ability and talent is any less significant. Dance levels are not the same as grade levels and a student may spend more than one year at a level before advancing to the next. Students dancing above their class level may be invited to move up to the next level based on teacher evaluation.

Studio Objective
Our objective is to stimulate the mind, exercise the body and develop a creative and encouraging atmosphere so that each child can realize their highest potential in the art of dance.