"... and David danced before the Lord with all his might" 2 Samuel 6 : 14
"...and David danced before the Lord with all his might" 2 Samuel 6:14
PRE-BALLET / TAP
BALLET / POINTE
Basics of ballet technique are taught at the pre-school level in a fun and nurturing environment using imagery, creative movement, and props. As this is often the childʼs first structured activity away from home, games are employed to teach students how to listen and follow directions, take turns, make shapes and patterns, and build muscle memory. Emerging gross and fine motor skills are developed, and simple exercises on the tumbling mat are also a special treat.
Tap introduces the fundamentals of rhythm to our youngest students, along with initial concepts of spatial awareness, focus, cooperation, and teamwork. Repetition of familiar tunes begins to instill the word of God in our early learners, bringing fulfillment to Proverbs 22:6. “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” The season culminates in an in-studio presentation.
Classical ballet teaches principles of technique common to many styles of dance. Attention is given to proper body alignment, posture, coordination, balance, and class structure. Barre work is added as students enter the primary level, and correct terminology is stressed. It is recommended that students begin taking multiple ballet classes per week when approaching the intermediate level, as proficiency is refined and dancers improve muscle control, poise, carriage, fluidity, and grace. Disciplined students aspiring to the advanced level will face the challenges of petite allegro combinations with batterie, multiple pirouettes, and the ability to execute choreography quickly and with mature artistry.
* Pointe class is for the serious student with significant training and is at the discretion of the instructor. Appropriate physical development and technical competency is required.
* Ballet also provides an excellent foundation and movement vocabulary for adults participating on liturgical praise dance teams.
JAZZ
CONTEMPORARY
This fast paced, energetic class conditions and tones the body, encourages aerobic capacity and overall fitness, and is a favorite among students. Jazz is introduced at approximately 7 years of age. Elementary level instruction promotes isolation work, flexibility, and incorporation of directional changes. Intermediate level dancers are strengthened in their ability to interpret and express various music styles, while advanced students persevere through difficult leaps and turns, demonstrating an exemplary work ethic which inspires younger dancers to achieve their maximum potential. Ballet is a pre-requisite for all jazz classes.
Contemporary dance allows for freedom of expression to tell a story through movement and is appealing to students who are drawn to emotional interpretation of music. Rising intermediate through advanced level students are introduced to a wide range of modern dance techniques. While a strong ballet background will enhance contemporary movement, this style is often more natural and free-flowing, incorporating lines that are contrary to ballet, including off-center work, parallel lines, contraction and release, principles of fall and recovery, floor work, and improvisation. It often combines classical ballet with elements of modern and lyrical dance, making ballet a pre-requisite for all contemporary classes.
TAP
HIP HOP
Desiring to instill a love for the arts that will last a lifetime, imagination is sparked and confidence gained as studentsʼ feet seemingly become percussive instruments. Musicality, phrasing, and formation work of increased complexity are incorporated in the primary level, while intermediate and advanced tappers explore a variety of styles and are equipped to perform intricate combinations emphasizing shading and speed.
Set to upbeat Christian music, wholesome themes are communicated with uncompromised values in this exciting class. Intermediate and advanced level dancers are called upon to be extremely agile and have the opportunity to demonstrate the love of God in a culturally relevant genre. At the primary and elementary age, it is a perfect complement to the jazz curriculum, demanding mastery of distinctly minute movements.