Music & Movement This fun, 30-minute class introduces children to the basics of movement and music. Children will learn about following directions, staying with the beat of the music, and exploring their creativity. Their foundation of dance begins here!
Ages 3 & up (must be fully potty trained & 3 years old by October 1st)
Creative Dance & Tumbling Creative Dance & Tumbling is a great beginning and introduction to dance and tumbling. This class explores the basics of ballet & movement such as skipping, galloping and other locomotive movements through imagination and creativity. Exercises for stretch and strength as well as beginning tumbling are included. Steady beat and musicality are emphasized while dancers learn and grow in a nurturing environment each week.
Ages 4-6 years old
no previous dance experience required
often a two year level depending on age, grade, and progression
Pre-Ballet & Tumbling Pre-Ballet & Tumbling builds on the foundation taught in Creative Dance & Tumbling and includes a heavier emphasis on ballet. Dancers will begin learning ballet terminology and basic technique. Self-expression and fun are key components, though attention and ability to follow directions is expected. Students in these classes are also able to remember a slightly more complex combination of movements. Dancers will continue tumbling and work on cartwheels, somersaults, and more.
Kindergarten & 1st grade
recommended for Kindergarteners if they've had previous dance experience
Primary Ballet I-III Ballet & Movement levels I-III focus on beginning ballet steps, technique, proper placement, and posture. Dancers who attend regularly will see great improvement each year and build their repertoire of ballet steps. Classes also include folk dancing, tumbling, general creative movement work, ballet barre warm up, and an introduction to ballet stories. Depending on grade level, some dancers are also eligible to take tap, hip hop, modern, and musical theater.
Ballet I
1st grade & up; previous dance or movement experience recommended
Classical Ballet IV & V These beginning intermediate ballet classes will follow a progressive program from Elementary through middle school. Dancers will continue improving on technique, vocabulary, and more. They will not only learn a dance, but will learn how to dance through barre work, adagio, jumps, turns, and more. Dancers will begin learning spelling of basic ballet steps and growing on longer combinations. Dancers in ballet IV & V are encouraged to take another style of dance as well. We pride our students on being well-rounded dancers. Great options for this age include modern, musical theater & jazz, tap, & hip hop.
Intermediate Ballet VI & VII These intermediate ballet classes will follow a progressive program from middle school through high school and beyond. Students are placed by ability (not age or grade) to provide the best learning situation and opportunity for success. Once dancers reach this level of dance, they typically remain in the same level for a minimum of 2 years. Dancers learn technique and variations through barre work, adagio, petite allegro, grand allegro, pirouettes, and more.
Ballet VI
6th grade and up with teacher recommendation only
2 year level for most
recommended to take at least 2 ballet class each week to keep up at this level
Ballet VII
7th grade and up with teacher recommendation only
2-3 year level for most
2 ballet classes required each week to keep up at this level
Advanced Ballet VIII & IX Advanced ballet classes begin in high school and will prepare the dancer for whatever dance journey they seek beyond the high school years. Students are placed by ability (not age or grade) to provide the best learning situation and opportunity for success. Dancers enhance their technique and begin focusing on the details and placement to carry their skills. Classes will include variations through barre work, adagio, petite allegro, grand allegro, pirouettes, and more. Pointe will be included in most of these classes, as options, for dancers at this level.
Ballet VIII
9th grade and up with teacher recommendation only
2 year level for most
2 ballet classes required each week to keep up at this level; 3 classes recommended
90 minute ballet classes (except when followed by exclusive pointe class)
ballet barre on pointe optional
Ballet IX
10th grade and up with teacher recommendation only
3 ballet classes required each week to keep up at this level
full class on pointe optional
90 minute ballet classes (except when followed by exclusive pointe class)
full ballet class on pointe optional
Pointe (ALL LEVELS MUST HAVE TEACHER RECOMMENDATION) Pointe students are typically aged 12 & up, must take at least 2 VDS ballet classes per week for strength, and must be recommended by the teacher. Pointe is the part of classical ballet technique in which a dancer supports all body weight on the tips of full extended feet within pointe shoes. Ankle strength, strong core muscles, and maintaining turn out are key components for pointe. Dancers are assessed on individual levels for advancement.
Pointe I
beginning pointe students; 12 & up
Pointe II
pointe students with 1-2 years of previous experience
Pointe III
intermediate pointe students with 2-4 years of previous experience
may also take ballet barre on pointe during the week, except for the ballet class right before this individual pointe class.
Pointe IV
advanced pointe students with 4+ years of previous experience
may also take full ballet class on pointe during the week, except for the ballet class right before this individual pointe class.
Tap, Musical Theater & Jazz, Hip Hop, Modern, & more
Tap (1st gr & up) Tap dance is created by using the sounds of tap shoes striking the floor as a form of percussion. Tap is a fun, immediately satisfying, expression of dance through the use of feet to make fast, repetitive movements that compose the sounds and rhythms. Dancers in beginning levels will become familiar with rhythms and basic tap steps such as shuffle, flap, toe-heel, and more. The basic steps are foundational for tap and you’ll notice that dancers may not progress to the next level until they have mastered the basic skills. Through continuous training, dancers will see the many intricacies of tap dance and learn more steps such as pull-backs, wings, and more. Tap has been passed down through generations and no two teachers will ever teach tap the exact same, making it a truly unique form of dance.
Tap I
1st grade & up; no previous experience required
Tap II
2nd grade & up; previous tap experience required
Tap III
3rd grade & up; previous tap experience required
Tap IV
4th grade & up; previous tap experience required
2 year level for most
Tap V/VI
6th grade & up; teacher recommendation required
2 year level for most
Tap VII
8th grade & up; teacher recommendation required
2 year level for most
Tap VIII
10th grade & up; teacher recommendation required
Musical Theater & Jazz (2nd gr & up) Jazz dance features sharp yet fluid motions, improvisation, combining African & European dance styles. Jazz is an expressive form of dance with a variety of styles, steps, and footwork, each with a unique flare and technique. Musical Theater I-III will expand dancers knowledge in basic jazz steps often seen in theater, musicals, show choir, and more. Dancers will gain confidence in their movement and further their stage presence. Jazz IV-VIII dive further into technique and picking up choreography quickly. Variety of jazz styles will be taught to help dancers be well-rounded while developing their own style. The Teen Musical Theater & Show choir prep class will help the beginning/intermediate teen, who has minimal previous dance experience, gain confidence and exposure to dance, along with preparation for theater & show choir auditions. Most musical theater & jazz classes are a 2 year level for most.
Musical Thtr & Jazz I
2nd grade & up; no previous experience required
Musical Thtr & Jazz II
4th grade & up; must have previous dance experience; any style
Musical Thtr & Jazz III
6th grade & up; must have previous jazz experience
Jazz IV/V
7th grade & up; must have 2-3 years + of previous jazz experience
Jazz VI
2 year level for most
8th grade & up; teacher recommendation only
Jazz VII
2 year level for most
9th grade & up; teacher recommendation only
Jazz VIII
2 year level for most
9th grade & up; teacher recommendation only
Teen Musical Thtr & Showchoir Prep
7th-11th grade; no previous experience required
Hip Hop (3rd gr & up) Hip Hop dance is a range of street dance styles performed to age-appropriate hip hop or pop music. Dancers will work on complex footwork, high energy movements, breakdancing, funk, locking and popping, and much more. As dancers progress into higher levels they will refine the technique, begin more difficult movements, and learn about hip hop crews from our around the country.
Hip Hop I/II
3rd grade & up; no previous dance experience required
2 year level for most
Hip Hop III
5th grade & up; must have previous dance experience, preferably jazz or hip hop
Hip Hop IV/V
6th grade & up; previous hip hop experience required
Hip Hop VI/VII
8th grade & up; teacher recommendation
Hip Hop VIII
9th grade & up; teacher recommendation
Modern (3rd gr & up) Modern dance focuses on expression and features more floor work and movement beginning through the core. Instead of more traditional ballet positions. and focuses on body, action, space, time, and energy. Modern I/II will focus on the beginning elements and foundation of movements, including spatial & body awareness. As dancers progress in each level they will continue building on the skills learned and finding new challenges. Partnering work will begin in the upper levels as dancers understand how their bodies move in relationship to others.
Modern I/II
3rd grade & up; no previous dance experience required, but some ballet or jazz is helpful
6th grade & up; previous modern dance experience required
2 year level for most
Modern VI/VII
8th grade & up; teacher recommendation
2 year level for most
Modern VIII
10th grade & up; teacher recommendation
New Dancer Remix (3rd-6th gr) This is the perfect class for someone who has never taken a formal dance class before, but is interested in getting started in something other than ballet. The class will introduce basics for hip hop, musical theater/jazz, and modern. This class is NOT recommended for those who have taken ballet regularly as the level 1 of the individual styles would be more appropriate since you have had consistent dance training.
Int Teen & Adult Ballet This class is geared towards teens and adults who have previous dance experience, but want to catch up to their peers, or jump back in after taking some time off from dance. The class will be structured depending on who signs up and can be tailored towards each person's individual goals. During the 60-minute class dancers will be introduced to and expand on terminology and technique, while also providing a relaxed, non-judgemental environment for any ability.
Fitness Class Offerings
Adult Ballet & Stretch This class is geared towards adults who have an interest in ballet & improving their strength. Dancers can wear anything they are comfortable in, but ballet shoes are recommended. The class will be structured depending on who signs up and can be tailored towards each person's invdividual goals. During the 60-minute class dancers will enjoy a 30 minute barre, 15 minute stretch time, and 15 minutes in the center/across the floor. This class provides a relaxed, non-judgemental environment for any ability. Pricing is structured at the drop-in rate of $70 for 10 punch pass or $10/class.
Tap Fitness (Teens & Adults) This class is geared towards adults & teens who want to work up a sweat and tap their toes! Think zumba and tap with technique included. This is a great class for all ages and abilities. Pricing is structured at the drop-in rate of $70 for 10 punch pass or $10/class.