Classes
Ballet Lower Division
Ages 3-4
Creative Movement: Students will be introduced to dance through the use of imagery, stories, and movement games. Exercises will focus on improving body awareness, coordination, memory, and listening skills. (Students who are ages 3 in September qualify for Creative Movement classes and they will stay until the end of the school year.)
Ages 4-6
Elementary Ballet 1: This class is for students ages 4-6 with less than a year of dance training. Emphasis will be placed on learning simple steps and body positions as well as music-listening skills. The class will help children begin to realize the connection between music and movement.
Elementary Ballet 2 : This class is for students ages 4-6 with at least one full year of dance training. Students will continue to work on exercises to improve coordination, balance, and posture. Some basic ballet vocabulary and positions will be introduced.
Elementary Ballet 3: This class is for students ages 4-6 with at least two full year of dance training. Students will continue to work on exercises to improve coordination, balance, and posture. Some basic ballet vocabulary and positions will be introduced.
Ballet Basics: This class is for students ages 6-8 with a little to non dance training. They meet once a week. Students will learn the basic ballet terms and get ready to take level Ballet 1.
Ballet Upper Division
Ages 6-7
Ballet 1/Beginner/Inter.: (2 classes per week) Students will practice basic ballet exercises to learn posture, body placement and coordination. We will explore new concepts as well as continue to improve their dance skills from previous classes.
Ages 7-8
Ballet 2/Beginner/Inter.: (2 classes per week) Students should have a minimum of 1-2 years of experience. Students ready for this class will enjoy learning more advanced ballet dance combinations to a variety of appropriate musical styles. The student will improve in strength, fluidity, extension, and musicality.
Ages 9+:
Ballet 3/Classical Ballet Technique: (Minimum of 2 ballet classes per week) This class is by permission of the instructor only. A minimum of 2 years of experience (taking multiple classes per week) is required. Students will establish a solid technique foundation to further develop their ability to perform classical ballet as well as other forms of dance. Students are encouraged to begin taking a Modern dance class (if they haven’t already done so) to supplement their training. Students may begin pre-pointe classes with the permission of the instructor.
Ages 11+
Ballet 4/Classical Ballet Technique: (Minimum of 2 ballet classes per week) This class is by permission of the instructor only. A minimum of 3 years experience (with multiple ballet classes per week) is required. The prepared student has a good understanding of ballet technique and will work on enhancing their skills towards advanced technique. Weekly pointe classes and a modern class are recommended to supplement technique classes.
Ages 14+
Ballet 5 & Adv.-Royal Ballet Technique: (Minimum of 2 ballet classes required, 4+ recommended): This class is by permission of the instructor only. A minimum of 6-7 years of experience required. Students will have greater body control, and a solid understanding of ballet movement. This class focuses on alignment in body positions, efficiency of technique, and clarity of movements.
Modern
Modern 1-3 : This class is designed for students age 7 and up. Students will study basic concepts from Modern dance and work to increase their strength, musicality, and movement quality. Students will enjoy a range of musical styles while learning and practicing Modern dance movements.
Modern 4 & up: Student’s readiness for this level will be determined by the instructor. Students will study concepts from Modern dance and work to increase their strength, musicality, and movement quality. Greater control and ability to dance as part of a group are highlights of the learning in this class.
Adult Ballet
Ages 18+
Adult Beginner Ballet: This class is intended for teens and adults who have not had any experience in ballet, or who have not taken classes in many years. Students will learn the fundamentals of ballet with an emphasis on posture and coordination. This class moves at the pace of its students.
Adult Intermediate Ballet: Emphasis is placed on dancers who have prior ballet experience and a desire to improve technical execution. This class will build from simple barre exercises to more complex phrasing with various tempos and rhythms while maintaining proper body alignment.
Hip Hop
Ages 7+
Introduction to Hip Hop: Harness all that toe-tapping energy and dance fever! Our introduction to Hip Hop class will teach beginner techniques and choreography while allowing students to express themselves through creative movement. Children spend a good part of class time refining their techniques to master some hip hop skill sets. Adding a unique twist to the program, dancers also spend part of each class working on complementary gymnastics and stunt skills in order to emphasize poise and balance.
Musical Theatre Dance
Ages 12+
Musical Theatre: This multi-level class is designed for ages 12 yrs to adults interested in elevating their performance skills. Students will have the opportunity to choreograph their own pieces and explore the rich history of the Broadway dance cannon. No prior experience necessary!
Character Dance
Elementary Level: Ages 9+
Ages 14+
Character Dance: Join our exciting new class: Character Dance, also known as "folk stage dance"! Immerse yourself in a fun and lively dance form that reflects various cultures through vibrant characters. This dance incorporates partner work and prop usage to create a truly theatrical experience! Unleash your creativity, tell unique stories, and transport audiences to far-off lands. Enroll now and unlock the secrets of Character Dance!
Ballroom Dancing For Fun
Our Ballroom Dancing for Fun class is Ballroom Dancing without the frills, entirely for fun. In this class, with Mr. Roman Mykyta. you'll learn Social foundational dance steps of the American Ballroom styles such as Foxtrot, Salsa, Tango, Swing, etc.
Belly Dancing Drills
Belly Dance Drills : This is an introduction to Classical Middle Eastern Dance. Students will learn fundamental steps and technique including shimmies, hip articulation and isolation. Cultural relevance and elements of folklore and Near Eastern
Classes offered through Howard County Recreation and Parks
Mommy & Me
Ages 2 - 4 & Parent
Bring your toddler and dance your heart away! In this class, both you and your toddler will exercise, sing, dance, and role play. Enjoy the rhythm while getting a firsthand look at what your little one learns in class. Watch as they gain confidence and appreciate music. You and your child should wear comfortable clothing and bare feet or socks.
***Registration starts on August 2, 2023
Beginner Princess Ballet
Dance with scarves to the music of your favorite princesses. This class combines basic ballet steps with the imagination of creative movement and helps young dancers establish basic skills in locomotion, imagination and music appreciation. Leotard, tights and leather ballet shoes (no satin slippers) required. Bring a reusable water bottle.