DESCRIPTION OF CLASSES

CLASSICAL BALLET…  is the foundation of all dance; for this reason, we stress its importance. Our classes are taught in the true European tradition, but in a RELAXED ATMOSPHERE. They include correct placement, French terminology, barre and center work with floor combinations and variations. Traditional and Lyrical styles are presented. 

POINTE… After sufficient ballet study and proper muscle development, students age 11 and over may be eligible to dance “en pointe"  (dancing on the toes in blocked satin slippers). This class is offered to the serious student only, as a compliment to the regular Ballet class she is already attending.

JAZZ… Conceived here in the U.S. but established by varied techniques borrowed from all over the world, influenced by the musical styles of each decade. It allows a wide freedom of expression.  The class provides a progressive system of exercises for physical toning, strengthening, isolations and placement.  Included are terminology, barre and/or center floor warm-up, floor and corner progressions, turns, jumps and routines.  Various styles such as Modern, Funk, Blues, Lyrical, and Commercial styles may be explored.

TAP…A fun form of dance wherein rhythmic sounds are created by the feet. Important to the all-round dancer it is an excellent means of increasing coordination of the mind and body. Tap also develops a sense of rhythm and timing which is essential to the development of every style of dance. This lively class includes terminology, exercises to warm and strengthen the ankles, floor combinations stressing precision and counting, and routines.

HIP- HOP…This high-energy fun, funky class is the style seen in many TV music videos. A dance style originating in the 80’s, when street dancers challenged one another to dance-offs. Combinations are rhythmic and lively, with choreographic challenge.  Hip-Hop is set to a strong, contemporary beat, builds stamina, emphasizes body isolations, attitude, co-ordination, free-style movement, and rhythm.

_______________________________________________________

STRETCH & FLEX classes are held on Saturdays.

_______________________________________________________

TURNS & LEAPS classes are held on Saturdays.

_______________________________________________________

ACRO / DANCE TRICKS …a class to compliment Jazz study…basic exercises and acrobatic moves including jumps, flips, tucks, tumbles, strengthening and stretching, and are all incorporated into Jazz combinations.  Students learn correct terminology.  Techniques for proper execution, and safety are stressed.

COMBINATION CLASSES… Ballet/Tap and Tap/Jazz are designed for younger students only, in an effort to perk and maintain their interest, while exposing them to several styles of the performing art, thus providing them with a well-rounded dance education.

MOST CLASSES ARE APPROXIMATELY 45 MIN - 1 HOUR EACH

{exceptions: Pointe ½ hr;  Musical Theatre 1 ½ hrs}

CLASS CANCELLATIONS: In the event of a missed lesson due to cancellation, any class on the regular schedule can be used as a MAKE-UP class, during the same month. If Port Charlotte Public Schools are closed due to storm warnings, holidays or vacation, we are also closed.

DANCE ATTIRE: Students are expected to dress properly to participate.  A black leotard is correct attire for all classes from TINY TOTS through LEVEL III. Advanced students may wear color of their choice of leotard with appropriate tights. Tights: Light pink for all ballet or ballet combo classes, Suntan for all Tap & Jazz classes Shoes: Pink slippers for ballet classes Tan jazz shoes Black tap shoes for students 3 through Beginners. Tan tap shoes for all older dancers in intermediate and advanced levels. Ballet class attire should reflect respect for dance tradition.  Hair should be tied back from face and secured neatly to head.

Dancers must always be appropriately covered up when outside of the studio.  Only "Official Workshop        T-shirts" are allowed over leotards, and only in Tap & Jazz classes.  (This is an optional part of our school uniform.)    Workshop & Company "Adidas" Membership Jackets and/or Warm-Up Suits are available to any student.  Orders are taken several times each season