Creative Movement​

- Toddler

(ages 2 yrs)

This class is an excellent introduction to the world of dance. A parent/guardian is invited to participate in the class to help students become comfortable with the dance studio. The instructor uses a variety of songs, rhymes, and physical exercises to build the child’s coordination and motor skills while encouraging their imagination. The songs and exercises are presented through creative play as this is a proven way that children learn best. The instructor will also work with the parent/guardian to help prepare students to enter the dance space on their own. Each child is different, though, so there is never any pressure for them to do the class without the parent/guardian present.

Our Toddler class does not participate in the year-end Recital/Performance.

- Pre-School 1 & 2

(ages 3-4 yrs)

These classes focus on developing the dancer’s musicality and coordination through creative play, songs, action rhymes and storytelling. The work done in this class helps develop fine-motor and locomotor skills, coordination, and spatial awareness. The program is also used to build a base for future dance classes. The classes are structured around a specific theme - we usually go on a "trip" somewhere (i.e. - to the zoo, beach, etc.), and most of the exercises relate to that theme. While we do sometimes offer a combined Pre-school 1 and 2 class, we generally keep them separate because teachers do follow specific lesson plan developed for each level.

Students have the option to participate in our year-end Recital. 

Ballet Foundation

(ages 5 & up)

These classes focus on building a foundation in classical ballet. Teachers follow a specific syllabus that Artistic Director Jannine Saarinen has developed over the years to help teach students basic technique. As in our Creative Movement classes, the exercises continue to use creative play as a method to help children learn. The dancers are also gradually introduced to a more traditional ballet class format.

Students have the option to participate in our year-end Recital. 

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Ballet Program – SCBVM – The Society of Classical Ballet (Vaganova Method):

* Ballet Exams are available for SRB classes, but are not mandatory

(ages 7 & up)

These classes focus on teaching classical ballet technique using the SCBVM syllabus. Teachers also supplement this with material from the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and Cecchetti methods to ensure students are strong and versatile. Ballet is a serious art form; however, it is important to us that we are also encouraging each student’s creativity and love of movement.

Students have the option to participate in our year-end Recital. If they decide to take part in the performance, a costume payment would be required prior to Dec. 15th, 2022.

Ballet examinations are available to students who wish to participate but are not mandatory. To be considered for examinations, students must enroll in a session of extra exam classes prior to the exams to ensure that they are sufficiently prepared. The number of extra classes in the session depends on the level. Students in Level 5 ballet and up must be enrolled in two ballet classes per week for the entire season to be considered for examinations.

Pointe

(by audition only) 

Dancers in Level 5 and up who decide that they wish to train more seriously in ballet may be allowed to take Pointe class. This is where a dancer performs many of their movements on the tips of the toes while wearing hard-toed pointe shoes. Pointe is very demanding and can cause serious injuries to students who begin pointe before they are ready. Due to this, dancers must be approved by their teacher, or the Artistic Director, prior to joining this class and getting their pointe shoes. Some factors in deciding when pointe shoes are appropriate include foot strength and flexibility, core and leg strength, as well as a sufficient understanding of ballet technique in general. If a student is not ready for pointe but wishes to take this class to help build-up their strength, they may be allowed to enroll with the understanding that they work on demi-pointe in their regular ballet slippers.

Modern/Contemporary 

(ages 9 & up)

This class combines Modern and Contemporary dance. Modern dance is a theatrical dance form that is less formal than classical ballet and more abstract than many other styles. It focuses on using the body as an expressive instrument, as well as creating patterns by moving through space. Teachers use elements from both the Graham and Limon methods. Contemporary dance incorporates elements from many dance forms, along with the teacher’s individual style of movement. It focuses on moving in new and exciting ways while developing each dancer’s individual voice.

Students have the option to participate in our year-end Recital. 

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Musical Theatre 

(ages 5 & up)

This class combines music, song, dance, and dialogue. Students learn acting skills and develop their vocal abilities in combination with dance. Throughout the year, dancers will learn routines to various songs from Musicals such as Annie, Mary Poppins, Beauty and the Beast and more.

Students have the option to participate in our year-end Recital.