classes
Below are the standard classes that have been an integral part of Attitudes Dance for the past several years. If you have any questions on these courses, please select contact from the navigation section to the left and send us an e-mail or give us a call. v v v

The traditional technique of classical ballet has developed over centuries and constitutes an academic craft and style that serve both as a basis for the logical physical training of a dancer, and as a medium of expression and vocabulary. The classic style, supported by its academic technique, depends upon rigid criteria and discipline. The terminology employed in classical ballet comprises a body of terms that represent definite positions, steps, and movements. It is this “language” that permits the transmission of ideas in dance terms, from the simplest combination of practice exercises to the complicated variations of these movements in extended sequences that make up what we call “ballet.”

The importance of technique is first stressed in the BEGINNING BALLET/TAP level. It continues through levels I, II, III, IV, and V. LEVEL I consists of basic technique and short combinations. LEVEL II uses the basic ballet technique in longer combinations. A series of more difficult terminology and movements is taught in LEVEL III. Dancers must perfect basic ballet technique before entering LEVELS IV and V. Teacher approval is required for these levels. Students interested in participating in Ballet IV or V must pass a written and practical exam administered by Miss Aimee and Miss Dawn. LEVEL IV provides an advanced introduction to classical ballet. LEVEL V is the most advanced class offered in ballet. It requires a demanding amount of skill, technique, discipline, dedication, and ability. Ballet is also offered for adults in a beginning level.

This class is offered only to LEVEL IV and V Ballet students. While it is offered as a separate class in the summer, Variations is studied in advanced ballet classes throughout the year. Students will learn selections from famous classical ballets such as: the Fairy Variations and Rose Adagio from The Sleeping Beauty, Variations from Swan Lake including The Dance of the Cygnets, the Nutcracker Variations in Act II, The Mad Scene and Myrtha and the Wilis from Giselle, Variations from Stars and Stripes by George Balanchine, The Kingdom of Shades from La Bayadere, and Kitri’s Dance in Don Quixote to name a few. Students with professional aspirations will find this class especially beneficial as these works are part of the repetoire of all major ballet companies.

This essential art form is taught within the ballet classes of LEVEL IV and V. It is most important that thoughts and feelings should be expressed within the dancing itself. Fortunately, this has become the accepted intention of present day choreographers. However, there remains a place for traditional gesture as well. In ballet classics it can be shown to have dramatic beauty. A basic vocabulary of mime will be taught as it appears in many of the traditional ballets.

The very stylized and energetic form of dance known as jazz provides a personal and creative means of expression. Jazz movements are fast and intricate and tend to reflect the multiple rhythms of jazz music. Jazz is often associated with musicals and is used to express contemporary themes. The combination of technique and spontaneity that jazz offers aids in strengthening the body, increasing speed and improving coordination.

Basic jazz technique is introduced in the JAZZ/TAP I class. Training continues through levels II, III, IV, and V. LEVEL II combines basic jazz technique, rhythm and style. LEVEL III is an intermediate course consisting of added technique and style at a faster pace. LEVEL IV requires teacher approval as it introduces advanced jazz training. LEVEL V is the top advanced class offered in jazz. It also requires teacher approval. LEVEL V utilizes previously acquired technique, introduces more difficulty, and helps each student develop a personal sense of style. Jazz is also offered for adults in a beginning level.

There are very few individuals who can resist tapping the foot, clapping the hands, or keeping time in some manner to a rhythmic melody. Tap dancing is one of the only forms of dance where one is following the exact beat of the music, and where one can definitely develop a sense of timing. The quick footwork acquired through tap dancing enhances balance, coordination, and control.

Ideally, tap should be introduced to a dancer by the age of 6 or older. Therefore, it is offered first in the BEGINNING BALLET/TAP class. LEVEL I provides basic tap technique. INTERMEDIATE TAP is combined of students age 9-13. This course adds speed and repetition to the basics and also introduces advanced technique. ADVANCED TAP is for top level students who want to perfect their technique and be continuously challenged in speed and difficulty.

To define modern dance is not easy. It has no cloistered history, and its roots lie in many directions: individual expression, revolt against the establishment, a reaction to the formality of classical ballet. It has become an American art, a fierce sense of independence, and a very considerable ethnic mix. At its simplest it could be said to consist of heightened natural movements expressing a strong theme of significance. The modern dance scene is one of constant change, grouping and regrouping, inevitable in view of its intensively personal nature. It is an excellent means of self-discipline and self-discovery. Modern is also essential to dancer’s education in that it provides a broad concept of rhythm, interpretation, expression, and full-body movement.

Modern is available for LEVEL III, IV, & V students. Class focus includes the techniques of several legendary artists including Graham, Lamone, Horton, and Ailey.

4 week session – Beginning class for Waltz, East Coast Swing, Fox Trot, and ChaCha. Other specific dances may be requested and will be decided on as a class. No partner is necessary. Advanced classes may be available upon request.

This class is a combination of classic and stylized jazz. Various selections of professional pieces will be studied and taught in this high-energy class. Study the Savoy Strut of the 1940’s or the Vaudeville Charleston of the 1920’s. Learn variations from Broadway classics like Cats, A Chorus Line, 42nd Street and more. Learn the various looks and techniques for American show dance by studying works of choreographers Jack Cole, Gwen Verdon, Bob Fosse, Jerome Robbins and many others. Develop your knowledge, skill, discipline, enthusiasm, stamina, and body strength in the comedic movement program of Theater Dance.

Theatre Dance is offered for LEVEL IV and V advanced students who have developed a sense of confidence and portrayal of style and personality. Only mature students should attend.

Lyrical is a form of dance that focuses on a dancer’s ability to communicate with others through gesture and expression. Along with the contributions ballet, jazz and modern have made to lyrical dance, a large part of its origin was derived from stage acting. Facial expression, posture, and body position are essential to the mood portrayal. Lyrical dance can be happy and it can be sad. It can be desperate and lonely or simply inspired by the beauty around it. While lyrical does involve technique, it has no basic structure. Its limits lie only within the human heart and its emotions. Through this class students will gain a deeper understanding of the marriage between musicality, fluidity, technique and transition.

This class is open to LEVEL IV and V students.

To dance on pointe (on tiptoe), students must already have good technique in classical ballet. Their ankles and feet have to be strong enough to prevent injury and support the body’s full weight. Dancing on pointe is for advanced ballet students only. Teacher approval is required. Dancers must be at least 11 years of age to begin pointe training. BEGINNING POINTE is an introduction to classic pointe technique and is performed at the barre. INTERMEDIATE POINTE involves the process of perfecting barre technique and advancing to the center. ADVANCED POINTE continues training of the essential principles of pointe while increasing the difficulty of movement and the student’s endurance.

Pas de Deux is a class for the male and female dancer working in partnership. Literally the words mean “step for two.” Learning to dance a pas de deux takes a great deal of rehearsing together. The two dancers must move in harmony, coordinating their movements and complimenting each other perfectly. They must have complete trust in each other, and the male dancer must be strong and confident enough to lift his partner easily and carefully.

This class will be offered to LEVEL IV and V advanced Pointe and Ballet students. Students are responsible for finding their own partners. When selecting a partner, make sure the male is at least 6 inches taller than the female. This class is offered at BEGINNING, INTERMEDIATE, and ADVANCED levels.

This class, offered only for LEVEL IV and V dancers, is Russian-based and follows a ballet class format. Traditional folk dances of the world will be taught in this highly advanced class. Very few dance institutions offer this style yet all professional ballet companies include it in their repetoire, so it would be extremely beneficial for aspiring professionals to take.

Hip Hop or funk dancing basically originated in the early 80’s, thanks to pop music and MTV. It has continued to grow in practice and popularity throughout the 90’s. This form of dance is constantly changing in accordance with the wide variety of current music. It could be considered a “hip” combination of street jazz, modern, and tribal styles. Hip Hop movement accentuates the rhythm and beat of pop music and adds to it an unstructured free-style groove. This fun and very energetic form of dance is seen in almost every high school and college dance team.

Hip Hop is offered in four levels. LEVEL I introduces the basics and helps teach young dancers, ages 7-9, how to loosen dance movement. LEVEL II offers combinations utilizing the basics as well as more challenging moves for ages 10-12. LEVEL III is for more advanced students and provides a high difficulty level for students age 13-14. LEVEL IV is the most advanced class offered and teaches students 15 and up the latest and hottest Hip Hop and Street Funk. This class also accommodates older students just beginning dance.

These three systems of therapeutic exercises promote health and healing by increasing and circulating your body’s vital energy. They emphasize: Relaxation of the body, balance and coordination, correct body alignment, awareness and concentration and use slow continuous movements combined with deep breathing. They also promote strength, flexibility and stress relief.