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Class Descriptions

PRE-SCHOOL

Ages 3 - 4

An introduction to dance that incorporates creative movement, rhythm and coordination, and the fundamentals of ballet and tap technique. Dancers are introduced to basic skills through imagination, exploration, and FUN! Dancers will also leave with a knowledge of basic terminology. This one hour combo class meets once a week and will perform two dances in the spring recital.

BALLET/TAP I

Ages 5 - 6

This class begins to lay the groundwork for ballet and tap technique that will prepare the dancer for their continuation of dance. Emphasizing proper posture and placement, the dancer will begin to piece movements together through a structured syllabus that is presented through fun activities. This one hour combo class meets once a week and will perform two dances in the spring recital.

BALLET/TAP/JAZZ II

Ages 7 -8

This class takes the skills learned from level one and progresses into a deeper understanding of proper technique. Students build upon skills at the barre, increase strength and conditioning through age appropriate stretches, and are introduced to the fundamentals of jazz. This 1.5 hour combo class meets once a week and will perform three dances in the spring recital.

BALLET III

Ages 9 - 11

This class has a continued emphases on the ballet technique and also introduces new skills to prepare the student for upper level classes. We highly recommend adding a ballet class if enrolling in jazz or musical theatre as ballet is the foundation of dance. This one hour class meets once a week and will perform one dance in the spring recital. *Two prior years of ballet is preferred, but not necessary.

BALLET IV-VI

Placed

Students are placed in the appropriate level depending on skill level. These advanced classes focus on intricate and complex barre exercises, center combinations, and across the floor progressions. Emphasis is placed on strength as a preparation for pointe. This one hour class meets once a week and will perform one dance in the spring recital.

POINTE IV-VI

Placed

These classes introduce pointe technique. Students must take at least two years of ballet and be evaluated by a teacher before joining a pointe class. This 30 minute class meets once a week and will perform one dance in the spring recital.

JAZZ/HIP HOP I

Ages 5 - 6

An introduction to jazz and hip hop. The basic skills of jazz are introduced through warm ups and stretching, work in the center, as well as combinations across the floor. Hip hop uses popular music to introduce this fun style of dance that focuses on rhythm and personality. Dancers have their time to shine as they incorporate their own freestyle movements. This one hour combo class meets once a week and will perform two dances in the spring recital.

JAZZ III

Ages 9 - 11

In this class, the jazz syllabus continues on from level two with fundamental skills, solid jazz technique, and a strong awareness of the dancer’s body and how it moves and creates shapes. Through center exercises and progressions across the floor, dancers are challenged with advanced steps and choreography. This one hour class meets once a week and will perform one dance in the spring recital.

JAZZ IV-VI

Placed

Students are placed in the appropriate level depending on skill level. These advanced classes focus on intricate and complex strength exercises, center combinations, and across the floor progressions. This one hour class meets once a week and will perform one dance in the spring recital.

HIP HOP II

Ages 7 - 9

This class focuses on hip hop styles and technique. Perfect for the energetic student, this class challenges the dancer to find his or her own individual style through both freestyle movement and hip hop choreography. This one hour class meets once a week and will perform one dance in the spring recital.

HIP HOP III-V

Ages 10 and Up

This class takes the skills from level two and incorporates more complicated choreography. It emphasizes both rhythm and musicality, as well as individualism and personality. This one hour class meets once a week and will perform one dance in the spring recital.

MUSICAL THEATRE I

Ages 5 - 6

An introduction of jazz technique as well as the style and history of the American Broadway musical. Dancers learn the fundamentals of dance, and learn choreography from a different Broadway show each week. Not only do they gain a knowledge of musical theatre, they learn to pick up choreography quickly. Dancers are challenged to act while dancing and express a range of emotions through their faces, bodies, and sometimes even their voices! This one hour class meets once a week and will perform one dance in the spring recital.

MUSICAL THEATRE II

Ages 7 - 8

The curriculum expands from level one as dancers work on more advanced turns, across the floor combinations, and Broadway choreography. They are introduced to a deeper understanding of the craft as well as a richer history of the musicals they study each week. This one hour class meets once a week and will perform one dance in the spring recital.

MUSICAL THEATRE III

Ages 9 - 11

With an emphasis on proper jazz and ballet technique, this class challenges the dancer with more varying styles of dance through a deep exploration of the American Broadway musical. This class expands on the skills learned in lower levels and is a great companion class to Ballet III. This one hour class meets once a week and will perform one dance in the spring recital.

ACRO

Placed

This class focuses on flexibility, strength, and muscle control as it combines classical dance technique with precision acrobatic elements. This 30 minute class meets once a week and will not perform in the spring recital. 

LYRICAL V-VI

Placed

Students are placed in the appropriate level depending on skill level. These advanced classes are a fusion of ballet and modern technique. This class challenges the dancer to interpret the music through dance and connect with the music and/or lyrics as a form of expression.  This 45 minute class meets once a week and will perform one dance in the spring recital.

LEAPS & TURNS III-IV

Ages 9 - 12

This class focuses on the leaps and turns found in ballet and jazz classes which are incorporated into almost every piece of choreography in dance. Emphasis on strength, safety, and proper technique. An excellent class for dancers wanting to dance on their school drill teams, and an excellent companion to a ballet class. This 45 minute class meets once a week and will not perform in the spring recital.

LEAPS & TURNS V-VI

Placed

Students are placed in the appropriate level depending on skill level. These advanced classes focus on the leaps and turns found in ballet and jazz classes which are incorporated into almost every piece of choreography in dance. Emphasis on strength, safety, and proper technique. This 45 minute class meets once a week and will not perform in the spring recital.

OUR TESTIMONIALS

Classes at Backstage are exciting and engaging, even for the littlest of dancers! I love that Backstage Dance Studio is all about creating relationships. The love the teachers have for each dancer and for teaching is evident, and in turn, even the littlest of dancers have big dreams! 

—  Amanda K. 

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