Dance Classes

Creative Dance and Movement

~Blending the magic of childhood imagination

with movement and dance~

Your Subtitle text

Studio Classes (831) 210 - 6823

Below you will find descriptions of our current classes for toddlers through teens, including one-of-a-kind classes like Movement Stories for Homeschoolers and other innovative dance arts classes.

Creative Movement ~ 2 1/2 to 4

Usually a child’s introduction to dance, this is an exciting fun filled program blending the magic of childhood imagination with movement and the underlying principles of dance. With the imagination fully engaged, the beginning dancer is introduced to ballet-based dance fundamentals. Children work on self-discipline, body control, listening skills, coordination, and left/right discrimination.

While being a structured program, we strive to validate each child’s personality and personal style of movement, and to encourage freedom of expression. Our goal at this and every age is to provide quality dance instruction while enhancing each young dancer’s enthusiasm for dance and increasing their self-confidence. This is a safe and nurturing environment for the young 2 1/2 to 4 year old child, where child-friendly music is always used. This is a 45 minute class.

Creative Movement ~ 4 to 6 and 5 to 7

As a first-time dance experience, or for students who have participated in a dance class, boys and girls alike go home excitedly talking about the fun they had in Creative Movement ~ 4 to 6 and 5 to 7. Dance games, stories and props are used to elicit movement and to encourage students to find their own “dance voice.” Imagine fairies, princesses, tigers, horses, and kitty-cats, knights in shining armor and super heroes!

Focused on furthering the development of locomotor skills (skipping, leaping, galloping, jumping, etc.), and introducing ballet-based dance fundamentals, this class is perfect for the young mover. Students begin learning stage direction; the elements of dance, such as space and level; they practice self-control as they follow directions; taking turns; and following and being the leader. This is a 45 minute class.

Creative Movement/Tap ~ 5 to 7

Blending Tap with Creative Movement is a terrific way to introduce children to an American dance tradition. As a first-time dance experience, or for students who have already participated in Creative Movement but are eager to branch out, Creative Movement/Tap provides a wonderful learning opportunity. As with our other Creative Movement classes, students further develop their locomotor skills, body awareness, and control, and knowledge of the elements of dance.

In addition, students are introduced to the wonderful world of Tap. Balance and coordination are the primary skills developed in any Tap class. Students learn basic tap steps and simple combinations as they begin learning to count the beats of a musical measure, becoming more aware of the connection between dance movement and music. This is a 45 minute class.

Creative Dance ~ 8 and up

Creative Dance classes focus on natural movement, as well as the principals of modern dance technique. In this class, there is an emphasis on beginning center floor technique exercises and movement phrases that improve core strength, agility, and performance skills, allowing the dancer to move through space with technique and the freedom of their own natural abilities.

Imagery, music, props, and literary forms are used to explore the joy of dance. Students also learn how to create their own unique choreography. This class provides an opportunity for girls and boys to develop motor skills, technique, musicality, body awareness, concentration and focus, and to express their feelings and ideas. This is a one-hour class.

Tap Juniors ~ 5 to 7

This wonderful Beginning Tap class is designed for students who have completed Creative Movement/Tap and are interested in further developing their Tap skills. Dancers review elementary tap steps and learn new ones, while further developing fine motor skills and rhythm awareness. Greater attention is paid to expression and style. Teacher approval is required to enroll.

*Students who have not previously taken Creative Movement/Tap may enroll in Tap Juniors with teacher approval. Such children may be required to be enrolled in Creative Movement 4 to 6 simultaneously. This is a 30-minute class.

Jazz Fusion ~ 8 and up (hip hop emphasis); 11 and up (jazz emphasis)

An ideal class for beginning dancers and dancers who have studied other disciplines and want to try something new. This class blends classic jazz dance styles with the changing styles of today. From Broadway to Hip Hop, this rhythmic, percussive dance form combines it all. Musicality, rhythm and coordination are taught using age-appropriate choreography, and upbeat music. Dancers will learn basic dance vocabulary with a focus on jazz elements, such as isolations, rhythm, energy, and agility.

Class begins with a warm-up to develop strength, and flexibility, followed by progressions across the floor and culminating in dance combinations. This is an excellent class for high-energy kids! This is a one-hour class.

Movement Stories for Homeschoolers

Originally designed as a workshop for homeschooled children, response was so strong and feedback so positive that we've developed it into an ongoing class. Designed specifically for homeschoolers 9 to 13 years old, students explore movement through "Movement Stories."

Music, the spoken word, and the imagery they produce can be amazing movement prompts. After a warm-up including the teaching of modern technique and form, students explore movement while interpreting music, stories, and poetry. They also create their own Movement Stories in a supportive, inclusive, and creative environment. This fun approach to modern dance training builds strong, creative dancers through technique, improvisation, and composition. This is a 75-minute class.

Students with and without dance experience are all welcome to participate. Such a combination has proven to make for a wonderful dynamic of sharing and exploration!

Modern Dance for Homeschoolers (high school age)

Modern Dance is the perfect dance form for high school students. Developmentally, students are ripe with ideas and feelings in need of expression. The natural movement qualities and expressiveness of Modern Dance allow students freedom to express their individuality, focusing on the expression of emotions and ideas using a free-flowing interpretive style, rather than following the rigid rules characteristic of many dance disciplines.

After a warm-up which includes the teaching of modern technique and form, homeschoolers explore the many elements of dance, including level, direction, shape, pathway, time and force through creative exercises, composition and improvisation. Movement phrases will be learned and choreography created and explored so that each dancer will become adept at and comfortable performing.

Students with and without dance experience are all welcome to participate. Such a combination has proven to make for a wonderful dynamic of sharing and exploration! This is a 75-minute class.

Workshops

Periodically, workshops are offered so students (currently enrolled or "just visiting") will have an opportunity to explore different dance forms from African to Scottish and in between. Please contact us for information and keep an eye on the website!