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Class Descriptions

Style Descriptions:

Tiny Tot and Intro to Danceare structured specifically for the age, based on child development guidelines.

Tiny Tots:

Classes for 3 to 4 year olds. This class is a Ballet and  Tap combo class which emphasizes musicality and basic movement.  This class is about developing a sense of movement with music, and learning the basic building blocks for Ballet and Tap; as well as learning about class room structure i.e. standing in line, waiting your turn, being good listeners, etc...  Classes are structured and presented in a fun and positive environment.

Intro:

Classes for 5 to 6 years old experience a combined class of Ballet and Tap. In this class they learn elementary, age appropriate movement for Ballet and Tap, in a fun and positive environment. This class moves a little more quickly and the steps are just a bit more involved than the Tiny Tot and they continue to work on social skills such as following directions and being good listeners. Classes are structured and presented in a fun and positive environment.

The following is a basic description of each dance style. The way we delineate, in terms of ages is listed below.

Ballet:

Ballet has been around for hundreds of years and is the foundation for most artistic dance styles. Ballet is a very structured discipline which develops coordination, grace and artistry. In Ballet the body is always lifted, held and controlled while the legs and arm work independently yet cohesively. Ballet enhances every other dance style----every other athletic endeavor.  Yes, many professional (and high school) Football, Soccer, and Basketball players sneak into the ballet room to help develop the intense coordination which ballet develops and athletes need. In addition to the physicality of ballet, working with classical music and complex combinations helps to develop both the left and right side of the brain.

Contemporary;

Contemporary is the current day version of Modern which is an off shoot of Ballet. Modern was originally an It is intended to be more real in its movement and was a rebellion against the absolute structure of ballet. Over the years it has evolved and grown into a beautiful style which requires and develops the beautiful lines of ballet, while remaining free flowing. If you watch So You Think You Can Dance think Mia Michaels.

Jazz:

Jazz is an offshoot of Ballet, but the relationship is often hard to see. Where in Ballet the torso is one unit, in Jazz we isolate the different parts of the torso and move them independently. Jazz can seem less structured than Ballet but it isn’t. The structure of Jazz is just different from Ballet, it also requires in-depth technique. Jazz is usually performed in Broadway style shows and Musicals.

Lyrical:

Lyrical is one of many stylings of Jazz. In Lyrical you can see the relationship to Ballet through the many lines created by the body. Lyrical is usually performed to more melodic populary music but requires both strong ballet and jazz technique.

Tap:

Tap is very rhythmic and is primarily leg and foot work. Tap helps develop musicality and is deceivingly aerobic. Tap has a rich history and is making come-back in popularity.

Hip Hop:

Hip Hop is latest phenomenon in dance. Evolving from the streets to the Studio, it is a creature all its own. Hip Hop is great fun and anyone willing to give it a go can do it. Although other dance training helps, there is no base technique required. It is an extremely creative style of dance and since it has been in dance studios it has incorporated stylings from every genera. This style of dance is sought after by everyone from tiny tots to adults.

Tumbling:

Our tumbling is basic gymnastics. The primary purpose is to develop the necessary strength and techniques to enhance our other dance styles. Specifically Hip Hop and Competition Jazz utilize tumbling elements. The class covers front rolls, back rolls, cartwheels, hand stands, handsprings, and the like. It develops strength and flexibility and enhances all dance style.

Class Delineation:

The way a studio delineates its class levels is often different from dance studio to dance studio. In an effort to help you understand the schedule at The Dance Conservatory; and to understand what level would be appropriate for you or your dancer we provide the following class delineation guidelines. At The Dance Conservatory, once students reach the Level I promotions are based on readiness.  Please understand that the following breakdown is simply a general guide to give you an idea of what each level on the schedule means. All first timestudents should call for a free trial class so that we can place you in the appropriate class.

Technique, dance vocabulary and combinations increase in difficulty and complexity with each level. As does the required number of classes per week. A level II student should be taking twice a week; level III should be taking 3 classes a week, etc. This insures the appropriate strength for the increasing demands with each level.

Level I:

This class is a beginning level class for youth dancers generally ages 7 – 9ish. The class provides in-depth base technique. The class is much more structured yet the tone is light and positive.

Level II:

This class is a beginning/intermediate level, for youth dancers generally ages 9-12ish.

Level III:

This is an intermediate level which is generally for teens ages 12-15ish. Young adults are also welcome in this class if they are at the appropriate level.

Level IV:

This is an intermediate/advanced level for dancers with many years of experience and is generally for teens and young adults ranging in age from 14 – 20ish.

Level V:

This is an advanced level and consists of young adults with a large dance vocabulary and many years of dance experience. The general age range is 16-35 and many of the students in this level are also professional dancers with La Diego Dance Theater – our performing company.

Beginning/Intermediate Adult:

This is the class where older students (adults and teens) just starting out begin their training. As they develop their dance abilities they transition into the level III or IV classes to continue their training.