Dance Classes and Class Descriptions

The Dance place offers a variety of classes designed for dancers aged 7 and under. This specialty dance program, devoted solely to younger dancers, provides a warm and nurturing environment where students can learn, grow and have fun!  We want to make each dancer’s experience a wonderful one! We offer a strong curriculum that focuses on each individual age group, convenient class times for busy families, a clearly defined calendar year, pricing with no hidden surprises or fees and a friendly and knowledgeable staff all in the hands of our professional staff!

Program and Class Descriptions

Tutu Cute Combo Babies Dance ages 1.5-2 yrs 

A 40 minute introductory class containing ballet, tap and creative movement. Young dancers will learn the basic steps while learning how to follow direction and imitate movement in a positive environment. Engaging music is used to get these little guys inspired to dance. The use of props such as Bears, parachutes, dance scarves, etc…enables the young dancers to use their imagination, creativity and most of all have fun!

Little Stars dance ages 3-4, 4-5 & 5-6 yrs

An age specific 40-50 minute class containing ballet tap and jazz/creative movement. The purpose of this class is to introduce young dancers to the three styles of dance (ballet, tap, and Jazz) and inspire movement and creativity within a positive environment. Dancers will also learn basic steps and terminologies in all three styles. For example, all dancers will learn what a “plié” is and how to demonstrate one. These are fun, age-appropriate music that engages the young dancers minds and bodies. The use of props adds extra fun to the class!  

*Placement note:  dance classes age 4 to 6 students must be at least 4 1/2 years old.

Tumble & Twirl ages 4-8 yrs

An age specific 50 minute class containing acrobatics, tumbling and ballet basics.  The purpose of this class is to introduce young dancers to the fundamentals of ballet as well as basic tumbling on an acro mat.  Dancers will also learn basic steps and terminologies as well as musicality and rhythm.

Tumble & Shake ages 4-8 yrs

An age specific 50 minute to one hour class containing acrobatics and tumbling and hip hop.  The purpose of this class is to introduce young dancers to the styles of hip hop as well as basic tumbling on an acro mat.  Dancers will also learn basic steps and terminologies as well as musicality and rhythm.

Funky Tutus ages 3-5 yrs 

An age appropriate 45 minute to one hour class containing Tap and Hip Hop.  The purpose of this class is to introduce dancers to basic foundations of Tap dance as well as the fundamentals of Hip Hop dance techniques.  Dancers will use both styles to understand basic rhythms and beats.   

Funky Divas ages 5-9 yrs

An age appropriate 50 minute to one hour class containing Tap and Hip Hop.  This class is the next level and age group of our younger version called Funky Tutus.  The purpose of this class is to introduce dancers to basic foundations of Tap dance as well as the fundamentals of Hip Hop dance techniques, and take both styles to the next level.  Dancers will use both styles to understand basic rhythms and beats.   

 Dance Class Descriptions for ages 7-12

 Ballet

 ballet program fosters musicality, body awareness and movement potential in a format that encourages individual artistry.  Inspired by Rudolf Von Laban and Irmgard Bartinieff, this class explores the elements of dance body space force and time through creative exercises that are movement focused rather than story focused the knowledge gained in these classes prepares the student for the attention to detail required to study a formal ballet training.  

 Jazz

 jazz combines many styles and techniques from ethnic and contemporary dance to ballet rhythm, upon which all dance forms depend, and is particularly integral to jazz dance. The first half of class consists of exercises which stretch and tone muscles and develop support for proper stress free alignment of the skeletal structure. Using jazz, soul, R&B, ethnic and Pop music, jazz classes are a great workout and a fun way to release tension while attaining body awareness.

Tap

 tap is an exciting rhythmic exercise and dance form which is enjoyable to both kids and adults. Rooted in African-American history, top offers a variety of styles and techniques. Students will realize results in dance movement after a minimum number of classes. The classes stress the basics of tap and allows dancers to build into combinations which are great to watch and delightful to hear.

 Hip Hop

 hip-hop provides a structured method of learning various hip-hop dance movements in a fun filled and vibrant class environment from R&B and house to club and pop, hip-hop classes utilize upbeat music from various genres, in addition to the latest hip-hop hits. The resulting outcome is an energetic class that not only teaches you hip-hop movements and technique but also installs rhythm and precision in your muscle memory.

 Lyrical

 Lyrical is a fusion of ballet with jazz and contemporary dance techniques. Lyrical dancing is performed to music with lyrics to inspire movements to express strong emotions. Lyrical dancing focuses on the dancers’ individual approach and expressiveness to emphasize the precision of their movements. 

 Acro/ Hip Hop 

In this class, students will learn the fundamentals of hip-hop movement. It is an upbeat and high-energy class! Stretching, isolations, rhythms, musicality, upper body strength and funky footwork will all be incorporated. Students will learn to memorize choreography by working on a combination each class.  This class is often paired with a half hour acrobatic class.  The class will be working gross motor skills and entry level skills such as forward roll, backward toll, handstand, cartwheel, round-off, bridge, backbend, backbend kick-over, back walkover. 

Musical Theater

The triple threat!  A mix of singing, dancing and acting.  These classes focus on the all-around Broadway style performance.  Students will learn several different techniques to master memorizing scripts, voice projection, and movement with an emphasis on stage presence.  We will hold a musical theatre production each winter to accompany this class.  It is not mandatory but it is a great experience.

Teen Dance Classes

Teen dance classes are offered in all styles of dance for ages 13 and up.  Beyond the health benefits, dance for teens can be a great stress outlet, and many college applications look for applicants who participate in the arts.  We also offer membership to National Honor Society for Dance Arts NHSDA 

NHSDA  National Honor Society for Dance Arts-                                                                  

 We are honored to announce that The Dance Place Inc. Plus Performing Arts is now a National Honor Society for Dance Arts Chapter! Members and Inductees will earn society points through dance and their community involvement, as well as maintaining high academic standards. Inductees will earn honor cords for their graduations and will be able to have the honor on all college applications.  A board will be elected prior to each dance season.

Ballet

Classical ballet technique with an emphasis on line, posture, control, balance, grace, and poise, utilizing French terminology.  These techniques are taught through both barre and center work.  This class is highly recommended for all students pursuing their dance education in any dance style, as it is the essential basic foundation to all forms of dance!  Class enrollment is not determined by age, but by student's level.

Jazz

One of the most commercialized types of dance, jazz technique combines movements of the entire body.  Our classes begin with warm-up exercises focusing on flexibility, strength, and coordination to music.  The rest of the class is a combination of across the floor exercises and high energy movements creating exciting dance routines.

Hip Hop

Very contemporary, popular, athletic dance style with urban influences, as seen in music videos, etc... Relaxed class atmosphere where dancers experience a fun workout where they are free to let themselves go!

Tap

A form of dance in which feet create rhythmic sounds.  This form of dance develops a strong sense of rhythm, coordination and agility.  Children's programs use the Al Gilbert tap program in order to develop proper technique.

Lyrical, Contemporary

A combination of classical ballet and modern jazz.  It is a passionate form of dance in which dancers express their feelings.  It tells a story through expression and movement that is fluid, smooth, and controlled.

Modern

This is a newer approach to dance inspired by Martha Graham, Lester Horton, Doris Humphrey, and many other great early century choreographers.  It emphasizes a whole body approach to allow freedom of expression with strength, flexibility, and coordination.

Acro

A style of dance that combines classical dance technique with acrobatic gymnastic technique.  Students will learn flexibility, and basic tumbling.