All Classes, Ages 10-12

Schedule

 

Class Descriptions

Ballet Twice a week class building on the foundations taught in the younger levels, dancers continue to work on placement, flexibility, vocabulary, and use of correct turn-out.  Barre exercises increase in length and tempo and the use of “epaulement” and “port de bras” is emphasized.  Centre “facings” are added in the centre, as well as increased level of jumps.  Strengthening exercises “en releve” are added in order to prepare for solid pirouettes.  Female dancers may be invited to attend the Pre-Pointe class on Fridays. This class will automatically perform in DDC’s annual holiday production, “A Gift for Emma,” as well as the year end Recital Showcase.

Jazz classes explore traditional, Broadway, lyrical, and contemporary styles in a fun, energetic atmosphere to age appropriate music. Classes begin with a warm-up that stresses technique, flexibility, coordination and strength, followed by progressions across the floor, center work and combinations. Intermediate classes (Level IV and V) focus on body placement and proper technique, stretching and development of skills. Great effort is made to ensure that the dancers are costumed appropriately for the style, and age.  These classes will perform in the end of the year Recital Showcase.

Tap classes are offered to students ages 4 and up and focus on rhythm, musicality and timing. All classes begin with an energetic warm-up, across the floor exercises and combinations.  Intermediate classes (Levels IV and V) further develop skills, focusing on clarity of sounds and increasing speed as well as dynamics, musicality, and history. These classes will perform to age appropriate music in the end of the year Recital Showcase.

Contemporary dance classes at DDC are a combined curriculum of modern and lyrical, often utilizing improvisation, floor-work, partnering and performing in bare feet.  Contemporary as a dance style in itself is defined, in part, as a fusion of ballet and jazz, demanding technical skill, musicality and an expression of emotion. A solid, ballet-based technique, proper placement and bodily alignment are essential components. At least one year of ballet training is required.  These classes will automatically perform in DDC’s annual holiday production, “A Gift for Emma,” as well as the year end Recital Showcase.

Hip Hop focuses on rhythm, syncopation and stage presence.   Derived from a combination of jazz funk and street jazz, this style of dance requires high energy, attention to detail and an understanding of complex rhythms.  Isolations, popping, & free-style movement will all be a focus of this athletic and energetic dance style.  Dancers will practice and perform to age appropriate music, wearing age appropriate costumes.  These classes will perform in the end of the year Recital Showcase.