Dance Xpressions

Pointe is a form of ballet which is performed in pointe shoes rather than the traditional ballet slipper. It is an advanced technique class available to students who have trained in ballet for several years, and have mastered certain required ballet skills.

Lyrical dance is a fusion of ballet and jazz technique bound together by the expression of the dancer’s inner emotion. Lyrical students will be taught how to interpret music through a variety of approaches. Muscular control, balance, awareness of center and musical interpretation will be the main focus of this class. In addition, students will be taught both ballet and jazz steps and vocabulary.

Dance Xpressions teaches a classical form of ballet that originated in France and stresses techniques developed over centuries of dance. Ballet students will learn proper technique, basic alignment fundamentals and positions of the body while developing muscular control and learning the vocabulary of the dance. While the style will emphasize Classical Ballet, choreography may be broadened to a more contemporary flare so that dancers may learn to express themselves in a variety of other ways.

In hip-hop class, students will learn to express themselves through a variety of movements inspired by hip hop culture. The beat of the music drives the attitude of the dancers who will dance to music that is reflected in the movements which include: jumps, turns, combinations, and kicks among others. Routines will show the physical control of jazz and pop dancing with steps that include references to popping, locking, step and funk.

Students of modern dance will learn technique inspired by the work of a variety of professional modern choreographers, including José Limon and Doris Humphrey. Students will learn strength, flexibility, center placement, turns and leaps through creativity and expression. Modern dance allows for each piece of choreography to take on its own style, interpretation and personality. Improvisational skills will also be learned in this class.

The Tap technique taught is a Rhythm technique. Tap students will learn this American dance form focusing on rhythms, styles and footwork. Emphasis is placed on the clarity of sounds that the tap dancer makes as well as learning the vocabulary. A wide variety of music genres and choreography are used to teach this dance technique.

Jazz students will learn technique centered on a reflection of trends, inspired by classical jazz through hip-hop. Students will work on and develop strength, flexibility, center placement, clean lines, turns, leaps, and quick transitions. They will also learn combinations set to many different genres of music including contemporary pop.

Acrobatics combines gymnastic moves with dance, teaching students to become more versatile dancers. They learn and develop their tumbling skills while improving flexibility. Upper and lower body strength will increase while students develop their acro tricks. Great posture and back arches are a plus to taking acro.

Combination Classes offered are Ballet/Jazz, Ballet/Tap and Jazz/Acro. Students will learn the basic beginner steps and vocabulary of their technique. Through the use of children's music and rhythm activities. They will also learn to express themselves creatively by incorporating games and props with dance and music. In addition, students will develop both motor and social skills to use in everyday activities. Students will learn socialization skills and self confidence while making friends.

Students in a Movement class learn basic pre-ballet dance skills and vocabulary while exploring creative qualities of movement. Students will develop basic motor skills such as jumping, skipping, hopping, turning and leaping. Through the use of storybooks, music and props they will explore the wonderful world of imagination. Props used can be scarves, bean bags, rhythm sticks, fairy wands, squares, flowers, stuffed animals and such. Students will learn socialization skills and self confidence while making friends.

An Adult and student are invited to learn movement through the aid of nursery rhymes and other rhythm techniques. Adults will assist by leading their child through the activities to make it a more enjoyable class for the student. Explore the world of dance through the use of storybooks, music and props. Props used can be scarves, beach ball, bean bags, rhythm sticks, stuffed animals and such. Basic socialization skills will be learned while having fun.