Academy of the Arts

Hip Hop students should wear dance or street clothes that they can dance in--please not too baggy, as the teacher needs to see body placement.

Tumbling/acrobatic students do not need to wear tights, however, if they do, they should be the footless style. Tumblers should also wear a leotard or booty shorts and a fitted (but not cropped) top. A loose t-shirt is not appropriate for acro.

Ballet students are required to wear a leotard and tights--no exceptions. Those students in levels 4 and up should wear black leos (the hour long class leotard can be any color) with tights that match their shoe color, and hair in a bun. They may also wear a ballet skirt but not booty shorts.

This is an exciting production featuring dancers from not only the Academy, but also other local studios. This delightful show incorporates tap, ballet, jazz and more. We even have Santa! The show is ideal for all ages and runs for approximately one hour and fifteen minutes.

Academy offers acrobatics for ages 3 and up. We offer a Tumbling Add On class for those ages 3-5 while ages 5 and up can enroll in our regular program as well as aerial silks. We also offer a competitive acrobatics team. Click here for more information.

Our hip hop program currently is offered as both a recreational combination class with jazz/pom as well as a more structured program of straight hip hop. A year of jazz is recommended before enrolling in straight hip hop, but not required. Dancers ages 7--9 should enroll in Hip Hop Fundamentals while those who have taken hip hop previously should schedule a placement evaluation to determine the appropriate class.

The Academy has a strong modern/contemporary program. Our students are blessed to have the former director of Kacico Modern Dance Company as the director of these classes. Dancers who wish to enroll in modern should have at least one previous year of ballet. Teacher recommendation is required to enroll beyond the Fundamentals level. We currently offer 4 levels of modern/contemporary.

The jazz courses are split between a competitive and non-competitive track. Non-competitive students ages 5-8 should enroll in JPHM-Jazz/Pom/Hip Hop Mix or Jazz Fundamentals. Those who are 8-11 should enroll in Intermediate, and those ages 12+ should register for Teen Jazz. Any dancer who is interested in our competitive program or has previously taken jazz should schedule a placement evaluation so that we can recommend the appropriate level. Our competitive program is separate and auditions are required for these levels.

Our tap program offers instruction in tap technique both at the barre and center. Those who have not taken a tap class previously should enroll as follows: ages 7-9 should take Fundamentals, and any dancer who has previously taken tap should schedule a placement evaluation so that we can recommend the appropriate level.

Academy of the Arts offers a solid structured ballet program based on the Cecchetti Method of training. Seven through ten year old dancers who are just starting out should take Ballet Fundamentals. Any dancer who has previously taken or is older than 11 ballet should schedule a placement evaluation so that we can recommend the appropriate level.

Ages 5-6. This class is for a beginning 6 year old or those who have moved up from Sparkle Babies or Combo 1. Basic tap and ballet steps are taught. First year 6 year old dancers should enroll in level 2, while those who have had previous training should set up an evaluation to determine which class is appropriate.

Ages 4-5. This class is designed for the 5 year old beginner who has had no previous training or the young 4 year old who has taken a year of Sparkle Babies. We will learn basic fundamentals of tap, jazz, ballet, and tumbling. This exposes the young child to the world of dance in a very relaxed and fun way.

Ages 3-5. This class is designed for the very young beginner who has had no previous training. We will learn basic fundamentals of tap, jazz, ballet, and tumbling. This exposes the young child to the world of dance in a very relaxed and fun way.

This class is ideal for the youngest dancers ages 18 months through 3 years that are just wanting to try out a dance class. Parents attend class with their young dancer to learn introductory fundamentals of ballet! This class is offered through the Parks and Recreation Department but is held at our studio.