Orion Oxford Dance Arts

Dancers have a clear understanding of body alignment and proper technique. Center and across the floor pointe work will be explored.

Students will learn how to properly sew ribbons and elastics, in addition to learning how to correctly tie and care for their shoes. Dancers will work on strengthening the entire foot and ankle as well as perfecting the proper body placement, which is essential for going en pointe. Dancer must be enrolled in level 3.

Students interested in taking a pointe class will be carefully evaluated prior to being invited. Having developed a strong posture and at the discretion of the teachers, students can now begin to train en pointe. Those dancers participating in pointe classes will be required to attend two 90-minute ballet technique classes per week. Dancers will perform in our annual recital at the end of the season.

Students interested in the performance ballet class will be required to attend at least one 90-minute ballet technique class per week. Dancers will perform a dance in our annual recital at the end of the season.

Students at this level have a vast knowledge of classical ballet vocabulary and will have passed the above levels. Pirouettes in open positions and batterie are now included in classwork. Dancers will learn to communicate expression and feeling in their movement. Refining technique continues to challenge as students are now expected to perform at a professional level.

Students who have progressed to pre-professional level now have an extensive ballet vocabulary. At this level, articulate footwork and secure use of legs is crucial. Classwork continues to improve the dancer’s spatial awareness and orientation of the body. Dancers continue to work on coordination of the whole body with the addition of fluidity of movement. Added steps include multiple pirouettes and beating jumps. At this level, the emphasis is placed on detail and artistry, therefore, increasing stamina, concentration and discipline are required.

A more mature sense of musicality and quality of movement is emphasized. Students develop strength and stability in the demonstration of the pirouettes and grand allegro. Suppleness and smooth graceful movements are developed in these levels along with the increased coordination of head, arms, legs, and body.

Proper placement is refined, and big jumps are introduced. The coordination of arms and head are developed with a concentration on smooth transitions throughout the exercises.

Building on what was learned in ballet 1, the number of steps is increased, as well as developing proper placement of torso, hips, and legs without exceeding anatomical limitations. Turns are introduced, and steps are combined to form new ones, and when appropriate turn out is increased.

This is where the basic building blocks of ballet are introduced, and classes become more structured. Students start to learn the vocabulary of ballet and develop strength.

Those interested and invited to attend the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) are required to attend two 90-minute ballet technique classes, as well as one 90-minute YAGP class per week. Those participating are responsible for all additional costs associated with participating and attending YAGP. Students missing more than 2 ballet technique classes throughout the year are required to make up the missed classes prior to attending the YAGP, in a class recommended by the instructor.

This program is designed for the more serious dancer with a desire to become stronger in ballet, is interested in attending the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP), or has the drive to become a professional ballerina. Dancers in the program are required to attend a minimum of two 90-minute ballet technique classes per week within their appropriate level. Dancers are also invited to attend one 30-minute performance ballet class, which will give them the opportunity to perform a recital routine. Dancers in they program also have the opportunity to take a 60-minute pointe class. Entrance into this program requires and instructor evaluation.

Competitive dancers are required to attend at least two 90-minute ballet technique classes per week at their appropriate level. Dancers only competing in the hip-hop genre are not required to take any ballet technique classes. Dancers on our Pink Company are only required to attend one 60-90-minute ballet technique class per week. Dancers are also invited to attend one 45-minute performance ballet class, which will give them the opportunity to perform a recital routine (see below). Students missing more than 4 ballet technique classes throughout the year are required to make up the missed classes prior to an upcoming competition in a class recommended by the instructor.

Dancers that are interested in a more structured ballet program, but are not quite committed to being part of the pre-professional ballet program, have the option to attend at one 90-minute ballet technique classes per week within their appropriate level. Dancers are also invited to attend one 45-minute performance ballet class, which will give them the opportunity to perform a recital routine. Recreational dancers also have to option to take a 30-minute ballet class that is part of our Petite, Junior, Pre-Teen, and Teen Level Classes.

This program is structured for our competitive company dancers, as well as dancers interested in the pre-professional program. Classes are designed to educate and train our students with proper ballet techniques and provide them with the skills needed to accomplish their goals. Whether you’re a dancer in our competitive company, or are the more serious ballerina with goals to attend the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) or have a desire become a professional dancer, our program can provide you with the skills needed to reach your goals.

Dancers may have the opportunity to compete in the following genres: tap, jazz, lyrical, hip-hop, clogging, contemporary, open, acro, ballet, and pointe. Within these genre’s they may be selected to compete as a soloist, in a duet/trio, small group, large group, line, super group, and/or production.

One 60-90 minute callet technique class is required per week for our Pink Company members.

Two 90-minute ballet technique classes and one 45-60 minute core class is required each week for full company members.

The Pink Company will attend one regional competition at the end of the season, typically in the May timeframe. The beginning of the fall season will focus on technique and movement, with choreography for the students starting in the November timeframe.

Orion Oxford Dance Arts's competitive company requirements offer a healthy balance to allow the dancers time for family, school, and friends! Our Competitive Company is designed for students who want to take their dancing to the next level. This is for the more serious dancer that is committed to taking on additional classes and practice time in preparation for the upcoming competition season.

This is a 45-60 minute class that is designed to help the dancers work to strengthen their technique and expand their portfolio of jumps, leaps, and turns. Requires instructor evaluation for placement.

This is a 45-minute class that trains the dancer to feel more comfortable and confident in improv and movement. This class will also work with the students to become more creative with their improv movements as well as working with different choreography in jazz, lyrical, hip-hop and contemporary.

This is a 45-minute class for the student that wants to increase their core and leg strength.

See Pre-Professional Ballet under Programs for detailed information.

This is a 45-minute class that focuses strictly on floor gymnastics. We currently offer two levels for the beginner, intermediate and advanced level student. Requires instructor evaluation.

This is a 60-minute class that will instruct the intermediate to advanced ballet students on the proper technique in dance on pointe shoes. This class must be accompanied with two 90-minute ballet technique classes. Beginner students will take a 30-60 minute class that will focus on strengthening prior to dance in their pointe shoes. Requires instructor evaluation for placement.

This class 30-minute class for dancers ages 8 and up who are currently taking one or more of the ballet technique classes. This class will focus on a ballet routine to be performed in the annual recital. This class requires at least one 60-90 minute ballet technique class.

This is a 30-minute class that will teach you how to learn this energetic type of folk dance where the dancer strikes the heel and toe against the floor to create audible percussive sounds. We offer training for the beginner to the advanced level dancers.

An all boys hip-hop class ages 5 and up. This is a fun and energetic 30-minute class that focuses on hip-hop dance moves the boys will love. This is a great class to help increase rhythm and coordination.

This is a 45-minute class for dancers ages 5 and up. This class focuses on floor gymnastics combined with jazz/hip-hop technique and movement. Recommend combining with our Acro technique class.

Our Teen level classes are designed for dancers ages 13 and up. This is a 120-minute class that encompasses three genres; ballet/lyrical, tap, and jazz. Thirty minutes are focused on each of the genres at a more advanced level; challenging students to further develop their terminology, technique and movement within each genre. Dancers have the option of taking one, two, three or all four of the genres (lyrical, tap, jazz, hip-hop) in this level.

Our Pre-Teen level classes are designed for dancers ages 10-12. This is a 120-minute class that encompasses three genres; ballet/lyrical, tap, and jazz. Thirty minutes are focused on each of the genres at an intermediate level; challenging students to further develop their terminology, technique and movement within each genre. Dancers have the option of taking one, two, three or all four of the genres (lyrical, tap, jazz, hip-hop) in this level.

Our Junior level classes are designed for dancers ages 7-9. This is a 120-minute class that encompasses three genres; ballet/lyrical, tap, and jazz. Thirty minutes are focused on each of the genres, allowing students to further develop their terminology, technique and movement within each genre. Dancers have the option of taking one, two, three or all four of the genres (ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop) in this level.

Our Petite level classes are designed for dancers ages 5-6. This is a 120-minute class that encompasses three genres; ballet, tap, and jazz. Thirty minutes are focused on each of the genres, allowing students to learn basic terminology, technique and movement within each genre. Dancers have the option of taking one, two, three or all four of the genres (ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop) in this level.

Our Mini & Me class is designed for dancers ages 18 months - 3 years. This is a 45-minute class that introduces our young dancers to creative movement, while dancing and having fun with a parent or other adult.

Our Tippi-Toes class is designed for dancers ages 18 months - 3 years. This is a 45-minute class that focuses on creative movement, with basic introduction to dance and ballet. The class may also introduce dancers to beginner floor gymnastics depending on the age groups enrolled.

The Hip-Hop classes are 30-minutes in length and give dancers the ability to develop the fundamental skills, while introducing our young dancers to hip-hop.

The Ballet and Tap combo classes are 45-minutes in length and give dancers the ability to develop the fundamental skills in dance, while introducing our young dancers to creative movement, ballet and tap.

Our Preschool level classes are designed dancers ages 3-4. Dancers will work to enhance their motor skills, as well as rhythm, flexibility, balance, and coordination, all while acquiring confidence, self-esteem and peer interaction.

Boys Hip-Hop class.

Combo Class with Intro to Dance and Creative Movement for Ages 18 Months - 3 Years.

Preschool Ballet & Tap Combo Class for Ages 3-4.

Junior Level Classes for Ages 7-9 including Hip Hop, Ballet, Tap, and Jazz.

Petite Level Classes for Ages 5-6 including Hip Hop, Ballet, Tap, and Jazz.

Preschool Hip-Hop Class for Ages 3-4.

AcroDance class.

Acro Training Classes for Advanced Levels.

Acro Training Classes for Intermediate level.

Acro Training Classes for Beginner level.

Core Training For Dancers, Session I.

Jumps, Turns & Tricks class for Intermediate Level.

Jumps, Turns & Tricks class for Beginner Level.

Adult 5-week Barre Class session.

Core Training For Dancers, Session II.

Jumps, Turns & Tricks class for Advanced Level.

Creative Movement & Intro to Dance with an Adult for Ages 18 Months-3 Years.

PreTeen/Teen Level Classes for Ages 10+ including Hip Hop, Jazz, Lyrical, and Tap.