Dance Arts of Rocky Mount

This class is an Elementary Combo Class. Because the instruction time for this class (90 minutes) equals that of 2 regular classes, the tuition rate will equal that of 2 regular classes ($110), not 3 classes. Students will have either 2 or 3 costumes for this class.

These classes are more advanced for students who wish to further challenge themselves in dance. Elite works at a faster pace and focuses heavily on technique. As performance, camp, and workshop opportunities arise throughout the year, these dancers are expected to be available to attend. Due to the intense nature of these classes students are only allowed 6 absences per year. If more than 6 classes are missed students will be asked to withdraw from the class. Students in these classes should have a passion for dance that goes beyond most. Students in Junior Elite and Elite classes will be held to higher standards in all their dance classes regarding respect and kindness toward others, attitude in class, perseverance, and their willingness to work hard. Students interested in Elite are required to enroll in the regular dance class as well as a Technique class. Junior Elite and Elite Dancers are selected by auditions. These classes are not meant for everyone, and students need to understand that there is nothing wrong with continuing to dance in the regular classes. Elite is a serious commitment and must be treated as such.

These classes are more advanced for students who wish to further challenge themselves in dance. Elite works at a faster pace and focuses heavily on technique. As performance, camp, and workshop opportunities arise throughout the year, these dancers are expected to be available to attend. Due to the intense nature of these classes students are only allowed 6 absences per year. If more than 6 classes are missed students will be asked to withdraw from the class. Students in these classes should have a passion for dance that goes beyond most. Students in Junior Elite and Elite classes will be held to higher standards in all their dance classes regarding respect and kindness toward others, attitude in class, perseverance, and their willingness to work hard. Students interested in Elite are required to enroll in the regular dance class as well as a Technique class. Junior Elite and Elite Dancers are selected by auditions. These classes are not meant for everyone, and students need to understand that there is nothing wrong with continuing to dance in the regular classes. Elite is a serious commitment and must be treated as such.

Yoga offers physical and mental health benefits by working to improve strength, balance, and flexibility. Slow movements and deep breathing increase blood flow and warm up muscles while holding a pose can build strength. Yoga is not priced like a regular dance class. As adults, we understand that life often interrupts our best intentions for self-care with family obligations. Therefore, we have priced Yoga so you are not paying for classes you are not able to attend. We offer a Punch Card for Yoga and it is only punched for classes you attend. The Punch Card is $60 for 6 classes. If you would just like to try the class to see if you like it, a drop-in class is $14.

This class covers rolls, handstands, cartwheels, round-offs, walkovers, up through back handsprings, and more. It's the perfect first class for basic tumbling skills. No beams, bars, or vaulting here, just tumbling on our safety mats, wedges, and octagons.

Elite Skills Technique focuses on improving balance, flexibility, body alignment, and strength through both center floor and barre work as well as across the floor combinations. There is a strong emphasis on the proper execution of various skills that are essential for Elite classes. This class may serve as a technique class for those enrolled in Jr. Elite, Elite, and Pointe classes as well as those students hoping to take Elite classes in the future. This class will not perform a recital piece.

Technique is a required class for anyone taking Pointe or Elite classes. This class is specifically designed to concentrate on the building blocks necessary to achieve proper dance techniques. This class is essential in achieving the maximum potential in each dancer. Technique class does not perform a separate recital piece.

Pointe is very similar to ballet but is performed on the tips of the toes in special pointe shoes. This class is very strenuous and requires a great deal of ballet-based technique and very strong ankles. Pointe is not a class that every student can take. Some feet are just not designed to wear pointe shoes. These students are also required to take separate ballet and technique classes in addition to Pointe in order to master the skills necessary for Pointe. You must have instructor approval to register for this class. In order to take Pointe, dancers MUST take Ballet the year PRIOR to signing up for Pointe. Dancing in Pointe shoes can pose serious dangers to feet, ankles, and knees if a dancer has not developed the appropriate muscles before starting Pointe. Pointe students ~ please note 1st time Pointe students will take the Pointe class as pre-pointe in regular ballet shoes until approved by Courtney to purchase Pointe shoes. Pre-Pointe could last a full year or longer to develop the muscles and strength to wear Pointe shoes.

Contemporary dance is a combination of modern, jazz, lyrical, and classical ballet performed to various styles of music. It stresses versatility and improvisation, which is very unlike its structured cousin, ballet. Contemporary dance strives to connect the fluid movement of the body to the music. It is often done in bare feet but ballet shoes or toe thongs are also used. Contemporary cannot be taken as a single class. Because of the intricate nature of the class, you must be enrolled in a regular dance class to participate. Additional dance classes can include ballet, technique, or jazz.

Clogging is similar to tap dance, however very different. Originating in the Appalachian Mountains, it is now performed throughout the world. Clogging is performed on the downbeat (opposite of tap) of various types of energetic music. It is somewhat known as the "melting pot" of step dances and is a blast to learn! The impressive precision footwork is a definite crowd-pleaser.

Tap focuses on creating rhythmic sounds with the feet. Special shoes are worn with taps on the heels and toes which create amazing sounds when combined. Tap can be performed to Broadway or popular music. We also offer Adult Tap. This is a fun class for adults who have never tapped, who took as a child, or who have taken other styles of dance. It's an energetic class where you learn basic tap steps to music that makes you want to move. Recital is optional.

Jazz is a highly energized and exciting dance form. Strong technique is still involved in Jazz, but it is less disciplined and can be very stylized. Jazz is typically done to fast, popular music. The older students enjoy expanding on their Jazz knowledge and exploring diverse styles.

Ballet is at the core of any and all dance forms. Ballet is a graceful and disciplined art. It focuses on stature, grace, and poise. Barre work is typically done to classical music, but the recital and combinations can be performed to classical or contemporary pieces.

Students enjoy 30 minutes each of Ballet, Tap, and Jazz, totaling 1.5 hours of dance instruction each week. This class is great for the younger elementary students because it exposes them to many different types of dance in a more abbreviated time span than older elementary classes. Because the instruction time for this class equals that of 2 regular classes, the tuition rate will equal that of 2 regular classes ($102), not 3. These students will be grouped together into classes by grade and/or dance experience. The instructors will rotate through the classes. These classes will have 2 or 3 costumes depending on age and teacher placement in the classes.

Students enjoy Ballet, Tap and a bit of Jazz each week. This class is great for the younger students because it exposes them to many different types of dance so they can better recognize the style that they enjoy the most.

Creative Movement is an 8 week class offered in the Fall & Winter to introduce dance to little ones. This class will run in sessions with one fee charged per session. The cost of this class is $100 per session. There is a $25 registration fee which is only charged once per dance year. This class is not in the recital and does not have a costume or stage fee.

Creative Movement provides a fun, safe introduction to dance and movement. This class will teach basic steps and rhythm, while growing strength, gross motor skills, body awareness in space, and social learning. The curriculum is based on the use of props and imagination to encourage young children to learn music and dance concepts. The 30-minute class will meet once per week for 8 weeks and includes basic ballet fundamentals with games, improvisation, and rhythmic exercises. Children learn better when they are having fun! Students learn discipline and social skills in a positive and safe environment. It inspires their creativity and helps build their self-esteem and confidence. This class will run in sessions with one fee charged per session.