Steel City Academy of Dance

Student Teachers are expected to assist with Summer Dance classes, as available. This opportunity allows them to gain experience and contribute to the studio's offerings during the summer period.

The Student Teacher Program provides opportunities to students who are interested in taking a leadership role in the studio by assisting with lower level classes. Teaching assistant roles are available to students who express interest in becoming a student teacher.

KidzCombo is designed for our youngest students, typically starting at 2 ½ - 3 years of age through age 5 or 6. This class is 45 minutes in length, and combines elements from all types of dancing. Students will learn beginning tap steps, some basic ballet steps, elements of creative movement, stretching, song/dance combinations, and tumbling on occasion. Students will also use a trampoline to begin to develop leg strength and an understanding for pushing oneself into the air, which is essential in dancing. Since all pre-school age children mature and develop differently, it is difficult to list an age at which a student can start. The best way to find out is to try the class. Parents need to assess the following when trying to decide if it’s time to try: The child’s ability to follow instructions and conform to an organized classroom atmosphere. The child’s independence level (there will be a curtain pulled so that the children are not able to see or be distracted by their parents). We will open the curtain on occasion for the parents to observe the class. Potty-training – it is important that the child is not likely to have an accident on the floor during class. A child wearing pull-ups are allowed. This requirement varies per child based on the child’s individual circumstances.

In order to take Acro, the student must be at least 5 years old. In Beginner Acro, students will learn the basics of Acrobatics and will also work on strength and flexibility. This class is for students who have little or no experience and want to learn basic tricks, proper technique, and safety. We also offer Intermediate and Advanced Level Acro classes to students with prior Acro experience. In order to be eligible for an Acro class, the student must also be enrolled in at least one dance class. Our beginner Acro level is instructional only (this class does not perform on stage).

Our tap program is based on the Al Gilbert method of tap instruction, which consists of a series of graded levels, each level building upon and advancing beyond the previous level. Many tap students begin with the first level (CD #1) at an early age (age 3-5) and progress through the program as they get older. Eventually students move out of the Al Gilbert system into an eclectic and free form style of instruction, with a strong emphasis on sound and rhythm.

Pointe classes are offered to students who have been studying ballet for multiple years. Pointe work requires proper alignment of the body, adequate overall strength to support oneself on pointe shoes, and strong, flexible, and well-developed feet. It is essential that a student be physically ready to begin pointe-work. Starting on pointe shoes too early can cause serious injury and long-term damage. The teacher is the only person who can truly assess whether or not a dancer is ready for pointe. Some ballet students are never able to take pointe due to their natural physical attributes (inflexible or weak feet, for example). Pointe classes range from 30 to 60 minutes in length, depending on the level of the students in the class.

The Ballet/Jazz Combo class is designed for children typically 6 to 8 years of age, depending on level of experience. This class is 60-75 minutes in length, and contains a ballet and jazz portion. The ballet portion of class focuses on the very basics of ballet technique, posture, strength, stretching, confidence and discipline. It helps these young children begin to understand their bodies and to gain control of their movements. The jazz portion consists of basic jazz dancing, including isolations and stretching, in addition to fast paced steps and movements across the dance floor. This class is our beginning level ballet class. The jazz portion is optional. If a student is only interested in the ballet portion, the cost of the class will be adjusted accordingly.

Jazz classes are typically offered to students age 8 and above. For younger children interested in Jazz, we offer a combination Ballet/Jazz Class. Jazz classes consist of center floor warm-up exercises, which focus on proper placement and overall movement, isolations of various body parts, stretching, and preparations for turns, leaps, and kicks. The warm-up is followed by a series of dance combinations moving across the dance floor, which incorporate and build on the basics of the warm up exercises. Jazz classes often include a “dance” or “combination” of choreographed movements which the students work on and add to over the course of several classes. Our Jazz program combines multiple styles of jazz dancing, including Contemporary, Hip Hop, Broadway, Modern, Luigi, and Fosse. Jazz classes are usually 60 minutes in length.

Our studio operates a Classical Ballet program. Ballet classes are typically offered to students age 8 and above. For younger children interested in Ballet, we offer a combination Ballet/Jazz Class (see description below). Ballet classes focus on proper technique, strength, flexibility and alignment, in addition to gracefulness, style, and presence. Classes begin with barre work and stretching, followed by center floor exercises and movement across the dance floor. Our ballet program combines several styles, also known as “schools” of ballet, thus enabling the dancers to be versatile and well-rounded in their training. Ballet students must possess patience and diligence. It takes many years and a serious commitment to class-work to create a ballet dancer. Ballet classes range in length from 45 minutes for beginners, to 90 minutes for advanced students. Intermediate and Advanced ballet students are required to take 2 ballet classes each week.

We are now welcoming Registration for Fall Classes! Call 412-527-5966 to discuss class options and to reserve your spot - we would love to have you join our dance family!