Newport Dance & Cheer Academy

These dancers are selected each year through auditions. Qualifications for the team include at least one year of experience as a dancer, ballet and jazz technique, and a recommendation based on class performance from an NDCA instructor. These dancers train weekly in their basic technique classes and rehearse their competition numbers as well. Competition dancers are able to experience performances for audiences from around the world. They receive critiques and advice from professional dancers/judges from across the country. They are also able to participate in master classes with these artistic professionals in the various styles of dance. It is a wonderful opportunity for the dedicated dancer!

Hip Hop class provides a structured method of learning various Hip Hop dance movements in a fun-filled and vibrant class environment. The term “Hip Hop” greatly limits the scope of a typical Hip Hop class. From R&B and House to Club and Pop, Hip Hop classes utilize upbeat music from various genres, in addition to the latest Hip Hop hits. The resulting outcome is an energetic class that not only teaches you Hip Hop movements and technique, but also instills rhythm and precision in your muscle memory.

Our gymnastics instruction specializes in floor tumbling and acrobatics. This involves learning acro moves that could be performed without a beam or barre. Whether preparing for a cartwheel or backhandspring, cheerleading tryouts or a competitive acro routine, we can assist you reaching your goals.

This is a style of dance that incorporates both ballet and jazz to portray the lyrics of a song or tell as story. Dance is used as a form of worship and often uses contemporary Christian music.

Tap is an exciting rhythmic exercise and dance form which is enjoyable to both kids and adults. Rooted in African-American History, tap offers a variety of styles and techniques. Students will realize results in dance movement after a minimum number of classes. The classes stress the basics of tap and allows dancers to build into combinations which are great to watch and delightful to hear. Try tap for fun and fitness.

Jazz combines many styles and techniques from ethnic and contemporary dance, to ballet. Rhythm, upon which all dance forms depend, is particularly integral to jazz dance. The first half of class consists of exercises which stretch and tone muscles and develop support for proper stress-free alignment of the skeletal structure. Using jazz, soul, R&B, ethnic and pop music, jazz classes are a great work-out and a fun way to release tension while attaining a body awareness that can be applied to everyday activities.

The beginner level emphasizes correct postural alignment, principles of turn-out, balance, control and elementary barre exercises. Center work consists of a repetition of barre work, carriage of the arms, and positions of the body in relationship to the eight points of focus of the stage. Building on the foundation set by Basic Ballet, barre work exercises become more complex and of a longer duration to train muscle memory and increase flexibility. Special emphasis is placed on the dancer’s ability to connect and link steps for fluid movement, memorize patterns, and move through space while maintaining proper alignment. At this level we encourage the dancer to examine the combinations and plan ahead for self-correction. This level is typically repeated. At the next level there is a marked developmental leap, both in the technical aspects of class and in the seriousness with which training is taken by the dancer. This is the age when the young dancer begins to evaluate past experience in dance, and to question whether or not a career would be desirable. Training intensifies to match this period of self-evaluation. All past work is repeated in more complex combinations increasing strength, endurance, stamina and ability to link steps together in a fluid manner. Understanding of motivation, movement goals, imagery and presentation are stressed in order to develop better artistic expression. Pre- pointe is introduced at this level. This level is typically repeated. Evaluation for full pointe work is conducted when appropriate.

Age 3-4, 4-6 & 6-8 Sparkle Ballet/Tap Dance is an age specific 45 minute class containing ballet, tap and jazz/creative movement. The purpose of the class is to introduce young dancers to the three styles of dance and inspire movement and creativity within a positive environment. Dancers also learn basic steps and terminology in all three styles. For example, all dancers will learn what a “plie” is and how to demonstrate one. The use of fun, age appropriate music engages the young dancers’ minds and bodies. The use of props such as maracas for the “freeze dance” makes the end of class the most fun!

Ages 18 months -2: This class is a Parent/Toddler Dance Class for ages 18 Months to 2 Years old. This class is a 30-minute introductory dance class containing dance and creative movement. Young dancers and parent/guardian will learn the necessary steps while learning how to follow direction and imitate movement in an active environment while having a great time.

Our exclusive Sparkle Babies™ – ages 2-3: a thirty-minute introductory dance class that is unique and valuable in the dance industry. The secret to the class is that it is structured and fun! It contains ballet, tap, and creative movement. Young dancers learn the necessary steps while learning how to follow direction and imitate movement in a positive environment. Engaging music is used to get these little dancers inspired to dance. The use of props such as “dancing bears,” hula hoops and maracas, enables the young dancers to use their imagination, creativity and, most of all, have fun!