Claire School of Dance

We have dance programs for kids 3 to 6 as well as adults. Classes are offered in the Houston Heights and in selected schools.

We have dance programs for kids 3 to 6 as well as adults. Classes are offered in the Houston Heights and in selected schools.

Attire for creative movement is a leotard. No tights! No shoes! Dance skirts and tutus are allowed. It is also fine to wear shorts and a t shirt. Children dance barefoot.

This one-hour advanced beginner/intermediate class includes a foot warmup and a full barre. Center work focuses on changes of weight and direction, adage, port de bras, turns, and traveling steps. We limit jumps, both large and small. Students who have not taken in “a while” are welcome. We do not recommend this class for the absolute beginner. Comfortable attire: leggings and t shirts are acceptable. Leotards and tights are optional. Ballet slippers are required. Each class is tailored to the students who attend.

Combining t’ai chi, Mézière technique, and the work of dance anatomy and neuro-anatomy researcher Irene Dowd, among others, this gentle system of movement helps reduce tension, restore balance, and increase well-being. In exploring the elements of breath, weight, energy, and centering, we learn to focus our attention on specific sensations within the body. In doing so, we stabilize the body and calm the mind. We not only experience of joy of freedom of movement, we come to know ourselves better.

Level 5 classes are 90 minutes to two hours long. Students are required to take ballet class three times a week and pointe class twice a week. Attire is a hunter green leotard, white wrap dance skirt, pink or skin tone-inclusive tights, and pink or skin tone-inclusive ballet slippers, and, if applicable, pink or skin tone-inclusive pointe shoes. Hair must be worn up in a bun. Short hair must be pulled back from the face. No jewelry. No watches.

Level 4 classes are 90 minutes to two hours long. Students are required to take class three times a week. Attire is a garnet leotard, white pull on or wrap dance skirt, pink or skin tone-inclusive tights, and pink or skin tone-inclusive slippers, and, if applicable, pink or skin tone-inclusive pointe shoes. Hair must be worn up in a bun. Short hair must be pulled back from the face. No jewelry. No watches.

Level 3 classes are for students with a minimum of 4 years previous instruction. Classes are 75-90 minutes long. It is recommended that students take three times a week. Students are required to take class twice a week. Attire is a navy blue camisole leotard (such as Capezio CC102C), white pull-on dance skirt (preferably Mirella MS12CH, older girls may wear a white wrap), pink or skin tone-inclusive tights, and pink or skin tone-inclusive leather ballet slippers, and, if applicable, pink pointe shoes. Hair must be worn up in a bun. Short hair must be pulled back from the face. No jewelry. No watches.

Level 2 students are generally 10 years old. Classes for students with a minimum of 2 years previous ballet instruction. They should be familiar with basic ballet terminology and exercises. Classes are 75 minutes long. Seafoam camisole leotard (such as Sansha Y1555C), white dance skirt (preferably Mirella MS12CH), pink or skin tone-inclusive tights, and pink or skin tone-inclusive leather ballet slippers. No attached skirts. Hair must be worn up in a bun. Short hair must be pulled back from the face. No jewelry. No watches.

Level 1 students are generally 8 years old. Classes are 75 minutes long. Light blue camisole leotard (such as Sansha Y1555C), white pull-on dance skirt (preferably Mirella MS12CH), pink or skin tone-inclusive tights, and pink or skin tone-inclusive leather ballet slippers. No attached skirts. Hair must be worn up in a bun. Short hair must be pulled back from the face. No jewelry. No watches.

for children entering Pre-K, further develops coordination and motor and listening skills while promoting natural creativity, musical awareness, and improvisation. In addition to building physical ability, this class gives children the opportunity to use movement to tell a story through interactive group exercises. Attention is given to the ability to retain increasingly complex instructions.

is for children 3 ½ to 4. It stresses coordination, large motor skills development, musical and spatial awareness, and listening skills. Every lesson includes an opportunity to explore imagination and movement.

is a program designed for children between the ages of age 2 ½ and 3. In this class, children are imaginatively stimulated to dance and move through space. Age-appropriate activities develop large motor skills, coordination and balance, while introducing classroom etiquette. The class introduces children to a wide range of music, from ballet to music from around the world, as well as musical concepts such as steady beat.

All seasons are magical at the Claire School of Dance! In addition to our regular schedule of Summer Dance Classes, we also have a calendar of themed summer camps.

Summer classes program runs from July 9 through July 30.

The Claire School of Dance offers students ages 3 through 5 classes designed not only to introduce children to dance concepts and prepare them for formal dance studies but to enhance their overall development. Listening skills, patience, and taking turns are taught along with fundamental dance principles such as lifted backs, strong ankles, tempo, and awareness of space. Imaginations too get a workout – every lesson includes an opportunity for children to make up their own dances. Based in part on the National Training Program of the American Ballet Theatre (in which Ms. Claire is a certified instructor), classes with the Claire School of Dance are a first step into the joy of movement.

Grace Day School classes are held Thursdays 10-10:45 a.m. The Grace Day School teacher escorts students to and from the dance class.

Grace Day School classes are held Thursdays 10-10:45 a.m. The Grace Day School teacher escorts students to and from the dance class.

St. Matthew’s classes are held Wednesdays 2-2:45 p.m. The teacher will collect students from their classrooms. Parents pick up their children from the gym. Those students in aftercare are taken there by the teacher.

St. Matthew’s classes are held Wednesdays 2-2:45 p.m. The teacher will collect students from their classrooms. Parents pick up their children from the gym. Those students in aftercare are taken there by the teacher.

Our Summer Intensive for 7-12 Year olds offers a week-long program filled with daily classes.