Inspire Academy of Dance

Elevate Dance Company is the competitive dance team of Inspire Academy of Dance, under the direction of Michelle Chandler-Smith and Alexandra Wright. Elevate is open to dancers ages 4 and up, and provides performance and training opportunities for passionate dancers who are looking for additional stage time as well as a focused classroom experience. Our company values are Teamwork, Confidence, Positivity, and Hard Work. The goal of the company is to help members grow as dancers and as people, by teaching skills such as time management and accountability in addition to exceptional dance technique and artistry. Elevate Company members attend 5-6 competitions and conventions throughout the dance season.

Our gemstone level classes are for passionate dancers who are looking for a faster-paced, more focused classroom experience. These classes are reserved for dancers who audition and are placed on our Elevate Dance Company. If additional space remains in these classes, class placement is based on instructor approval. Dancers can request to be evaluated by an Inspire instructor for placement in Gemstone level classes. For more information, please email the office at studio@inspireacademy.dance .

An athletic, intermediate/advanced class involving intense stretching and technical strengthening perfect for the dancer who wants to increase their flexibility and intensify their physical strength. This class is for the intermediate/advanced dancer who wants to continue their technical education, broadening and challenging their vocabulary beyond the basic turns, kicks and leaps. Dress code: Tan jazz shoes and dance/athletic apparel or clothing that is easy to move in (leggings, tank tops, etc) .

Lyrical is a fusion of ballet and jazz, generally choreographed to slower, more emotional music involving ballad interpretation. Contemporary is a more recent revelation, contemporary mixes ballet, jazz, lyrical and modern, a more edgy and linear form of dance, together, both athletic and expressive. Seen often on shows such as Fox’s So You Think You Can Dance. Dress code: Tan jazz shoes and dance/athletic apparel or clothing that is easy to move in (leggings, tank tops, etc) .

Using shoes with the metal taps attached, this art form is characterized by its specific technique and various rhythms and sounds. Dress code: Black tap shoes and dance/athletic apparel or clothing that is easy to move in (leggings, tank tops, etc) .

The technique and basis for all other dance styles, ballet is a theatrical art form using classical music to convey a story through grace and precise leg, arm and foot articulation.Dress code: Ballet Shoes , Leotard and tights .

This form of dance is commonly referred to as Street Dance, involving a technique all its own. Popping, locking, breakdance and funk will be taught to age appropriate high-energy music. Dress code: Clean tennis shoes , comfortable clothing (t-shirt, shorts, leggings, etc. NO jeans)

Jazz covers a wide variety of techniques and styles with ballet as its base. It generally is performed to upbeat music that you commonly hear in music videos and on stage in musicals. Kicks, turns and leaps at various technical stages as well as fun, lively choreography will be learned throughout the season.Dress code: Tan jazz shoes and dance or athletic apparel (leggings, tank tops, etc) .

Dancing for the stage, Broadway style performance including various styles danced throughout the decades. This class will include an introduction to singing and acting to allow the dancer to really hone their theatrical skills. Dancers will also learn a great deal of dance/theater history in this class, through discussion and a variety of clips that will expose dancers to different Broadway shows, famous dance scenes from movies, etc. Dress code: Tan jazz shoes and athletic apparel or clothing that is easy to move in (leggings, tank tops, etc)

Lyrical is a fusion of ballet and jazz, generally choreographed to slower, more emotional music involving ballad interpretation. In this class, young dancers will learn to express themselves through movement and music.Dress code: Tan jazz shoes and dance or athletic apparel (leggings, tank tops, etc) .

In this class, young dancers will build on their understanding, execution, and performance of ballet, jazz, and tap. Students will learn new ballet steps and vocabulary and practice combining steps in new ways. In tap, students will explore rhythm as well as basic tap steps and phrases. Jazz will give students the opportunity to dance to their favorite songs and learn fun, innovative dance moves! In all dance forms, students will learn to put steps together into fun, challenging combinations and routines. Ballet , tap and jazz shoes required. Dress code: dance apparel (leotards, tights, tutus, leggings, etc.)

In this class, young dancers will build on their understanding, execution, and performance of ballet, jazz, and tap. Students will learn new ballet steps and vocabulary and practice combining steps in new ways. In tap, students will explore rhythm as well as basic tap steps and phrases. Jazz will give students the opportunity to dance to their favorite songs and learn fun, innovative dance moves! In all dance forms, students will learn to put steps together into fun, challenging combinations and routines. Ballet , tap and jazz shoes required. Dress code: dance apparel (leotards, tights, tutus, leggings, etc.)

Does your dancer have a TON of energy? This is the class for them! During the first half of class, dancers will learn basic hip hop steps and fun dance routines set to upbeat, high energy music. The second half of class will be an intro to tumbling – dancers will bring out the tumbling mats to practice front and back rolls, cartwheels, handstands, etc. Dress code: Clean tennis shoes form fitting dance or athletic apparel . Shorts are acceptable (NO sweatpants or jeans).

Does your dancer LOVE twirling and dressing up like a ballerina? This is the class for them! Dancers will learn and build on the basics of ballet, including correct terminology and technique, while dancing to fun music and with princess-themed props. Ballet shoes required. Dress code: any color leotard and tights (tutus and skirts allowed) .

In this class, young dancers will have the opportunity to learn and build on the basics of ballet and tap dance. For the first half of class, students will explore rhythms/sounds as well as basic tap steps and phrases. During the second half of class, students will learn ballet steps and vocabulary through use of fun music and props as well as imaginative dance exercises. Ballet and tap shoes required . Dress code: dance apparel (leotards, tights, tutus, etc.)

Calling all movers and shakers! In this hip hop-inspired toddler class, dancers will explore movement with fun, upbeat music! The teacher will use props and imaginative exercises to teach basic movement concepts and beginning hip hop and tumbling steps. Dancers can take this class barefoot or in clean tennis shoes . Dress code: any comfortable, moveable clothing (leggings, shorts, t-shirts, etc).

In this class, students will be introduced to dance through movement exploration activities and basic tap steps. For the first half of class, students will wear tap shoes to make some noise and explore different rhythms and sounds! During the second half of class, students will learn creative movement and ballet steps through use of fun music and props as well as imaginative dance exercises. Ballet and tap shoes required. Dress code: dance apparel (leotards, tights, tutus, etc.)