Young Children’s Dance Class Descriptions
Dance Explore I (for 3 y.o. & new 4 y.o.)
A fun, 45-minute class designed to teach elements of dance that are appropriate for this age. Each class consists of warm-up exercises to develop coordination and body awareness. Children learn basic traveling steps and practice moving as part of a group pattern. Tap dance is included to develop rhythm and counting. Time is also set aside for creative, movement games. (Children must be 3 by September 1)
Dance Explore II (for experienced 4 & 5 y.o. who have at least one FULL year of dance classes)
This hour long class is designed to expand on the natural joy of movement and creativity of four and five year olds. After basic warm-ups, isolations, and stretches, students practice steps across the floor and in patterns. Special lessons and class themes are designed to build imagination and expressiveness in the students’ movement. Rhythm and music skills are taught through specific exercises and tap dance.
DanceWorks I (for new 5 & 6 y.o.)
This class offers young students the opportunity to explore more than one dance form in a single class. Tap, pre-ballet, and pre-jazz are offered in back-to-back segments. Class work consists of more complex and detailed movement than in previous classes, while still allowing time for fun, creative exercises.
DanceWorks II (for experienced 5 & 6 y.o. who have at least one FULL year of dance)
Class description is as above with further complexity and detail than in previous years.
Super Sixes (for 6 year olds who have completed AT LEAST TWO YEARS of dance and who are highly interested, self-motivated and focused in class. Permission of the instructor is required.)
Youth, Teen, And Adult Dance Class Descriptions
Level Information
Students move through the levels offered in the following order:
- Beginner (1 year)
- Advanced Beginner (1-2 years)
- Intermediate (1-3 years)
- Advanced
Depending on such things as natural ability, learning style, focus and attendance, students may move through the syllabus at differing rates. Please ask for further assistance in placing your child.
Classical Ballet (ages 7 & up):
This centuries old dance form, known for it’s grace and beauty, actually requires tremendous discipline, strength, and flexibility. Based on clearly defined positions of the body, training requires patience and repetition or many years to acquire the strength and refinement necessary to master this beautiful art form. SCD teaches both classical and contemporary variations.
Pointe (by permission / audition):
Pointe work is an essential part of upper level ballet training. Classes are offered to Intensive Track ballet students only. Pointe students must attend all pointe classes offered each week at their level.
Jazz (ages 7 and up):
Jazz classes expose students to the many forms that make up this diverse genre of dance. Students will study classic jazz technique, musical theater, lyrical jazz, contemporary/modern jazz movement and hip-hop influenced styles. Jazz classes consist of warm-up, center work, and traveling progressions, which are all designed to increase flexibility, strength, and technique. Classes will also include learning pieces of choreography and developing performance, confidence, and expression.
Hip Hop (ages 7 & up):
Hip hop is a high energy street dance that evolved in urban areas across the country in over the past 30 years. Class includes a warm-up, development of hip-hop movement vocabulary and a combination. Offered for youths and teens, both the music selections and the choreography are tailored for the respective ages.
Tap (ages 7 & up):
The Style of tap dance taught at Arts Rochester is jazz tap, also called rhythm tap. Classes teach technique aimed at achieving good, clear sounds, while encourgaging individual expression through rhythm. Dancers learn about musical structure and develop improvisation skills.
Modern Dance (ages 9 & up):
The emphasis of this class is on performing the modern dance technique of the Horton Method as seen danced by the performers of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. This class will also explore improvisational techniques and partnering.
There are many factors that determine which age grouping and level is best for a child – personality, natural ability, and experience broadly describe some of them. Students thrive in widely differing situations. We encourage you to trust the instructor’s recommendation and allow your child’s skills to unfold at a natural pace.
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