COURSE CATALOG

Sole City Dance offers a class schedule and leveling system which allows students to self-design their program according to their interests, goals, time commitment and skill level. While faculty permission is required to participate in all upper level classes, there are no requirements for number or type of classes per week that a dancer must take with one exception for pointe.

Here are the basics—

Youth and Teen classes are leveled 1 through 5. Moving through the levels is not automatic. It is not uncommon for dancers to stay at a level for up to three years.

For classically-based dance styles (ballet, modern, jazz), we recommend studying multiple times per week by Level 2 with at least one of the classes being ballet.

Please be aware that it is difficult to move beyond level 3 with only once-per-week training.

Upper-level jazz and ballet classes are offered multiple times per week and we suggest dancers attend all classes at a given level but it is not required. You can also take classes that are lower than your normal level as well. Taking a class that is slowed down really helps you focus and improve your technique.

Dancers studying pointe are required to take at least 2 ballet and the pointe classes associated with those ballet classes. If you are looking to excel in ballet we highly recommend taking 3 ballet and pointe classes at your level each week.

Dancers MUST be able to keep up with the level of technique demanded by a class for their own safety and out of respect for the other dancers. If not they will be asked to study at a lower level. A dancer may be asked to move at any time based on attendance, skill level or work ethic.

At the end of the previous dance year all students will be given a recommendations for the fall from the SCD Faculty. Receommendations will be posted under the student resources. Adjustments may be made by faculty at the start of classes in September if a dancer has gained or lost skill over the summer. Student levels may be adjusted at any time the faculty feels is appropriate.

Dancers who wish to audition for The Nutcracker must be enrolled in and have good attendance in at least one ballet class per week.

Dancers who wish to audition for The Young Company or the Solstice Dance Company must be enrolled in one technique class per week.

Things to keep in mind—

Dancers are unique individuals who bring different natural abilities, learning styles and levels of commitment to the dance education process. Some people learn a skill quickly, others need more repetition. Some are naturally strong or flexible and others must work extensively to achieve both. Some excel at one style of dance while others excel at a different one. Some dancers are highly focused and committed to intensive study while others choose dance as a light-hearted, recreational activity.

Please understand that the faculty are continuously (every class!) evaluating each dancer. The corrections and compliments that are given are feedback about how students are doing on a certain skill. Dancers must take responsibility for remembering and applying this feedback; we suggest everyone keep a dance journal and write down corrections and compliments after class.

Learning in a dance class also involves listening to other dancers’ corrections and compliments and checking in with oneself to see if the information may apply to you. Observing other dancers in an open-minded, nonjudgmental way can help a dancer better understand their own skills and goals.

Because everyone is different, please make an effort not to compare your progress to others. Our recommendation: align your class choices with your dance goals, work hard every day, don’t miss class, and be inspired by those dancers you admire.

Trust the Faculty—

SCD faculty are experienced dance educators who care deeply about all students’ progress. The faculty works together as a group to place students in groups where we believe they will best be challenged, inspired and successful.

If you have questions about your classes or your placement, please speak to the executive director, Alexandra Poulis, who will collect information from the faculty and bring it back to you or arrange an in-person conversation. Remember that faculty are continuously observing dancers in class and will approach you with any concerns or suggestions when they arise. If you’d like to get in touch feel free to click here to access our contact form.

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. To register for classes, please click here.

YOUNG CHILDREN’S DANCE

Dance with Me! (18 months to 2 y.o.)

A fun, 30-minute class with parents and children learning together about gross-motor movement skills and music! Props are used to further engage students in listening to and expressing the music. This class prepares students to follow directions and understand the elements of a dance class.

*Not a performance class

Dance Explore 1 (for new 3 y.o. & 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 1st for First Semester Classes OR by February 1st for Second Semester Classes)

Dance Explore 2 (for experienced 4 & new 5 y.o.)

This 45-minute 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.

Dance Works 1 or 1/2 (for experienced 5 & all 6 y.o.)

This class offers young students the opportunity to explore more than one dance form in a single class. Tap, ballet, and basic jazz are included. Class work consists of more complex and detailed movement than in previous classes, while still allowing time for fun, creative exercises.

Dance Works 2 (for experienced 6 y.o. and new 7 y.o.)

Further progressions in tap, ballet, and jazz for those who have completed a full year of Dance Works.

Jazz Mini’s (for 6-8 y.o.)

Jazz Mini’s offers our young students exposure 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, developing performance skills, confidence, and expression.

Lil’ Hip Hoppers (for 5-8 y.o.)

Lil’ Hip Hoppers is a great entry class for the young dancer looking for a high energy up beat dance class. Hip hop is a high energy street dance that evolved in urban areas across the country in over the past 40 years. Class includes a warm-up, development of hip-hop movement vocabulary and a combination. This is an excellent class for high-energy kids who want to take a fast and fun dance class.

Lil’ Tappers (for 6-8 y.o.)

Lil’ Tappers is great for the little dancer that has become interested in tap and wants to work on building a foundation in this rhythmic style of dance. The style of tap dance taught at SCD is jazz tap, also called rhythm tap. Classes teach technique aimed at achieving good, clear sounds, while encouraging individual expression through rhythm. Dancers learn about musical structure and develop improvisation skills.

Modern Mini’s (for 6-8 y.o.)

Modern Mini’s is geared to start building a foundation of Modern Dance technique. It is great for students looking for more free movement and creativity building. Modern Dance was developed as a contrast to classical ballet, focusing on highly expressive and creative movements incorporating ethnic dances from around the world. Modern dance at SCD explores a wide range of movement to a wide variety of musical styles. Classes include improvisational techniques and partnering.

Lil’ Tumblers (for 5-7 y.o.)

Sole City Dance is proud to be an Acrobatic Arts certified studio. Acrobatics combines the beauty of dance, the wonder of acrobatics, and the power of gymnastics in one exciting sport! Used throughout the dance world and gymnastics world, acrobatics is performed in professional productions such as Cirque du Soleil and many other reputable companies. Students will develop strength, flexibility, and control with an emphasis put on extensive conditioning. Students will learn to execute basics from a forward roll to tricks such as handstands, cartwheels, chest stands, needles, illusions, walkovers, aerials, and many more, and how those skills integrate into dance.

YOUTH AND TEEN CLASSES

Level Information

Depending on such things as natural ability, learning style, focus, and attendance, students move through levels 1 through 5 at varying rates. For all classes Level 2 and up, you must be recommended for that level by an SCD teacher.

Recommendations for all current students are posted to the student’s resources in the portal. If you are new to SCD, please contact us to discuss your level and arrange an evaluation. A student may remain in a level for up to 3 years and may advance only upon faculty recommendation.

Acro (ages 7 & up)

Aerial & Little Flyers (ages 7 & up)

Take dance to another level with aerial dance! Aerial training will focus on building upper body and core strength and increasing flexibility and coordination while working on each apparatus. Students will learn everything from the basics of rigging and equipment maintenance to basic, intermediate, and advanced skills on the fabric, trapeze, and lyra. As students progress through the program they will build on theory and act creation. See the Aerial page for more information and dress code requirements.

Ballet* – ABT National Training Curriculum (ages 7 & up)

This centuries old dance form, known for its 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 follows the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) National Training Curriculum.

The curriculum is a nine-level program (starting with pre-primary through professional) that combines high quality artistic training with a focus on dancer health and whole-child development. The program embraces sound ballet principles and incorporates elements of the French, Italian and Russian schools of training. Artistically, the ABT National Training Curriculum strives to provide dance students with a rich knowledge of classical ballet technique and the ability to adapt to all styles and techniques of dance.

*A placement class is required to determine the appropriate level for each dancer. See the ABT page for more details.

Pre-Pointe

Pre-pointe is open to any student who is 9 years old and highly recommended for any 10-year-old looking to go en pointe. Pre-point classes are for students who are not yet en pointe to further develop and strengthen the muscles necessary to go en pointe. Pre-pointe classes stress correct alignment and work on conditioning drills. Pre-pointe classes also allow teachers to assess readiness, offering an atmosphere for the proper evaluation of important skills. Students must complete the pre-pointe program before being allowed en pointe.

Pointe (by Permission/Audition)

Pointe work is an essential part of upper level ballet training. Because of the demand for strength and alignment, pointe students are required to attend at least 2 ballet classes per week and the pointe classes associated with those ballet classes. We strongly recommend taking 3 ballet and all pointe classes at your level each week.

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 40 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.

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, developing performance skills, confidence, and expression.

Lyrical Jazz (ages 13 & up)

Lyrical Jazz is a combination of jazz and ballet and is an interpretation of the emotions that the lyrics of a song represent. This class is geared towards the dancer that already has a comprehensive knowledge of jazz movements. This class is open to students ages 13+ who are a level 4 jazz placement or above.

Contemporary Jazz (ages 11 & up)

Contemporary dance is all about self-expression, storytelling, and freedom. It pulls from traditional dance styles like Ballet & Jazz but breaks away from the strict techniques and movements that make those styles so recognizable. This class is open to dancers ages 11+.

Jazz Leaps & Turns (ages 9+)

This specialized class will focus on leaps and turns for Jazz. It is open to any SCD Jazz student in level 2+.

Modern Dance (ages 7 & up)

Modern Dance developed as a contrast to classical ballet, focusing on highly expressive and creative movements incorporating ethnic dances from around the world. Modern dance at SCD explores a wide range of movement to a wide variety of musical styles. Classes include improvisational techniques and partnering.

Tap (ages 7 & up)

Youth Combo (for 7-12 y.o.)

This class offers young students the opportunity to explore more than one dance form in a single class. Ballet and jazz are the two styles that will be studied in this class. Classwork consists of more complex and detailed movements than in previous classes, while still allowing time for fun, creative exercises.

Flexibility & Conditioning (9+)

The key to injury prevention and setting yourself up for a long dance career is strength and proper flexibility training. This class will focus on cross training for dancers to help build strength and flexibility. Dancers will be given information to work on skills and strength training at home.

SCD Performance Companies

We have two company options we have The Young Company for dancers 8-12 years old and The Solstice Dance Company for dancers ages 13+. Both companies rehearse on Fridays during the dance year. The Young Company 4:00-5:15 and The Solstice Dance Company 5:00-6:30. Dancers in these performance companies showcase the studio at community events throughout the year.

Company Requirements:

Companies are open to those enrolled in classes ages 8+.
Company members must take at least one technique class per week to participate (ballet, jazz or modern). We strongly recommend being enrolled in a ballet class as it will help you improve in all styles.

You can find more company details and our philosophy here.

ADULT CLASSES (18+)

See the Adult Dance page for session details, class descriptions and level options. If you are interested in Ballroom you can find that on the Ballroom page.

Adult Aerial

Take dance to another level with aerial dance! Aerial training will focus on building upper body and core strength and increasing flexibility and coordination while working on each apparatus. Students will learn everything from the basics of rigging and equipment maintenance to basic, intermediate, and advanced skills on the fabric, trapeze and lyra. We offer an adult beginner level and intermediate level. The intermediate class is for anyone with at least a year of aerial experience.

Adult Ballet

This class covers all the basics of ballet in a fun and encouraging environment. Perfect for those totally new to ballet or those who have taken a break and want to get back into it. Wear whatever you can move comfortably in. Ballet shoes are recommended but not required. We offer a beginner and intermediate level.

Adult Contemporary Jazz

This class exposes students to the many forms that make up this diverse genre of dance. Contemporary Jazz dance combines techniques of classical ballet and modern dance with current forms of popular dance. Classes include warm up, isolations, stretches, across the floor progressions, and choreography combinations. Dress code: barefoot or socks and comfy clothes you can move in.

Adult Tap

The style of tap dance taught at SCD is jazz tap, also called rhythm tap. Classes teach technique aimed at achieving good, clear sounds, while encouraging individual expression through rhythm. Dancers learn about musical structure and develop improvisation skills. We offer an adult beginner level and intermediate level. The intermediate class moves at a faster paced and is geared towards those with a tap background.

Heels (16+)

This class will explore the experience of dancing in heels. We will investigate movement patterns essential to dancing in heels and learn a section of stylized choreography. The overall style of the movement will be somewhere in between commercial sassy jazz and jazz funk, with some elements of hip hop. Some dance experience is recommended but not required, this is fun class for all levels who want to help gain some confidence on the dance floor. As the name of the class suggests, this class may be done in heels but sneakers are also encouraged. We recommend choosing a pair of heels that are clean and that you feel comfortable walking in.

**No stilettos they can ruin our flooring.