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PROGRAMS Our programs are not only based on technique, but we strive to
incorporate the history, faces, and choreographed works of each discipline. A well-rounded dance education for the serious
and recreational dancer is our goal. We understand that our students are all in class for different reasons: for exercise
and fun, or to train in a serious atmosphere for college and beyond. Our controlled class sizes aim to meet the various needs
of every student. Dancers enrolling in Adult classes must be Age 18 or over, and must be out of high school.
We have 4 Class Programs to Choose From: 1.
September-June Session:
Students participate in a weekly class from September through the beginning of June, cumulating with a June recital performance.
2. 6 Week Workshop Sessions- Fall, Winter, & Spring: Students participate in a weekly class
for 6 weeks. Sessions are offered in the Fall, Winter and Spring. There is no recital performance or registration fee, just
a flat rate for the 6 Week Class session. 3.
Summer Class
Session: Students participate in a weekly class for 6 weeks in the Summer. There is no recital performance or registration
fee, just a flat rate for the 6 week class session. 4. Summer Camps: Students participate in a dance camp, offered for one week. We offer a number
of different camps for all ages throughout the Summer. All camps cumulate with a performance at the end of the camp week.
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
Music, Movement and Play: For children ages 2-3 (Child must be 2 years old by first class), a six week class with a maximum
enrollment of 6 children per class. Children are not required to be potty trained and there is no recital performance. Children
wear comfortable loose fitting play clothing (no jeans please) and have bare feet (absolutely no socks or tights allowed on
floor for safety reasons). Children will warm-up, group games, parachute activities, mat activities, bean bag activities,
Finger plays, musical instruments, songs, props, a cool down, and much more. Children will learn: Signing, dancing, movement
games, and activities that promote balance, motor control and coordination. These activities will provide powerful tools
that impact your child's physical, social, emotional and intellectual development too. The class will encourage self-esteem
and cooperation with non-competitive experiences. They'll also have an opportunity to learn social skills as they have fun
interacting with peers and meeting new friends. Parents are encouraged to allow their child to enter the class room and experience
the class without them. This will aid in parent/child separation situations and allow the child to develop social skills
and interact with peers. (we do understand that some parents may need to be present with the initial “drop off”,
but are encouraged to remove themselves from the class as quickly as they are able to.) The last class of the session will
be an observation class, where parents, friends, and family may observe the class.
Creative Movement:
Creative Movement is a fun way for children ages 3-5 to explore movement through music,
develop motor skills, coordination, channel energy, stimulate imagination and promote creativity. Creative movement uses body
actions to communicate an image (the wind), communicate an idea (a journey) or communicate a feeling (strength). Creative
Movement provides children with opportunities for noncompetitive, success-oriented and creative experiences. Using music throughout
the class with props like streamers, maracas and other aids, the learning experience is fun and intriguing. Through movement,
children learn about their bodies, the space around them, and each other. Creative movement activities encourage all children
to participate. Both boys and girls enjoy these classes. We require that children be potty-trained before enrolling in Creative
Movement. There is a maximum allowed enrollment of 8 dancers in each Creative Movement class so that every dancer receives
individual attention in a controlled environment.
Tumble Tots: For children ages 2-5. Tumble Tots is our preschool-aged beginner gymnastics
and tumbling class. Children will explore movements such as rolling, jumping, balancing, and stretching on mats, age appropriate
beams, and other tools and props. Freedom to explore as well as instruction of concepts and movements will be taught in the
half hour, once weekly class.
Ballet:
The base of all forms of dance, Ballet technique consists of stylized and controlled
movements and positions, which develops ultimate strength and flexibility. We follow the Cechetti syllabus of ballet. Ballet
is beneficial at any age, and is a safe form of exercise and building strength. We strongly encourage all of our students
enrolled in more than one form of dance to study ballet, as the technique is found in every dance class.
Tap:
Tap combines Irish Step dancing, African dance, ballet, jazz, and social dances together to form a style of dance incorporating
timing and rhythms. This enables the tap dancer to develop a musical instrument with the aid of tap shoes: their feet. Even
if you think you or your child have no rhythm, tap dance is for you!
Ballet/Tap Combo and Ballet/Jazz
Combo (Ages 5 through 8):
A one-hour class that splits study into two: ½ hour of ballet and a ½
hour of tap or jazz, to give young beginners the opportunity to study both disciplines in one class. Ballet/Tap or Jazz Combo
Level I performs a ballet piece in our annual recital and Ballet/Tap or Jazz Combo Level II performs a tap piece in our annual
recital.
Jazz:
Jazz is a combination of a variety of styles of dance: ballet, African dance,
Musical Theater, Modern, and social dances. Jazz dance has a firm technique and strength base, allowing for individualized
movement. Jazz is a great form of dance for any age, developing strength and flexibility. Students of jazz are strongly encouraged
to study ballet simultaneously for the best possible jazz dance experience.
Lyrical:
Our
program combines ballet, modern and jazz technique to interpret music through choreography. The dancers learn to tell a story
or convey a message through expression and movement that is fluid, smooth and controlled. Students of Lyrical must have studied
at least one year of ballet and we recommend that they also be currently enrolled in a ballet class.
Modern:
Students are taught the techniques and styles of Isadora Duncan, Martha Graham, Horton, Jose Limon, and more. Modern dance
evolved as dancers found the need to break away from the rigidity of Classical Ballet and express themselves using a freer
style. Modern Dance is characterized by its bending of the spine into spirals and contractions as well as the use of off-center
movement such as tilts and layouts. It lends itself to various types of music including Classical and New Age.
Hip-Hop:
Hip-Hop combines the latest moves in street dance, break-dancing, and urban funk, commonly seen in music videos. Hip-Hop
is a great aerobic workout that develops strength and flexibility. Hip-Hop is constantly changing, and new styles are regularly
incorporated into classes..Irish Step Dance:You’ve seen Riverdance and Lord of the Dance, now come learn the basics
of Irish Dance! This form of dance expresses a unique cultural history and is casual, fun, and great exercise! Students will
enjoy the movement and music of this upbeat form of dance. Students will learn both individual (Irish Step) and group (Irish
Ceili) dances, while also learning about Irish dance terms and music.
African: This form of dance reflects the historical and cultural experience from various countries throughout
the Africa Diaspora. After a warm-up and stretching session, the dancing begins with the African dance steps broken down into
an easy to follow format. Each class provides a great cardiovascular workout in a fun-filled high-energy environment.
Musical Theater:
Our Musical Theater Dance program incorporates the stylized
movements found on the Broadway stage of yesterday and today. Students study the styles of Bob Fosse, Jerome Robbins and more,
incorporating facial expressions and musical interpretations. Musical Theater students must have had at least one year of
dance training, and are encouraged to also study ballet and jazz for the best possible experience.
Acrobatics: Acrobatic movements are combined with dance steps as students learn the fundamentals of movement
and timing with tumbling.This class focuses on strength, flexibility, and skills in balance and support, rotation and springing/landing
utilizing them in an aesthetic and athletic dance context. Students will learn headstands, handstands, cartwheels, all basic
rolls and positions, traveling and turning jumps and walkovers. These skills transfer easily to such activities as cheerleading
and gymnastics.
Teacher Assistant Program (“TAP”):
Students interested in developing
teaching skills may apply to our Teacher Assistant Program. Students must be at least 14 years old, study at least two different
forms of dance, able to attend monthly meetings with DDC Staff, and commit to the entire September-June session to participate
in the program. TAP members receive a discount on their tuition.
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