Dance Class Descriptions
Ballet:
Ballet is an academic dance form
and technique which is taught according to specific methods. There
are many various styles of ballet and different techniques offered.
Works of dance choreographed using this technique are called
ballets, and usually include dance, mime, acting, and music (usually
orchestral but occasionally vocal). Ballet is best known for its
unique features and techniques, such as pointe work, turn-out of the
legs; its graceful, flowing, precise movements; and its ethereal
qualities. Ballet developed as a separate, performance-focused art
form in France
during the reign of Louis XIV, who was passionate about dance and
determined to reverse a decline in dance standards that began in the
17th century. King Louis XIV established the Académie Royale de la
Danse (which evolved into the company known today as the Paris Opera
Ballet) in 1661. The earliest references to the five core positions
of ballet appear in the writings of Pierre Beauchamp, a court dancer
and a choreographer
Tap:
Tap Dance is a style of American theatrical dance using
precise rhythmical patterns of foot movement and audible foot
tapping. It is derived from the traditional clog dance of northern England, the jigs and reels of Ireland and Scotland, and possibly the rhythmic
foot stamping of African dances. Tap Dance was developed in the United States
during the nineteenth century, and is popular nowadays in many parts
of the world. The name comes from the tapping sound made when the
small metal plates on the dancer's shoes touch a hard floor. This
lively, rhythmic tapping makes the performer not just a dancer, but
also a percussive musician.
Jazz:
Jazz dance is an umbrella term that can refer to several
related dance styles. All of them are connected via common roots,
namely tap, ballet, jazz music, and African-American rhythms and
dance. Jazz dance originated from the African American vernacular
dance of the late 1800s to the mid-1905s. Until the middle of 1950s,
the term "jazz dance" often referred to tap dance, because tap
dancing (set to jazz music) was the main performance dance of the
era. Today, jazz dance is present in many different venues and
different forms. Jazz dance thrives in dance schools and remains an
essential part of musical theater choreography; it is sometimes
interwoven with other dance styles as appropriate for the particular
show. Jazz relies heavily on originality and improvisation. Many
jazz dancers have different takes on the dance, incorporating
different styles into the dance. An important factor of jazz is
expression. Good jazz routines express the music through dramatic
and grandiose body movements.
Hip-Hop:
Hip hop dance refers to dance styles, mainly street
dance styles, primarily danced to hip hop music, or that have
evolved as a part of the hip hop culture. Hip hop dancing is
evolving in many different directions today, heavily influenced by
the evolution of hip hop music and its popularity in media. As hip
hop dancing is such a broad genre, the teacher has much freedom and
room for personal interpretation, and often mixes various styles
freely, even mixing them with other dance forms such as jazz.
Modern:
Modern dance is a dance form developed in the early 20th
century. Although the term Modern dances has also been applied to a
category of 20th Century ballroom dances, Modern dance as a term
usually refers to 20th century concert dance. In the early 1900s a
few dancers in Europe started to
rebel against the rigid constraints of Classical Ballet. Shedding
classical ballet technique, costume and shoes these early modern
dance pioneers practiced free dance. The term Modern Dance today, is
typified as being the style of theatrical dance seen in the period
between the 1970s and 1980s. With a strong classical ballet
influence, in its purest technical sense, the movement is generally
very fluid and balletic, although it does include the dynamic
highlights and tricks of jazz dance, with isolations, kicks and
leaps. Many movements are very weighted and to the earth. This has
led to it being given the name Classical Jazz, in many countries.
Pilates:
The Pilates Method (or simply
Pilates), pronounced ("Pih - LAH - Teez"), is a physical
fitness system developed in the early 20th century by Joseph
Pilates. As of 2005 there are 11 million people who practice the
discipline regularly and 14,000 instructors in the United States.
Pilates called his method Contrology, because he believed his
method uses the mind to control the muscles. The program focuses on
the core postural muscles which help keep the body balanced and
which are essential to providing support for the spine. In
particular, Pilates exercises teach awareness of breath and
alignment of the spine, and strengthen the deep torso muscles, which
are important to help alleviate and prevent back pain. Joseph
Pilates believed mental and physical health are essential to one
another. He recommended a few, precise movements emphasizing control
and form to aid by strengthening, stretching,and stabilizing key
muscles. Pilates created "The Pilates Principles" to condition the
entire body: proper alignment, centering, concentration, control,
precision, breathing, and flowing movement. Pilates sessions help
increase strength and flexibility, lengthen the body, and align the
spine. The method does not build muscle mass. The fields of fitness
and rehabilitation often encourage Pilates for its focus on the
muscles of the abdomen and lower back. The focus on strengthening
the core muscles and improving postural awareness especially relieve
and prevent back pain.
Children’s Yoga
While having fun learning yoga,
your child will increase their flexibility, enhance concentration,
reduce stress & build self-confidence.
Yoga Beginning/Level 1:
Tamara Rhodes’ teaching style incorporates
learning alignment, body awareness & philosophy of yoga, drawing
from classic Hatha Yoga.
This class is for those new to yoga or
returning to yoga again.
Learn basic postures, breath awareness, increase your flexibility &
gain strength.
Yoga Intermediate/Level 2:
Introduction to sun salutations.
Focus is on strength, balance alignment & flexibility.
Strength and Conditioning
Instructor:
Sharon Smith
A class for both dancers and non-dancers who want to
improve core/abdominal, arm and leg strength, improve balance and
improve flexibility.
Students will need to bring a fit ball and mat.
Light weights and therabands will be added in when
appropriate.
Teen/Adult Modern
This
class is a nice workout for the teen/adult student interested in
learning the basics of modern dance as well as those with some
knowledge of modern dance.
The student will work with their center allowing for balance
and coordination as well as building strength, flexibility and
endurance. Improvisation
and choreography with also be experienced by the students.
Musical Theater Review
Learn the joy of Musical Theatre.
You will be singing and dancing to some of the best known and loved
show tunes from Broadway musicals such as High School Musical,
Wicked, The Wiz, The Music Man, and many, many more.
Ballroom
Learn the Waltz, Cha Cha, Fox Trot, Rhumba, Swing and Salsa
office
(847) 961-6127