Seasonal Program Class Descriptions
Inspirations is a Christian dance troupe that strives to serve God through prayer, devotion, and the building up of each dancer’s character and technique. The mission of the Inspirations Troupe is to better ourselves, our community, and our technique in dance for the edification of god. While the troupe is opened to anyone who is interested in helping to fulfill this mission, it is important to understand that a number of additional commitments must be made in addition to regular youth recitals and shows.
Dance Fusion Community Dancers
Dance Fusion Community Dancers is a dance troupe comprised of Dance Fusion & Fitness students who are interested in representing the studio at various events and venues throughout the season. It is important to understand that a number of additional commitments must be made in addition to regular youth recitals and shows.
Baby Ballet (2-3)
This program is designed to develop a child’s basic motor skills and coordination, promote social interactions, and prepare for Creative Movement. Students will learn beginning ballet concepts in a fun and creative class that focuses on rhythm, movement, balance, and flexibility. Props such as scarves, balls, and the parachute may be used to develop body awareness.
Ballet
Ballet is the foundation of all forms of dance and is the mechanism by which young dancers learn basic technique. Ballet is the foundation for correct alignment, strength, and proper execution. It is a classical art form and is the premise for jazz, modern / contemporary, and lyrical. Students will learn basic structure, technique, grace, and fluid movement. Students taking ballet classes will be provided with the correct tools to enhance posture, strength, flexibility, and alignment. Ballet classes incorporate barre, strengthening exercises, and proper stretch techniques.
Ballet / Lyrical
The class is a fusion of ballet and jazz technique. This class focuses on the physical expression of the emotion of music and tells a story through movement and interpretation. The structure of ballet is combined with the free flowing movement of jazz.
Ballet / Pre-Pointe
In this class, students will continue to improve basic structure, technique, grace, and fluid movement. Correct placement and carriage of the body are stressed, as are a sense of self-discipline and positive execution. The pre-pointe component of this class is designed to prepare dancers for the study of pointe work. This typically takes a year and is designed to set up the young dancers for success en pointe. Strengthening exercises for the legs and feet are emphasized, and dancers will learn about pointe shoes, how to properly affix and tie pointe shoe ribbons, and proper foot care. Pre-Pointe may also be recommended for a dancer who is physically unable to undertake the rigor of pointe work, but who can benefit from the exercises offered and would enjoy learning about the process of dancing on pointe. This class will incorporate barre, strengthening exercises, and proper stretch techniques. Pointe shoes will not be necessary unless the instructor determines at some point during the season that this group is ready to advance. Dancers will remain in pre-pointe until they are formally advanced by the instructor to study pointe.
Ballet / Tap (5-6)
This class is designed specifically for students 5 to 6 years of age who wish to continue both ballet and tap, but are not quite ready for two full one hour classes. Students will be introduced to more structured and technical dance movement and terminology. This class focuses on developing the child’s natural rhythm and balance through the art of dance.
Ballet / Tap / Tumble (5-6)
This class is designed specifically for students 5 to 6 years of age who wish to continue both ballet and tap, but are not quite ready for three full one hour classes. Students will be introduced to more structured and technical dance movement and terminology. This class focuses on developing the child’s natural rhythm and balance through the art of dance, with the addition of basic tumbling skills.
Creative Movement (3-4)
This class is designed specifically for the developmental level of preschool children. Geared toward the youngest dance student, this class is structured to nurture a child’s natural instinct to dance, using a freer class format. The focus of this class is movement, motion, rhythm, coordination skills, and proper muscular development. With a more play-oriented approach, students in this class will engage in the joy of movement and expression of artistry in a nurturing environment. Students will explore the playful, creative, physical world with limbering exercises, exposure to a wide variety of music, rhythmic play, and a focus on cooperative learning. The instructors for this class may use props (e.g., scarves, balls, et cetera), and students will learn some pre-ballet in this relaxed, playful atmosphere.
Hip-Hop
These classes are designed to teach the beginnings of Hip-Hop including breaking, popping and locking, urban dance style, and more contemporary styles. Students will learn to keep rhythm, hit beats, and strengthen arms. Stretching and body conditioning are integral components of this class. A strong core and flexible body will promote strong, fluid, and balanced movement.
Jazz
In this class, students will be instructed on coordination, placement, and flexibility. This class is designed to focus on the foundation and basics of jazz dance. Flexibility, proper placement, strength, and overall conditioning are the focus of this class. Students will learn basic turns, leaps, and tricks. Skills will be broken down and taught for complete comprehension.
Jazz / Funk
This class fuses the elements of jazz and funk, concentrating on finding a funk groove and developing personal style. Funk explores dance styles that came out of the funk music era.
Lyrical
This class is a compilation of various styles of dance (e.g., lyrical, classical ballet, jazz, and modern). Technique will be strongly emphasized, and complex and intricate choreography will be used to tell a story through expressive movement. Students will use their bodies to their full capacities while exploring emotion and self-expression.
Musical Theatre
Musical Theatre provides students with the opportunity to explore acting and simple technique and movement for musical theatre. The musical theater program incorporates dance movement, musicality, voice exercises, singing, ear training, and acting. Students will explore songs and movement from current and classic musicals, will learn exciting choreography inspired by original songs, and will learn the art of performance. This is a wonderful program for the outgoing child, and has also proven to be beneficial for children who are shy.
Tap
Special shoes are used in tap classes to create a variety of rhythms and sounds. Tap classes develop coordination and listening skills. The emphasis in these classes is on clear tap sounds, rhythm, and showmanship. This dance form is filled with rhythm and exciting choreography. Students will learn tap dancing terminology, correct body posture, and progressions from basic to more intricate steps based on ability.
Yoga for Children
Based on traditional yoga, youth attending this class will focus on stretching, aerobics, and relaxation techniques. The class is taught by the author of the video, A Child's Way to Yoga, which features exercise for children ages 3-12.
Dress Code
Creative Movement: Solid color leotard (a little extra sparkle is permitted!), ballet skirt is optional either attached or unattached, pink footed dance tights, pink leather ballet shoes, and black patent leather tap shoes.
Ballet / Tap / Jazz Classes: Solid color leotard, pink footed or convertible dance tights, ballet skirt and black jazz pants are optional, tan footed or convertible dance tights, pink leather ballet shoes (split-sole is preferred, but not required), and tan low ankle jazz boot. Style of tap shoe will be discussed with instructor.
Ballet / Pointe: Solid color leotard, pink convertible dance tights, ballet skirt, pink leather split-sole ballet shoe, and pink satin pointe shoes.
Lyrical: Solid color leotard, tan convertible or footless dance tights, tan suede lyrical sandal with half-sole, ballet skirt or black dance pants (capris included!) are optional.
Jazz / Hip Hop: Comfortable, moveable pants (no jeans please!), T-shirts or tanks (not too baggy), and black dance sneakers. Additional clothing requirements will be discussed with instructor.
Boys: For all classes, boys should wear black athletic pants or shorts, and white t-shirts or tanks.