Pre-Dance I, II, & III

Description: Pre-dance is a dance program designed for children ages three through six. It is an introduction to the world of dance, which utilizes children's love of movement to enhance their physical development and musicality.  Patience and humor team up with discipline and good expectations to provide an atmosphere conducive to learning.  Students learn basic tap & ballet skills along with creative movement to help develop their coordination. 

Attire:  Leotards, tights, dance skirts, dance shorts, dance pants, are all appropriate for Pre-Dance classes. Students may choose any color or style.  Hair should be secured away from face.  Tap shoes & ballet slippers are required for class (practice shoes can be any color).  For the recital, tan colored tap shoes will be required.

Pre-Dance Class Descriptions:

Pre-Dance I:  This 45 minute class is for the 3-4 year old student.  Students will learn to work together as a group in a structured classroom setting.  Basic tap & ballet moves will be taught to music.  Coordination movements such as marching, skipping, galloping, clapping to the beat will also be taught.  Students will perform a Tap Routine in the Recital at the end of the year.

Pre-Dance II: This 45 minute class is for the 4-5 year old student.  The basic structure of the class is the same as Pre-Dance I, but everything is done with a little more attention to detail.  Students will increase their knowledge of basic tap steps, and will start to learn dance terminology.  Better classroom behavior will be expected.  Students will perform a Tap Routine in the Recital at the end of the year.

Pre-Dance III: This 45 minute class is for the 5-6 year old student.  The basic structure of the class is the same as Pre-Dance I & II, with more attention to detail.  The goal is to reinforce the basic tap steps, while adding additional tap steps and an introduction to jazz.  Students will learn dance terminology, and be able to identify various steps by name.  Better classroom behavior will be expected.  Students will perform a Tap Routine in the Recital at the end of the year.

Attendance: Good attendance is required.  Attendance will be taken at every class.  Please call the studio or inform your teacher if student is unable to attend class.

Keep in mind…

Our door is always open and it is important that parents stay involved with the progress that their child is making.  If you ever have any questions, concerns, etc…please talk to your child’s teacher personally. 

Welcome to Pre-Dance…..let’s get DANCIN’

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Tap

Description: Tap dancing is an exciting form of dance in which dancers wear special shoes equipped with metal taps. Tap dancers use their feet like drums to create rhythmic patterns and timely beats.  Classical Tap dancers use their arms and upper bodies to blend movements of ballet or jazz into their tap routines. Tap dancing is a vigorous form of dance, requiring a great deal of physical fitness. The goal in tap dancing is to produce clear, clean sounds, with various levels of tone. Body weight should be held slightly forward, allowing most of the dancing to be done on the balls of the feet. The knees and ankles should be relaxed at all times. Tap dancing is mastered through lots and lots of practice.

Attire:  Tap dancers can select their own clothing. A dancer's body lines need to be visible, so baggy clothes are discouraged.  Leotards, tights, dance shorts, form-fitting tops or dance skirts are all acceptable.  Dance pants may be worn, but cannot be too long.  Your teacher needs to see your feet.  Hair must be secured away from face.  Your teacher has the final say as to what is appropriate attire for class.  Students who do not adhere to the dress code will be asked to watch the class.

Placement: Students have been placed in the class that their teacher feels they will get the most out of.  This placement is done through careful consideration of the challenges required.  Please trust that your teacher has made this decision in all fairness to the student and the rest of the class.

Tap Level Descriptions:

Tap Beginner I:  Working on basic Tap steps.  Concentrating on getting the weight on the balls of the feet.  Working on their basic rhythm & timing.  Learning Tap terminology.  Learning how to perform a Tap routine.

Tap Advanced Beginner I & II:  Have mastered basic Tap steps.  Working on more complex tap steps & combinations.  Have the weight on the balls of the feet. Have a basic understanding of rhythm & timing.  Have clearer Tap sounds.  Know more Tap terminology.   Performing their Tap routine with style & personality.

Tap Level I & II:  Working on even more advanced Tap steps & combinations (wings, pullbacks, time steps, etc…).  Have the weight on the balls of the feet.  Understand rhythm & timing.  Can execute Tap steps with clear sounds.  Working on sound levels of Tap steps.   Should know Tap terminology.  Performing their Tap routine with even more style & personality.

Tap Level III & IV:  Mastered advanced Tap steps, combinations, turns, wings, pullbacks, time steps, etc…  Know all Tap terminology.  Have excellent rhythm & timing.  All Tap steps are executed with clear sounds. Understand sound levels of Tap steps.  Performing their Tap routine with exceptional style & personality.  Must have excellent attendance.

Attendance: Good attendance is required.  Attendance will be taken at every class.  Students knowing in advance that they will miss a class can write it down in the attendance book. Otherwise, please call the studio & give the reason for being absent.  If student misses too many classes they will not be able to participate in performances such as competitions, workshops, or the recital.

Keep in mind…

Our door is always open and it is important that parents stay involved with the progress that their child is making.  If you ever have any questions, concerns, etc…please talk to your child’s teacher personally.  Nothing can destroy a class like gossip!  

Again, Welcome back!!!  Now let’s go make some Tap Noise!!

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Jazz

Description:  Jazz dancing is a form of dance that showcases a dancer's individual style and originality. Every jazz dancer interprets and executes moves and steps in their own way. Jazz dancing is energetic and fun, consisting of unique moves, fancy footwork, big leaps and quick turns. To excel in jazz, dancers need a strong background in ballet, as it encourages grace and balance. 

Attire:  Jazz dancers can select their own clothing. A dancer's body lines need to be visible, so baggy clothes are discouraged. Tights and leotards are fine, but most jazz dancers prefer to wear jazz pants or dance shorts. Jazz pants are usually boot-cut or flared styles. Just remember, the legs must be covered in either pants or tights. Tops usually worn for jazz include form-fitting tank tops, t-shirts or leotards.  Black Jazz shoes, preferably without ties, are required.   Hair must be secured back away from face.  Your teacher has the final say as to what is appropriate attire for class.  Students who do not adhere to the dress code will be asked to watch the class.

Placement: Students have been placed in the class that their teacher feels they will get the most out of.  This placement is done through careful consideration of the challenges required.  Please trust that your teacher has made this decision in all fairness to the student and the rest of the class.

Jazz Levels Descriptions:

Broadway Jazz: This is a recreational class for the older dancer that has not been versed in technical jazz or ballet.  Student learn basic Jazz steps and technique used in Jazz dance while having fun.

Jazz Advance Beginner I & II: Learning basic Jazz steps, isolations, & traveling steps.  Learning Jazz terminology.  Learning how to perform & memorizing a Jazz routine.

Jazz Level I:  Working on basic Jazz steps, isolations & basic turns. Emphasis on pointing feet. Learning Jazz terminology & beginner choreography.  Learning how to perform a Jazz routine.

Jazz Level II:  Working on more complex Jazz step.  Beginning pirouettes, jumps & leaps.  Adding contractions, jazz walks & steps across the floor.  Working on pointing feet during all moves. Working on flexibility.  Emphasis on student knowing Jazz terminology.  Performing their Jazz routine with style & personality.

Jazz Level III:  Can execute complex Jazz steps.  Have mastered double pirouettes.  Emphasis on Flexibility & more challenging jumps & leaps.   Concentrating on pointing feet during all moves.  Performing Jazz routines with much style & personality.

Jazz Level IV:  Can execute complex Jazz steps. Dances with a beautiful pointed foot at all times.  Can execute grand jetes, double-triple pirouettes, fouettes, axel turns and other advanced tricks. Must be enrolled in Lyrical & Ballet.  Performance during Jazz routines must be exceptional.  Must have excellent attendance.

Attendance: Good attendance is required.  Attendance will be taken at every class.  Students knowing in advance that they will miss a class can write it down in the attendance book. Otherwise, please call the studio & give the reason for being absent.  If student misses too many classes they will not be able to participate in performances such as competitions, workshops, or the recital.

Keep in mind…

Our door is always open and it is important that parents stay involved with the progress that their child is making.  If you ever have any questions, concerns, etc…please talk to your child’s teacher personally.  Nothing can destroy a class like gossip! 

Again, Welcome back!!!!   Now let’s get our groove on & DANCE!!

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Ballet

Description:  Classical ballet is an artistic dance form based on an elaborate formal technique, characterized by gestures and movements of grace, precision, and fluidity.  Classical ballet is taught using the Cecchetti Method at the studio though there are other teaching methods of ballet. 

Attire:  Classical ballet attire consists of black leotard and pink tights.  Hair must be in a bun.  Pink Ballet shoes are required for ballet.  No extra tank tops, shorts, pants, etc.  Students who do not adhere to the dress code will be asked to watch the class.

Placement: Students have been placed in the class that their teacher feels they will get the most out of.  This placement is done through careful consideration of the challenges required.  Please trust that your teacher has made this decision in all fairness to the student and the rest of the class.

Levels Descriptions:

LEVEL 1 and Beginner Ballet-This class is for any child that would like to begin learning the basics of classical ballet, stretching techniques for flexibility, and beginning lyrical dance.  The student will begin getting familiar with technical ballet terminology. 

LEVEL 2 (Advanced Beginner Ballet)- After building a basic knowledge for ballet technique and terminology, students can try and put this to use through combinations, and more difficult movement.  Students are required to observe level 3 or 4 ballet classes.  Students must have consistent attendance.  Students will receive a general fall and spring assessment.

LEVEL 3 (Intermediate Ballet, Pointe 1)-Focus on using technique, strength, flexibility, and balance in ballet.  Work on strong focus on musicality and performance.  Students will be chosen to do Pointe work. This will be determined at the teacher's discretion.  Students must see one ballet production through the year and be able to discuss in class. Student must have solid attendance.  Students will receive a general fall assessment and a technical spring assessment.

LEVEL 4 (Advanced Ballet, Pointe 2)- Focus on strength, technique, balance, and flexibility with the ability to utilize technique to improve ballet performance and artistry.  Students will learn to pick up combinations quickly and will be challenged to think through their own .  This is a preparation for auditions and higher levels of dance. Student must have solid attendance and will be asked to step down a level if attendance is poor.   Pointe class is optional but compliments the ballet classes.  Students must see one ballet production through the year and be able to discuss in class. Students will receive a general fall assessment and a technical spring assessment.

Keep in mind…Our door is always open and it is important that parents stay involved with the progress that their child is making.  If you ever have any questions, concerns, etc…please talk to your child’s teacher personally. 

Welcome back – get ready to sweat!

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Lyrical/Contemporary/ Modern Dance

Description:  Lyrical dance is a form of Jazz dance incorporating ballet technique.  Lyrical dance challenges dancers to use movement to interpret music and express emotion, therefore telling a story.  Contemporary dance is for the more advanced students and fuses different styles such as lyrical, modern, ballet.  A solid, ballet-based technique is an essential component for both styles of dance.  Modern allows the choreographer and dancer to experiment with different movements and techniques while rejecting any formal limitations set by classical ballet.   With Modern Dance, anything goes.

Attire:  Attire should consist of a leotard and tights.  Hair must be secured back away from face but does not have to be in a bun.  Bare feet or a lyrical sandal is preferred. 

Placement: Students have been placed in the class that their teacher feels they will get the most out of.  This placement is done through careful consideration of the challenges required.  Please trust that your teacher has made this decision in all fairness to the student and the rest of the class.

Levels Descriptions:

Lyrical Technique-This class is offered to older students who would like to work on technique in the area of Lyrical and Contemporary dance.  This class is considered recreational but focuses on ballet technique used in both styles of dance.  This class allows students who have not taken ballet to begin learning the basics for technique when applied to different styles of dance. Creatice movement and improvisation will also be introduced.

LEVEL 1-This class is for any child that would like to begin learning the basics of stretching techniques for flexibility, strengthening, and beginning lyrical perfromance dance.  The student will begin getting familiar with technical ballet terminology.  Students will be introduced to creative movement.

LEVEL 2 (Advanced Beginner Ballet/Lyrical)- After building a basic knowledge for technique, students can try and put this to use through combinations, and center work.  Lyrical progressions are introduced and there is an emphasis on flexibility.  Students begin to learn how to take technique used in classical ballet to enhance performing lyrical dance.  Exploration of creative movement is also emphasized at this level.  Students must have consistent attendance.  Students will receive a general fall and spring assessment.

LEVEL 3 (Intermediate Lyrical/Contemporary, Modern 1)-Focus on using technique, strength, flexibility, and balance in dancing.  Work on strong focus on musicality and performance.  Begin to use and understand Modern concepts and apply them to dance. Students must take ballet class as a requirement for Lyrical at this level.  Those in Modern 1, do not have to take ballet but are encouraged to. Exploration of movement and partnering work also emphasized.  Student must have solid attendance.  Students will receive a general fall assessment and a technical spring assessment.

LEVEL 4 (Advanced Lyrical/Contemporary, Modern 2)- Focus on strength, technique, balance, and flexibility with the ability to utilize technique to improve performance in Lyrical and Modern Dance.  Students will learn to pick up combinations quickly and will be challenged to think through their own use of creative movement in choreography and in performance.  This is a preparation for auditions and higher levels of dance. Student must have solid attendance and will be asked to step down a level is attendance is poor.   Students must take at least one classical ballet class each week.  Students will receive a general fall assessment and a technical spring assessment.

Keep in mind…Our door is always open and it is important that parents stay involved with the progress that their child is making.  If you ever have any questions, concerns, etc…please talk to your child’s teacher personally. 

Welcome back – get ready to inspire the world!

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Hip-Hop/Fusion

Description:  Hip-Hop dance culture developed from the influence and inspiration drawn from Ragtime Swing, Jazz, Disco, Soul, and Rock n’ Roll. There are multiple dance forms that fall under the Hip-Hop dance culture umbrella: funk dance forms, such as Locking, Popping, and Breaking (performed to funk music); Hip-Hop dance (social/party dances performed to Hip-Hop music) and House (performed to House music). This high energy form of dance is often seen at social gatherings and music videos. Stylistically, Hip-Hop dance is very loose and open, which allows dancers to be influenced by many forms of movement and rhythm in a distinctive way. This style of dance allows the body to move freely and funky! The movement principles consist of a head nod, a rock, a pause, expressive isolations, and four bounces. These principles are guided in warm-up exercises to enhance body movement, body popping, and breaking.

In Hip-Hop/Fusion classes at the Dianna Durkin Dance Studio, we use “clean”, age appropriate music and movements. Since Hip-Hop culture naturally encourages free-flowing, rhythmic, urban-style street dance, we guide students in creating their own identity. Although the movements are choreographed, we encourage students to make it their own, and express their own attitude. This is a high energy, fun class for students to let loose!

Attire:  Hip-Hop/Fusion dancers select their own clothing. Tops are usually form-fitting tank tops, t-shirts, or leotards. Jazz pants or dance shorts are preferred but not required. Students can wear baggy clothes as long as they are not sloppy. Just remember, in order to learn and dance in a fun way, you have to look and feel great - wear the kind of dance clothes that make you feel like dancing fun, cool, and hip!

Clean sneakers will be required for class, and a second pair may be required as part of the costume. (Example: Adidas Shell Toe sneakers may be used for class, but a black and white Converse sneaker may be chosen to go with the costume.) Hair can be down, but must be secured back away from the face. The teacher has the final say as to what is appropriate attire for class. Students who do not adhere to the dress code will be asked to watch class.

Placement: Students have been placed in the class the teacher feels they will gain the most from. This placement is done through careful consideration. Please trust that your teacher has made this decision in all fairness to the student and the rest of the class.

Hip-Hop/Fusion Level Descriptions:

Hip-Hop/Fusion Beginner I & II:  Work on basic Hip-Hop/Fusion movements with center floor combinations and progressions across the floor. Concentrate on popping shoulders and chest, keeping knees relaxed to stay low, and keeping everything tight at the same time while dancing big. Perform the Hip-Hop/Fusion routine with style and attitude.

Hip-Hop/Fusion Level I & II:  Work on perfecting basic Hip-Hop/Fusion movements as well as more advanced center floor combinations and progressions across the floor. Perform the Hip-Hop/Fusion routine with style and attitude at a competition level. Attendance is imperative.
 

Hip-Hop/Fusion Level III & IV:  Work on perfecting advanced Hip-Hop/Fusion movements and learning new and innovative moves. Perform the Hip-Hop/Fusion routine with style and attitude, no holding back! Excellent attendance is required and expected to maintain the integrity of the class.

Attendance: Good attendance is required. Attendance will be taken at every class. Please inform the teacher as soon as possible if an absence is known in advance. Otherwise, students are to call the studio and give the reason for being absent. If a student misses too many classes they will not be able to participate in performances such as competitions, workshops, and/or the recital.

Keep in mind…

Our door is always open. It’s important that parents stay involved with the progress their child is making. If you have any questions, concerns, etc. please talk to your child’s teacher personally.

Welcome to Hip-Hop/Fusion!!!!   Now let’s get FUNKY!!

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