Class Descriptions and Levels

Class Descriptions

Ballet is a classical dance form characterized by grace and precision of movement and by elaborate formal gestures, steps and poses.

Twinkle Toes is an introductory class for preschoolers. The children are introduced to an eclectic range of dance forms with a ballet focus along with foundational elements of spatial, temporal and bodily awareness in the form of fun games. Our goal with these classes is to help the children cultivate a love and excitement for dance.

Hip Hop refers to street dance styles primarily danced to Hip Hop music that have evolved as a part of the Hip Hop culture. Although secular Hip Hop would not be appropriate in a Christian dance classroom or performance, it can be an incredible tool for worship and outreach when using music and movement that glorifies God.

Jazz dance originated from the African American vernacular of dance in the later 1800s to the mid-1950s. In the 1950s, jazz dance evolved on Broadway into a new smooth style taught today and known as Modern Jazz.  The performance style was popularized by Bob Fosse’s work in such works as Chicago, Cabaret and the Pajama Game.

Modern dance is a form of dance variously developed in the 20th century by Isadora Duncan, Ruth St. Denis, Martha Graham, among others, and characterized by body movements and rhythm less formalized than a classical ballet and less firmly bound to predetermined musical form. It rejects the limitations of classical ballet and favors movement deriving from the expression of feeling.

Musical Theater Dance/Performance class will focus on basic jazz dance technique, terminology and movement quality with an emphasis on performance. Each class will begin with a full-bodied warm-up designed to get the blood pumping and energy up. Students then will move into learning choreography that is geared toward Musical Theater performance. The goal of this class is for students to feel more comfortable with themselves as movers and performers ─ which will lead to increased confidence and the ability to express a characterization, through the art of dance, within the context of a prescribed plot and setting.

Tap was developed in the United States during the nineteenth century, and is popular today in many parts of the world. The name comes from the tapping sound made when 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.

Ages and Skill Levels

All children’s classes are grouped by age; however, levels may be adjusted at the discretion of the teacher and weDANCE Administrator, based on skill and experience.

Preschool Twinkle Toes: 3-4 years old

 Middle School/High School/College-aged classes are grouped by experience and skill:

• Level I: Beginner / Advanced Beginner Youth
• Level II: Intermediate
• Level III: Advanced Intermediate
• Level IV Advanced

Adult classes usually are designed for Beginner/Intermediate dancers.