Classes
See class schedule here (updated 7/26/22)
Chinese Classical Dance
In this grade, dancers receive training that focuses on proper body posture, movement and facial expressions of classical Chinese theater — collectively, the art of yun, or subtle implied gestures. Dancers will even learn how to use controlled and timely movement and breathing to communicate the various character emotions in a particular dance by applying the art of yun.
Chinese Folk Dance
These classes include dances of the Han, Dai, Yi, Mongolian, Tibetan, Xinjiang/Uygur and other ethnic groups. Basic Chinese dance technique is introduced. Special teaching methods are applied to train students in technique, flexibility, and strength that are characteristic of traditional Chinese dance. In addition, students are trained specifically on the ethnic cultural significance in Chinese folk dances and classical Chinese dance. Programs that are both technically and artistically challenging are showcased in dance performances and competitions.
Contemporary | Lyrical
Contemporary and lyrical classes involve a mixture of classical ballet, modern, jazz, and more. These genres allow dancers to move freely and express themselves, connecting dance steps in a more artistic form. The goal is to build their confidence and express themselves through creative body language. Every lesson will teach dancers to follow different musical or song genres. Dancers will also learn about improv dancing, and improvisation skills will be further enhanced through different exercises.
Ballet
Ballet is one of the oldest styles of dance and is taught throughout the world. Ballet is a style of dance based on vocabulary and technique. Classes combine stretching, barre exercises and center technique work. Ballet is the most disciplined style of dance and provides the perfect foundation for any dancer.
Technique | Acro
Technique and acro classes are designed to work on strength, flexibility, tricks, and tumbling. It will help dancers increase flexibility and build strength, which will benefit them in dances. Classes will focus on upper, lower, and core strengthening exercises to excel in techniques and acro. Beginner dancers will start with foundational skills such as bridges, cartwheels, handstand, front/backwalkovers, etc, and more advanced dancers will focus on harder tricks such as aerials, flexibility, etc.
Acro: Acrobatics isn't just the floor work of gymnastics. This class combines tumbling, acrobatics, and hand balancing while incorporating artistry and exposure to multiple dance styles. Students will gain strength, flexibility, and precision, the necessities for today's dancers.
Leaps | Turns
In Leaps and Turns, classes will work on a variety of different turns and leaps. Beginners will focus on strengthening pirouettes and leg extensions before moving on to more advanced variations. Advanced dancers will learn more advanced turns and leaps in both Chinese and Western styles. Dancers will also focus on strength, balance, and stability, which are essential for perfecting leaps and turns.
Jazz
Jazz creatively embodies the basic element of ballet and modern dance, and is generally more upbeat with more facial expressions. Dancers will be taught different choreographed steps, rhythms, and freestyle movements from Broadway and/or popular music videos. In addition to improving the dance skills, the building of his or her performing skills will also be a focus. It has been influenced by ballet, modern, tap, hip-hop, African dance and many more styles. Jazz is most often accompanied by upbeat, currently popular songs. Due to the upbeat music, dramatic themes and cool choreography, it isn’t hard to see why this is the most popular dance style!
Hip Hop
Hip-hop dance on strong rhythmic and energetic movements. This class will integrate a multitude of hip hop styles such as popping, locking, breaking, and train the basic elements of isolating various body parts such as the head, chest, hips, and knees. The fast movements in this style helps to develop coordination and body control, high impact dance exercise movements, and stimulation to the brain with the upbeat choreography. This style helps demonstrate power and passion with it’s high-intensity and high-energy music.
Musical Theater
Does your child love to sing and dance? Let's nurture that through Musical Theatre! Students will focus on learning proper dance technique while exploring diverse dance styles used in Broadway musicals.
Kpop
Kpop, or Korean pop, is a style of dance that has quickly gained popularity in recent years. K-POP dance focuses on the choreography of trending Korean pop songs. It allows dancers to connect to their favorite idols through dance, and develops a different approach to hip-hop dance. K-POP dance seeks short, common, and quick choreography that can be learned in a short period of time by the common population, and is updated quickly.
Tap
Tap is a form of dance where dancers use their feet as percussive instruments. Tap shoes are that are specially designed with percussive metal plates on the toe and heel, called taps. There are many different styles of tap dancing. However, the two most noted are Rhythm Tap and Broadway Tap. Rhythm Tap is more musically driven, while Broadway Tap is more dance and movement-oriented. Tap is great for fostering rhythm in dancers, as it turns their feet into a musical instrument.
Yoga
Yoga/TaichiThis class is unique where it covers a fusion of stretches derived from yoga, martial arts (with a blend of 太極 taijiquan, 八卦掌 baguazhang, 詠春 wing chun), and dance focusing on stylized strikes, self-massaging techniques, stretches, breathwork. This is a moving meditation class concentrated on relaxation and health. The goal is to release stress, improve mental and physical health and flexibility.
