Description of Classes
Ballet
"A classical dance form demanding grace and precision and employing formalized steps and gestures set in intricate,
flowing patterns to create expression through movement." Ballet is the basis of all other dance genres. The technique of ballet helps with all other genres of dance, including hip hop!
There are also two different forms of ballet: classical and lyrical.
-Classical Ballet is any of the traditional, formal styles of ballet that exclusively employ classical ballet technique. It is known for its aesthetics and rigorous technique (such as pointe work, turnout of legs, and high extensions), its flowing, precise movements, and its ethereal qualities.
-Lyrical Ballet is a more relaxed form of classical ballet. While all of the technique is the same, lyrical ballet is usually performed to a songs with lyrics and most of the time tells a story.
flowing patterns to create expression through movement." Ballet is the basis of all other dance genres. The technique of ballet helps with all other genres of dance, including hip hop!
There are also two different forms of ballet: classical and lyrical.
-Classical Ballet is any of the traditional, formal styles of ballet that exclusively employ classical ballet technique. It is known for its aesthetics and rigorous technique (such as pointe work, turnout of legs, and high extensions), its flowing, precise movements, and its ethereal qualities.
-Lyrical Ballet is a more relaxed form of classical ballet. While all of the technique is the same, lyrical ballet is usually performed to a songs with lyrics and most of the time tells a story.
Pointe
"Pointe technique is the part of classical ballet technique that concerns pointe work, in which a ballet dancer supports all body weight on the tips of the fully extended feet within pointe shoes." Admissions from your ballet instructor is required before taking pointe class. It is important not to start pointe until the growth plates in the dancers foot are finished developing.
Jazz
Jazz dance is fast and fun. It uses upbeat music and leaps and turns to interpret traditional and not-so-traditional movements. Like other genres of dance, its base technique comes from ballet. Its movements come from both ballet and contemporary dance. Jazz dance was originated by African Americans and it started hitting dance studios around the 1940s!
Tap
Tap is a dance performed wearing shoes fitted with metal taps, characterized by rhythmical tapping of the toes and heels. This genre of dance is fun and upbeat! It also really helps dancers better understand how to move to different rhythms in music. Tap dance has its roots in the fusion of several ethnic percussive dances, including African tribal dances and Irish jigs; the relative contribution of different traditions is a point of disagreement among historians and dance scholars.
Contemporary
Contemporary dance is a style of expressive dance that combines elements of several dance genres including modern, jazz, lyrical and classical ballet. Contemporary dancers strive to connect the mind and the body through fluid dance movements. This genre of dance teaches dancers the technique of ballet, but also how to move their bodies in new and creative ways. It teaches structure, but also leaves plenty of room for students to use their imaginations on how they can make different shapes with their bodies. Contemporary dance stresses versatility and improvisation, unlike the strict, structured nature of ballet. This dance genre is often done in bare feet. Contemporary dance can be performed to many different styles of music.
Hip Hop
Hip Hop dance refers to street dance styles primarily performed to hip hop music or that have evolved as part of hip hop culture. It includes a wide range of styles primarily breaking, locking, and popping which were created in the 1970s and made popular by dance crews in the United States. Hip Hop has a variety of styles and techniques. It can either be fast, slow, upbeat, or sharp. The fun part about this genre of dance is that their are so many different styles and variations of hip hop that can be taught and utilized in class!
Tumbling
Tumbling is the skill of executing gymnastic feats such as somersaults, handsprings, tucks, ariels and more. Tumbling is done using mats and the close supervision of a talented and trained tumbling instructor. This genre is unique and helps in all other dance genres. It broadens a students dance skills and also builds body strength.
Heels Class
Heels will incorporate styles from commercial jazz, contemporary and musical theater. This class is for students who are already comfortable with other styles of dance. This will be a fast paced, up beat class with lots of kicks, jumps, turns, and splits. This class will focus on hitting your mark and preforming quick sharp choreography in perfect unison. Heels dance was a form that emerged in the 1920's and is now seen on TV, in Music Videos, at Concerts, and on Broadway. This class will be sure to keep you "on your toes!"
Musical Theater
Why musical theater? Because dancing doesn’t stop at the neck! Musical theater is an excellent class to take in order to learn how to use your facial expressions and body language in order to enhance your dance. Plus, it’s fun! You will experience different levels of acting, choreography to your favorite musicals, and lots of improv!
Pre-K 2-3 Toddler Class
Taught by Tara Lancaster, this class will introduce the art of dance style with focus on rhythm and coordination. Mrs. Tara has many years experience working with toddlers, teaching them rhythm and movement as well as working with dance props. In lieu of a recital, we will teach this class a routine, order a costume for them, and let them perform in their classroom environment that they are use to for all of their family. We feel at ADA that putting most toddlers on stage before the age of 4 can be frightening and intimidating, especially as big as our shows can be. This will give them a chance to show off what they have learned and look forward to the big stage when they are four. We are very excited and look forward to teaching your precious little ones!
Mommy and Me Pre-k 2-3
The same toddler class as our Pre-K 2-3, but EVEN BETTER! Why? Because Mommy gets to join in on this one!
Conditioning & Strengthening
This class is open to age 10 all the way up to adults. The most important class you will take at ADA. A great dancer is a STRONG dancer and we believe that technique and strength is what takes any dancer tot he next level. While this class is mandatory for any of our company dancers, it is open to all!
Leaps and Turns
Taught by our Director, Mrs. Patricia, this class is excellent for dancers looking to improve on what we love to do best: JUMPING AND TURNING! Let's take our single pirouettes to triples and let's SOAR in our grande jetes!