Dance & Performing Arts School

and was further developed in England, Italy, and Russia as a concert dance form. Early ballet dance performances were presented in large chambers with most of the audience seated on tiers on three sides of the dance floor. Early ballet dancers were not as highly skilled as they are now, as ballet dance has become a highly technical form of dance with its very own French vocabulary. Ballet dance is typically performed to classical music. Although professional ballerinas start at an early age, it’s never too late to learn ballet. Adult ballet classes offer a fun way to tone and tighten your body while learning the fundamental techniques of ballet. Our Ballet classes offer something for every age group, from young adults to seniors.

Theatre Dance

By contrast, social dance and participation dance may be performed without an audience and, typically, these dance forms are neither choreographed nor danced to set music, though there are exceptions. For example, some ceremonial dances and baroque dances blend concert dance with participation dance by having participants assume the role of performer or audience at different moments.

Tap Dance

Tap dancers use their feet like drums to create rhythmic patterns and timely beats.Tap dancing is a fun style of dance that anyone can learn, regardless of previous dance experience. Tap dancing is beneficial in many ways. Benefits of tap dance include increasing cardiovascular conditioning, strength, flexibility and coordination. Tap builds strength in the legs and feet in addition to increasing flexibility in the hips, knees and ankles. Cognitive abilities are also enhanced, as tap dancers must develop both mental and muscle memory to become proficient at tapping. Tap dancing also develops a great sense of rhythm and timing. Tap instructors help students focus on music awareness while incorporating tap steps and combinations. Best of all, tap dance is a solo dance style…you don’t need a partner to do it, although that’s fun, too.

Commercial

A lot of the dancers on music videos and MTV are classed as commercial dancers. Routines will be danced to the latest pop, r’n’b and chart music. Think Ciara, Rhianna, Britney, Beyonce, Lady Gaga and The Pussycat Dolls.Not only will you learn how to strut your stuff like a true diva the class is great for getting fit and boosting self confidence.

Lyrical Jazz

A lyrical dancer uses movement to express strong emotions such as love, joy and anger. Lyrical dancers usually perform to music with lyrics…the lyrics of the chosen song serve as inspiration for movements and expressions. Music used for lyrical is typically emotionally charged and expressive. Music may consist of many genres including pop, rock and hip hop. Powerful, expressive songs are often used in lyrical dance to give dancers a chance to express a range of strong emotions through their dancing. Movements in lyrical dance are characterized by fluidity and grace, with the dancer flowing seamlessly from one move to another, holding finishing steps as long as possible. Leaps are exceptionally high and soaring, and turns are fluid and continuous.

Modern

Modern dancers reject the limitations of classical ballet and favor movements derived from the expression of their inner feelings. During the 1900’s, European dancers began rebelling against the rigid rules of classical ballet. Turning against the structured techniques, costumes and shoes of ballet, these dancers favored a more relaxed, free style of dancing. Modern dance pioneers often danced in bare feet and revealing costumes. In the United States, several dance pioneers paved the way for American modern dance, including the legendary Martha Graham. Modern dance encourages dancers to use their emotions and moods to design their own steps and routines. It is not unusual for dancers to invent new steps for their routines, instead of following a structured code of technique, as in ballet. Another characteristic of modern dance in opposition to ballet is the deliberate use of gravity. Whereas classical ballet dancers strive to be light and airy on their feet, modern dancers often use their body weight to enhance movement. This type of dancer rejects the classical ballet stance of an upright, erect body, often opting instead for deliberate falls to the floor. If you are attending your first modern dance class, you are probably wondering what type of shoes and clothes you should wear? Tights and a leotard underneath a top or skirt of some kind is fine and comfortable.

Jazz Contemporary

..including many classical lines/positions (ballet) as well as a highly expressive, adaptable element (modern). Jazz tends to be more a little more Funky. Jazz often has a deeper element of energy in it. It is rarely slow or soft. With origins in African dance, as well as tap, Jazz is often aggressive or sassy. It uses many of the same elements and steps as ballet, but with much less emphasis on turnout and strict posture.