Classes

Conservatory of Dance

PARENT & TOT

Parent & Tot is a 45-minute parent/child interactive class that meets once a week for children walking age to 3. Both parent and child will work together to build on the child’s coordination, flexibility and movement. The goal of this class is to create a fun and safe hands-on approach, helping to build the child’s awareness of their body through dance. This class also helps build trust and communication between child to parent and child to teacher, and fosters the child’s independence.

PREPARATORY CLASSES

Preparatory 1

Preparatory I Combo is a 45 minute ballet/tap combination class for students approximately 3-4 years old. This class is the youngest class offered and is split into equal amounts of introductory ballet technique, creative movement, and tap. As most of these children have not had any previous dance experience this is an introduction to dance. Preparatory I will get a costume and perform both a ballet and a tap dance in the spring recital.

Preparatory 2

Preparatory 2 is a 60 minute ballet/tap combination class for students approximately 5-6 years old.  This class is split into ballet technique and tap instruction. The children at this age will begin learning the discipline and fundamentals of classical ballet as well as basic tap skills. We feel it is important for these children to start learning proper technique, but personal creativity will also be encouraged. Some children may have some previous dance training, but it is not necessary to register for this class. Preparatory 2 will get a costume and perform both a ballet and a tap dance in the spring recital.

Preparatory 3

Preparatory 3 is a 60 minute ballet/tap combination class for students approximately 7-11 years old.  This class is split into ballet technique and tap instruction. The children at this age will begin learning the discipline and fundamentals of classical ballet as well as basic tap skills. We feel it is important for these children to start learning proper technique, but personal creativity will also be encouraged. Some children may have some previous dance training, but it is not necessary to register for this class. Preparatory 3 will get a costume and perform both a ballet and a tap dance in the spring recital.

BALLET PROGRAM

Ballet 1

Ballet 1 meets twice a week for a total of 120 minutes and is for students approximately 6-9 years old wanting to continue their technical training in ballet. The student will also learn about ballet history, have instruction on musicality, and be introduced to character dance. Dancers should plan on a minimum of 2-3 years in this level of ballet. This class is a prerequisite for Ballet 2 and ESD’s performing company. We strongly encourage these students to take the Stretch and Condition class. This class will receive a costume and perform in the spring recital.

Ballet 2

Ballet 2 meets twice a week for a total of 120 minutes and is for students approximately 8-10 years old wanting to continue their technical training in ballet. The student will also learn about ballet history, have instruction on musicality, and be introduced to character dance. Dancers should plan on a minimum of 2-3 years in this level of ballet. This class is a prerequisite for Ballet 3 and ESD’s performing company. We strongly encourage these students to take the Stretch and Condition class. This class will receive a costume and perform in the spring recital.

Ballet 3

Ballet 3 is an intermediate ballet class for students approximately 9-12 years old. This class meets twice a week for a total of 120 minutes. It is organized to increase the student’s technique, strength, flexibility and overall knowledge of ballet. We will also expand on ballet history, musicality, character, and introduce ballet mime and variations. Dancers should plan on a minimum of 2-3 years in this level of ballet. Ballet 3 is a prerequisite for all students wishing to continue on to Ballet 4 and ESD’s performing company. To ensure proper class placement, each student will be evaluated and the instructor will determine which class is best suitable for the child. We strongly encourage these students to take the Stretch and Condition class. This class will receive a costume and perform in the spring recital.

Ballet 4

Ballet 4 is an intermediate ballet class for students approximately 9-14 years old. This class meets twice a week for a total of 135 minutes each week. It is organized to increase the student’s technique, strength, flexibility and overall knowledge of ballet. We will also expand on ballet history, musicality, character, and introduce ballet mime and variations. Dancers should plan on a minimum of 2-3 years in this level of ballet. Ballet 4 is a prerequisite for all students wishing to continue on to Ballet 5/Pre-Pointe and ESD’s performing company. To ensure proper class placement, each student will be evaluated and the instructor will determine which class is best suitable for the child. We strongly encourage these students to take the Stretch and Condition class. This class will receive a costume and perform in the spring recital.

Ballet 5

Ballet 5 meets two times per week for a total of 150 minutes of technique. Placement in this class is by recommendation of the instructor and each student will be evaluated for proper class placement. It is organized to increase the student’s technique, strength, flexibility and overall knowledge of ballet. We will also expand on ballet history, musicality, character, and introduce ballet mime and variations. Dancers should plan on a minimum of 2-3 years in this level of ballet. Ballet 5 is a prerequisite for all students wishing to continue on to Ballet 6/Pointe and ESD’s performing company. We strongly encourage these students to take the Stretch and Condition class. This class will receive a costume and perform in the spring recital.

Ballet 5/6/7

Placement is required for registration in this class. Students will receive a technique class during each class. We strongly suggest each student enroll in Intermediate/Advanced Pointe and take the Stretch & Condition class.  This class builds on the dancers existing knowledge of ballet technique, while incorporating ballet history, musicality, character, mime, and variations. Dancers should plan on a minimum of 2-3 years in this level of ballet. This class is a prerequisite for ESD’s performing company. Each student will get a placement evaluation at the end of the year that will assess his or her progress and commitment.  In the future we will offer this class 4-5 times per week. This class will receive a costume and perform in the spring recital.

Ballet 6/7

Ballet 6/7 meets three times per week for a total of 255 minutes of technique. Placement is required for registration in this class.  Students will receive a technique class during each class. We strongly suggest each student enroll in Intermediate/Advanced Pointe and take the Stretch & Condition class.  This class builds on the dancers existing knowledge of ballet technique, while incorporating ballet history, musicality, character, mime, and variations. Dancers should plan on a minimum of 2-3 years in this level of ballet. This class is a prerequisite for ESD’s performing company. Each student will get a placement evaluation at the end of the year that will assess his or her progress and commitment.  In the future we will offer this class 4-5 times per week. This class will receive a costume and perform in the spring recital.

Int/Adv. Pointe

Int/Adv Pointe meets twice per week for a total of 90 minutes of pointe* work. Placement is required for registration in this class. Ballet 6/7 is a prerequisite for this class. We strongly suggest each student take three ballet technique classes along with the Stretch & Condition class. This class builds on the dancer’s existing knowledge of ballet technique and Pointe work, increasing strength, while incorporating ballet history, musicality, character, mime, and variations. Dancers should plan on a minimum of 2-3 years in this level of ballet. Each student will get a placement evaluation at the end of the year that will assess his or her progress and commitment. 

* Please read our Pointe shoe policy.

Beginning Pointe

Beginning Pointe meets once per week for a total of 45 minutes of pointe* work. Placement is required for registration in this class. Ballet 5/6/7 is a prerequisite for this class. We strongly suggest each student take three ballet technique classes along with the Stretch & Condition class. This class builds on the dancer’s existing knowledge of ballet technique and Pointe work, increasing strength, while incorporating ballet history, musicality, character, mime, and variations. Dancers should plan on a minimum of 2-3 years in this level of ballet. Each student will get a placement evaluation at the end of the year that will assess his or her progress and commitment. 

* Please read our Pointe shoe policy.

Ballet 5/6/7 Technique and Variations

Ballet 5/6/7 technique and variations meets once a week for 75 minutes. Placement is required for registration in this class. Ballet 5/6/7 is a prerequisite for this class. We strongly suggest each student take three ballet technique classes along with the Stretch & Condition class. This class builds on the dancer’s existing knowledge of ballet technique and Pointe work, increasing strength, while incorporating ballet history, musicality, character, mime. In addition to classical ballet technique training, dancers will increase their knowledge of ballet and dance history as they will learn a variety of well known variations and choreography from different ballets and dance pieces.

Teen Ballet 

Teen Ballet meets once a week for 60 minutes. It is for both boys and girls in their teens ranging from ages approximately 12-18 years old. This class is for beginning to intermediate students that want to learn basic ballet techniques.  We strive to make this class welcome to all levels of students and create a fun and safe environment. This class will receive a costume and perform in the spring recital.

TAP CLASSES

Beginning Tap

Beginning Tap meets once a week for 45 minutes.  This class teaches the basics of tap dancing and uses various forms of music to teach rhythm and foot coordination.  Dancers should plan on a minimum of 2-3 years in this level of tap. This class will receive a costume and perform in the spring recital.

Intermediate Tap

Intermediate Tap meets once a week for 45 minutes and will increase student’s existing knowledge of the students tap skills. The class is intended for intermediate students that have had previous training in tap dance. Dancers should plan on a minimum of 2-3 years in this level of tap. This class is a fast-paced learning environment that will push the student to a new level of dance. This class will receive a costume and perform in the spring recital.

Advanced Tap

Advanced Tap meets once a week for 45 minutes and will increase student’s existing knowledge of the students tap skills. The class is intended for advanced students that have had previous training in tap dance. This class is a fast-paced learning environment that will push the student to a new level of dance. This class will receive a costume and perform in the spring recital.

JAZZ CLASSES

Jazz Technique A

Jazz Technique A  is structured for the beginning jazz dancer. This class meets once a week for 45 minutes.  This class will have the option to receive a costume and perform in the spring recital.

Jazz Technique B

Jazz Team Technique B is structured for the intermediate jazz dancer. This class meets once a week for 45 minutes.  This class will have the option to receive a costume and perform in the spring recital.

Jazz 1

Jazz Technique with Leaps & Turns 1 is structured for the beginning jazz dancer. This class meets once a week for 45 minutes. Dancers in this class must be enrolled in Ballet 1 or higher, or be placed in the class by an instructor. This class will have the option to receive a costume and perform in the spring recital.

Jazz 2

Jazz Technique with Leaps & Turns 2 is structured for the intermediate jazz dancer. This class meets once a week for 45 minutes. Dancers must be enrolled in Ballet 2 or higher or be placed in the class by an instructor. This class will have the option to receive a costume and perform in the spring recital.

Jazz 3

Jazz Technique with Leaps & Turns 3 is structured for the intermediate jazz dancer. This class meets once a week for 45 minutes. Dancers must be enrolled in Ballet 4 or higher or be placed in the class by an instructor. This class will have the option to receive a costume and perform in the spring recital.

Jazz 4

Jazz Technique with Leaps & Turns 4 is an advanced jazz technique class. It meets once a week for 60 minutes. Dancers must be enrolled in Ballet 5 or higher or placed in the class by an instructor. This class is a fast-paced learning environment that incorporates jazz technique and focuses on turns, leaps, and jumps. This class learns choreography in classical and Broadway forms of jazz. This class will have the option to receive a costume and perform in the spring recital.

Jazz/Hip Hop Combo

Jazz/Hip Hop Combo is an introductory class introducing jazz and hip hop dance that meet once a week for 45 minutes and is for ages approx. 7-11. This class is for beginning students and will use various types of music to teach different styles of jazz and hip hop dance. The student will also be taught the importance of a proper warm-up, strengthening techniques, flexibility, and musicality.  A ballet technique class is encouraged to help with body alignment and technique. This class will receive a costume and perform in the spring recital.

Leaps & Turns 

Leaps & Turns is an intermediate/advanced technique class that focuses on turns, leaps, and jumps. It meets once a week for 45 minutes. Dancers must be enrolled in Ballet 4 or higher or placed in the class by an instructor. 

Industry Class

This class prepares dancers for the professional workspace and gives an immersive experience for the commercial dance world by learning new choreography and combinations each week. The style of each class is determined by the rotating teaching staff and is for intermediate and advanced dancers only. This class meets 1 time per week for 45 minutes. This class does not perform in the recitals.

LYRICAL & CONTEMPORARY

Beginning Lyrical 

Beginning Lyrical is an introductory class lyrical dance that meets once a week for 45 minutes. This class is for beginning students and will use various types of music to teach different styles of lyrical, contemporary and improvisational dance. The student will also be taught the importance of a proper warm-up, strengthening techniques, flexibility, and musicality.  A ballet technique class is encouraged to help with body alignment and technique. This class will receive a costume and perform in the spring recital. This class is for ages approx. 7-13 years old.

Intermediate Lyrical

Intermediate Lyrical, Contemporary & Improv  is a 45 minute class. This class is for intermediate students and will use various types of music to teach different styles of lyrical, contemporary and improvisational dance. Students that enroll in this class must be willing to push themselves to learn more quickly. Students must be enrolled in Ballet 3 or higher or be placed by an instructor in this class. This class will receive a costume and perform in the spring recital.

Advanced Lyrical

Advanced Lyrical, Contemporary & Improv  is a 45 minute class. This class is for advanced students and will use various types of music to teach different styles of lyrical, contemporary and improvisational dance. Students that enroll in this class must be willing to push themselves to learn more quickly. Students must be enrolled in Ballet 5 or higher or be placed by an instructor in this class. This class will receive a costume and perform in the spring recital.

HIP HOP CLASSES

Itty Bitty Hip Hop

Itty Bitty Hip Hop is a 45 minute class where students will learn basic fundamentals of hip hop and have the opportunity to enjoy learning this popular form of dance to age-appropriate music. This class is designed for beginning level dancers. This class will receive a costume and perform in the spring recital.

Beginning Hip Hop

Beginning Hip Hop is a fun and enthusiastic environment for students that have never had any hip-hop experience that meets for 45 minutes once per week. This class is for ages 7-12 years of age. Popular music and cutting edge moves keeps the students actively engaged. Dancers should plan on a minimum of 2-3 years in this level of hip hop. As with all our hip-hop classes, we recommend taking a ballet technique class to increase the technique as a dancer. This class will receive a costume and perform in the winter and spring recital. 

Intermediate Hip Hop

Intermediate Hip Hop is a fun and enthusiastic environment for students that have had previous hip-hop experience that meets for 60 minutes once per week. Popular music and cutting edge moves keeps the students actively engaged. Students that enroll in this class must be willing to push themselves to learn more quickly. Dancers should plan on a minimum of 2-3 years in this level of hip hop. As with all our hip-hop classes, we recommend taking a ballet technique class to increase the technique as a dancer. This class will receive a costume and perform in the spring recital.

Advanced Hip Hop

Advanced Hip Hop is a 45 minute advanced hip-hop class using popular music and is current with all the latest trends of the hip-hop scene. Students that enroll in this class must be able to perform in a fast paced learning environment. As with all our hip-hop classes, we recommend taking a ballet technique class to increase your technique as a dancer. This class will receive a costume and perform in the spring recital.

Teen Hip Hop

Teen Hip Hop meets once a week for 45 minutes. It is for both boys and girls in their teens ranging from ages approximately 12-18 years old. This class is for beginning to intermediate students that want to learn basic hip hop  technique. We strive to make this class welcome to all levels of students and create a fun and safe environment. This class will receive a costume and perform in the spring recital.

All Boys Hip Hop

Boys Hip Hop is a 45 minute class that meets once a week for all levels geared for boys. Beginning/Intermediate level students will learn the three fundamentals of breakdancing: top-rocking, six-step and basic stalls, and how to combine them with personal style, along with learning all the latest trends of the hip-hop scene. This class will teach students to develop rhythm and how to hear the beat in age-appropriate music. A higher level of strength and flexibility is required for this class. This class will receive a costume and perform in the spring recital.

Jazz/Hip Hop Combo

Jazz/Hip Hop Combo is an introductory class introducing jazz and hip hop dance that meet once a week for 45 minutes and is for ages approx. 7-11 years old. This class is for beginning students and will use various types of music to teach different styles of jazz and hip hop dance. The student will also be taught the importance of a proper warm-up, strengthening techniques, flexibility, and musicality.  A ballet technique class is encouraged to help with body alignment and technique. This class will receive a costume and perform in the spring recital.

Teen Jazz/Lyrical Combo

Teen Jazz/Lyrical meets once a week for 45 minutes. It is for both boys and girls in their teens ranging from ages approximately 12-18 years old. This class is for beginning to intermediate students that want to learn basic jazz, hip hop, and lyrical moves and techniques.  We strive to make this class welcome to all levels of students and create a fun and safe environment. In addition to jazz, and lyrical, this class works on the flexibility and strength of each student. This class will receive a costume and perform in the spring recital.

HIGH SCHOOL DANCE

High School Dance Technique

High School Dance Team Technique meets once a week for 45 minutes. It is for dancers who are working toward being a part of a high school dance team or are currently a part of a high school team. This class focuses on basic dance skills such as leaps, turns and other skills and tricks related to high school dance teams.

ACRO CLASSES

Pre-Acro

This class meets once per week for 45 minutes. This class is for beginning dancers to work toward acrobatic and tumbling skills used in dance. This class will receive a costume and perform in the spring recital.

Acro 1

This class meets once per week for 45 minutes. This class is for beginning dancers to work toward acrobatic and tumbling skills used in dance. This class is by placement level only. This class will receive a costume and perform in the spring recital.

Acro 2

This class meets once per week for 45 minutes. This class is for intermediate dancers to work toward acrobatic and tumbling skills used in dance. This class is by placement level only. Dancers should be able to complete a cartwheel, walkovers, and back bend prior to enrolling in this class. This class will receive a costume and perform in the spring recital.

Acro 3

This class meets once per week for 45 minutes. This class is for intermediate dancers to work toward acrobatic and tumbling skills used in dance. This class is by placement level only. Dancers should be able to complete a cartwheel, walkovers, and back bend prior to enrolling in this class. This class will receive a costume and perform in the spring recital.

STRETCH AND CONDITITONING

Stretch & Conditioning 

Stretch & Condition is a 45 minute class focused solely on stretching and strengthening.  We will focus on targeted areas of the body where we will learn techniques to develop, build, stretch and lengthen different areas. This class is open to ages 7 and older and all levels and abilities.  No previous dance experience is required.

Deep Stretch 

Deep Stretch is a class that focuses on advanced stretching techniques. This class is recommended for ages 9 and older and meets 1 time per week for 45 minutes. The use of therabands, resistance bands, yoga balls, ankle weights, lacrosse balls and yoga blocks are used to increase flexibility in a variety of safe and effective ways as to push a dancer’s range of motion throughout the body. Equipment is provided by the dancer. 

DevelopMental™ Dance

Our DevelopMental™ Dance classes are designed for those students that may have special requirements beyond the normal Conservatory classes. These classes meet for 60 minutes one time each week for a 6-week session. This dance movement class is taught with a low student/teacher ratio to accommodate the needs of each student. The class uses various forms of music to invoke different movement patterns. The classes are geared to increase body and special awareness by exploring various movements. In addition to our scheduled sessions, upon request we do offer private dance and movement instruction tailored to meet specific needs.

Adult Dance Classes

Adult Beginning/Intermediate Ballet

Adult Beginning/Intermediate Ballet is for adults ages 17 and older wanting to learn or improve on existing ballet technique. This is a 60 minutes class that meets once a week and teaches the basics of classical ballet, helps improve flexibility, increases body awareness, and tones muscles. No prior dance experience is necessary to take this class. New classes will be added as appropriate to meet needs of intermediate/advanced ballet for adults.

Adult Intermediate/Advanced Ballet

Adult Inter/Adv Ballet is for adults ages 17 and older wanting to improve on existing ballet technique. This is a 60 minutes class that meets once a week and continues on previous ballet training working on the basics of classical ballet, helps improve flexibility, increases body awareness, and tones muscles. Prior dance experience is necessary to take this class. 

Adult Beginning/Intermediate Tap

Adult Beg/Int Tap will meet once a week for 60 minutes.  This class is for adults ages 17 and older wanting to learn the basics and fundamentals of tap dancing, musicality and basic rhythm patterns. No previous experience needed.

Adult Intermediate/Advanced Tap

Adult Int/Adv Tap meets 1 time per week for 60 minutes. This class is for adults ages 17 and older who want to continue with fundamentals of tap dancing, musicality and basic rhythm patterns. Prior tap education is required.  

Adult Hip Hop

Adult Hip Hop is a fun and energetic class for adults ages 17 and up and is designed for those adults that want to have fun, keep in shape and stay hip on what’s new in dance. For 60 minutes each week we will introduce Hip Hop’s most popular moves to chart topping musical hits. No previous experience needed.

BALLROOM/SWING

Ballroom/Swing is for the adult dancer interested in learning basic partner dancing. This class touches on the basics of east and west coast swing, waltz, cha cha and tango. No prior dance experience is necessary to enroll. Students can either register as an individual or as a couple. This class is currently taught by private lesson only.