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Class Descriptions

Ages 2–5

Preschool Division

The preschool division focuses on age-appropriate skills such as jumping, skipping, leaping and galloping. The use of various teaching tools such as scarves, mats, hoops and rhythm instruments enhance the learning/teaching process.

As children progress from one level to the next, they are introduced to concepts such as body placement, coordination and the concept that their body is an instrument of self expression.

Dance with Me

A program for children 2-3 years old (with their caregiver) designed to reinforce cognitive skills, develop an understanding of concepts such as over, under, around and through, help in the recognition of shapes and colors all while enjoying music and movement in a 45-minute class. Comfortable clothing and bare feet are required.

Creative Movement

A 45-minute class for students ages 3-4 years old. It is required that all students are potty trained and able to separate from caregivers. Children explore movement through a loosely structured class with floor-work, center-work, and across the floor movement. Children wear leotards, footless tights, and no shoes.

Pre-Dance

A one-hour class for students ages 4-5 years old. Pre-Dance is more formal and structured as students are more coordinated and capable of skill-based learning. Although creative expression continues to be emphasized at this stage, dance vocabulary and movements begin to be taught. Children wear leotards, footless tights, and no shoes.

Pre-Modern

A one-hour class for students 5-6 years old. It is the precursor to structured modern dance training. Coordination, jumping, leaping, stretching and flexibility are emphasized. This is definitely a class for a high energy student. Students begin to develop an understanding that modern dance, unlike ballet, uses movement both on the floor and standing upright. Children must wear leotards, footless tights and no shoes.

Pre-Ballet

A one-hour class for students 5-6 years old who choose to explore the more structured art of ballet. For the first time children will use the barre to learn skills specific to ballet technique. Classes begin at the barre, include center floor work, and conclude with across the floor work inclusive of jumps and leaps. Although ballet requires outward rotation of the legs and feet, SMAPA instructor refrain from stressing this element of training until students are older and leg muscles and joints are more fully developed. Children must wear tights leotards and ballet slippers. A skirt is optional.
Ages 6–11

Junior Division

At the Junior Division level, opportunities begin for developmental training in Ballet, Modern, Traditional Modern Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop and Musical Theater. Placement in classes is geared to a student’s chronological age, but consideration is also given to their skill level. Most students will remain in the same level for an entire academic year. A student however, is never held back if advancement is warranted mid-year.

Hip Hop

For children ages 6 and older. High-energy, aerobic type movement is fundamental to this class which uses age-appropriate popular music. Warming up the body through stretching exercises is emphasized, followed by the teaching of sequential movements that develop into a routine. Great for the mind and body, but also just fun! Children wear comfortable clothes and jazz shoes or sneakers.

Classical Ballet

A formal structured dance form which begins with exercises at the barre which help to strengthen and align the body as well as outwardly rotate the legs and feet. After the barre work is completed, center floor work allows students to experience moving without the assistance of the barre. This is followed by combinations moving the body across the floor with turns, leaps, and jumps. Tremendous care is given to a student’s body placement and alignment as they learn the positions and shapes of classical ballet movements. Pointe work does not begin until at least age 12, often later depending on the student’s individual skill level.

Modern

A style of dancing in bare feet that is not as restricted as classical ballet. Positions of the feet are often parallel as well as turned out; movements use the space in a more varied way in that dance movements are executed both standing, in the air, and on the floor.

Jazz

Closely related to Modern dance technique, but is often more theatrical in its style and approach.

Tap

As taught by SMAPA teaching artists, Tap is traditional Rhythm Tap. Students learn percussive rhythms as if their feet were a percussion instrument. As they progress from one level to the next, the rhythmic patterns and footwork become more difficult – great for developing listening skills!
Ages 12–18

Prep Division

The Prep Division provides the serious student, as well as the student who simply enjoys dance, the opportunity to develop and refine their skills. Students under 12 are permitted to enroll in classes within this division with instructor approval. Prep Division students may also take certain Adult Division classes with instructor approval.

At this level, students are encouraged to take multiple classes in order to maximize their training regimen. The more serious student is also encouraged to study multiple dance forms in order to expand their versatility and build a broader base of skills.

Modern

Modern at this level is more defined in terms of technique. Depending on the developmental level of the class, Graham, Horton and/or Dunham techniques are taught. Students are encouraged to develop greater self-expression through movement.

Ballet

The underpinning of a solid dance technique. Classical ballet training helps perfect alignment and placement while encouraging grace and fluidity of movement. Serious students are encouraged to take at least one ballet class per week even if ballet is not their dance form of choice.

Pointe

Pointe classes can only been taken with instructor approval. Students should have had at least several years ballet experience and be strong enough for the rigor of pointe training. It is mandatory that a ballet class be taken prior to the pointe class to insure proper warm-up.

Tap

As taught by SMAPA teaching artists, is traditional Rhythm Tap. As students progress from one level to the next, the degree of difficulty increases.

Jazz

Much like theater dance, closely related to modern dance technique, yet more stylized.

Contemporary Modern

Uses the movement vocabulary of modern dance but more contemporary music. Choreographic phrases are developed from one class to the next allowing students to experience the joy of building choreography.

Hip Hop

Gesture-based movement, aerobic in nature, using current, popular music in a high-energy, one-hour class.

Choreography

A composition class where students learn the fundamentals of creating dances. Most often taught on the college level, the more advanced student will benefit from an early start in understanding the basics of developing movement for the stage.

18+

Adult Division

The Adult Division was designed to provide adult dancers (both trained and non-trained) a non-competitive forum in which to simply enjoy dance. Adults who require a higher level class may also participate in Prep Division classes. All other standard class offerings – Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Afro-Haitian, Flamenco, and Tap – are open level. Adults of all ages and experience levels are welcome.

Floor Barre

A gentle, yoga-like class which incorporates elements of yoga, stretching, core muscle work, and Pilates all while paying close attention to breathing and tension-free movement. The class takes place predominately on the floor.

Iyengar Yoga

Iyengar Yoga emphasizes complete alignment of the body, mind, breath, and soul and is accessible to every age and every body.

Senior Dance Fitness

A low-impact exercise class open to seniors 65 and older.

SMAPA is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt arts education organization.
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Location

10 Erie Street
Montclair NJ 07042

Parking
Free parking on-site.
Contact Info

(973) 655-9819
info@smapa.org

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