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
Pre-Ballet
Ages 6–11
Junior Division
At the Junior Division level, opportunities begin for developmental training in Ballet, Modern, Traditional Modern Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Breakdancing, 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.
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.
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!
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
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.
Breakdancing
Learn the art and athleticism of breaking, also known as breakdancing, with Teaching Artist B-Boy Irv. Classes introduce the fundamentals and basic movements of breaking, including top rock, footwork patterns, and freezes. Students build strength, rhythm, and confidence through warmups, fitness drills, and musicality exercises set to kid-friendly, classic break beats. Students will progress toward handstands, headstands, and other signature moves that showcase creativity and control, with large emphasis on safe technique.
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
Ballet
Pointe
Tap
Jazz
Contemporary Modern
Hip Hop
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
Iyengar Yoga
Senior Dance Fitness
A low-impact exercise class open to seniors 65 and older.
