Pre-Professional I: Ballet and Jazz Classes, ages 8-11

Ballet: Classical Ballet provides the necessary foundation that is needed to be successful in every other form of dance. Beauty, flow and elegance are inherent in the elements of ballet. Ballet is the classical dance form that can be mastered by itself or used as a technical base or supplement to other dance forms. Classes focus on overall body alignment and awareness with emphasis on proper usage of feet and legs and execution of turnout. Carriage and usage of upper torso and arms are also stressed. Traditional barre work, center work and combinations are included in all classes. Correct ballet training develops poise, grace, posture, flexibility, strength, agility, a sculpted body, and impeccable technique.

Jazz: An exciting and ever evolving dance form full of rhythm, syncopation, passion and life.  Steeped in the rhythm of jazz music, a true American art form, jazz dance brings energy and life to all those who dance it.  Classes explore body isolations of the head, shoulders, ribcage, feet and arms and encourage individual expression and the development of personal style. Jazz can be powerful and percussive or expressive and lyrical.  Ever evolving, jazz dance is taught with the music of today together with the classical jazz of yesterday.  Classes teach basic jazz dance technique, terminology and movement quality with an emphasis on proper execution of jazz isolations, rhythms and style performed to contemporary music.

Attire: Pink ballet tights, maroon leotard, pink ballet shoes.  Ballet skirt is optional. Black jazz pants or shorts may be worn over leotard in jazz class, black laceless jazz shoes are required. Hair should always be secured away from the face in a ponytail or bun.