Tiny Dreamers, ages 2-3

A great way to introduce little ones to the art of dance.  We'll use games and songs to teach rhythm, movement, and introduce basic ballet. This is a great way to develop basic motor skills, as well as coordination and balance. Ballet shoes required.

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Pre-Ballet/Tap, ages 3-5

Basic ballet and/or tap skills, terminology, rhythm, and coordination are taught, practiced, and developed through creative movement, music. Our pre-ballet and/or pre-ballet/tap classes also develop concentration and learning how to follow instructions. Ballet shoes and Tap shoes required.

 

Tot Hip Hop, ages 3-5

Our Hip Hop for tots uses clean and age appropriate music/movement! Jazz shoes are OK to wear in class, but Hip Hop dance sneakers are required for recital.

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Tumble Tots, ages 3-5 Not currently offered. We suggest St. Charles Gymnastics for tumble, acro, and gymnastics!

This new class in our Pre-School program will be the perfect addition to test out this summer! Students will learn basic tumbling skills such as forward rolls, handstands, and more. This is an entry level class for students with no prior tumbling experience.

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Poms. ages 3-5 and 6-8

From pom/cheer routines to kick-lines, this has been an exciting addition to DDA! An additional cost of $12 for poms (yours to keep).

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Irish Dance, ages 5 & up

This new program is the perfect way to get your child introduced to the world of Irish dance. Students will begin by learning how to count traditional Irish music, followed by basic technique and form to set the foundation for quality dancing, later progressing into beginner level movements, as well as soft shoe Jig & Reel steps. This is an entry level class for students with no prior experience. Please note that our Irish dance program is not intended for those wishing to compete. Our goal is to have dancers ready to perform for 2024 St. Patrick’s Day festivities! 

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Combo classes for ages 5-9

See individual class style (Jazz, Tap, etc) descriptions below. Each 45-60 minute class is divided into two equal parts so equal attention can be given to both dance styles. A great way for dancers to get two dance styles in to one class, as well as really be able to find what style(s) they enjoy.

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Our instructors follow the same structured lesson plans for all class levels (Pre-School through Level 7) to ensure accuracy and consistency throughout our program. To move to a level 2 or higher in Ballet 1-7, Jazz 1-5, or Tap 1-5, dancers must have certain skills and technique mastered. When they are ready, a notice will come in written form from the studio. 

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Ballet. Our Ballet program has 7 levels (Levels 1-7)

Focuses on overall body alignment and awareness with emphasis on proper usage of feet and legs and execution of turnout.
Barre and center work, along with combinations.

 

Tap. Our Tap program has 5 levels (Levels 1-5)

Make some noise! Tap teaches rhythm and coordination with sound, and kids will learn basic tap terminology and choreography.

 

Jazz. Our Jazz program has 5 levels (Levels 1-5)

​Full of rhythm, jazz dance brings energy and life to dance. Explore body isolations of the head, shoulders, rib cage, feet and arms, which encouraging individual expression and personal style.​

 

Hip Hop.  Hip Hop classes are open (split by age )

Students will learn the fundamentals of hip hop movement, in an upbeat and high energy class. Stretching, isolations, rhythms, upper body strength and funky footwork will be incorporated. We use "kid friendly" hip hop music - AND kid friendly hip hop moves!

 

Musical Theater. Musical Theater classes are open (split by age)

Students will learn popular dance steps found on Broadway, while learning how to use BIG facial expressions, poise, and act - all through dancing! No vocal lessons given in this class, this is strictly musical theater dance. We use exercises to encourage confidence on the stage. Musical Theater is a non-leveled class, but over summer it is leveled and based on Jazz level. Examples of songs and choreographed numbers - Wizard of Oz, Annie, Grease - and more

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Lyrical.  Contemporary classes are open (split by age; except for Company Lyrical/Contemporary)

Lyrical is a fusion of ballet and jazz technique, that utilizes slow fluid movements to interpret music and express emotion while telling a story through the art of dance. Should have at least one year of ballet or jazz training before starting.

 

Contemporary. Lyrical classes are open (split by age; except for Company Lyrical/Contemporary)

Contemporary Dance combines ballet, modern, and jazz to develop an expressive style of movement also including improvisation.

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Progressing Ballet Technique. Offered for ballet level 3 and up.

Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) is an innovative body-conditioning and strengthening program that has been designed to enhance students' technique by focusing on training the muscle memory required in each exercise in all forms of dance. It is a unique training system using ballet-technique specific exercises to train skill acquisition in a graded and progressive manner. Tools will need to be purchased for class. CLICK HERE FOR CLASS TOOLS NEEDED

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Flex & Stretch. Offered for ages 6 and up

Flex and Stretch increases flexibility through proper stretching - there are so many wrong ways to stretch, and it's important to learn the proper techniques of stretching to prevent injury. This class is perfect for any dancer - what dancer can't benefit from increasing their flexibility! Conditioning is also incorporated into class.

 

Pre-Pointe. Offered for ballet level 3 and up. Not currently offered. Dancers should instead take PBT as an add on to their Ballet class. They will be watched in Ballet for advancement to Pointe instead of in Pre-Pointe.

This class done in ballet slippers focuses on alignment, balance, strength, Theraband work, and safety needed for Pointe. These exercises learned will be similar to what will eventually be done in their Pointe shoes, so dancers already placed on Pointe are welcome to take this class. This class is beneficial for any Level 3 and up dancer even if they do not want to go on Pointe. Resistance bands and a massage ball are tools that will need to be purchased on your own for this class. A list will be given to dancers in class. Must be enrolled in Ballet level 3 or higher.

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Pointe

Dancing in Pointe shoes is a great accomplishment and this class gives special attention to the development of these dancers to ensure healthy improvement as we slowly move from barre work to center work according to each individual.​

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Adaptive Dance

A new, inclusive dance class designed specifically for children with special needs. Come and experience a 45 minute dance class in a fun, upbeat, and supportive environment where every dancer shines.  Dancers will learn dance basics and various styles of dance including Jazz, Hip Hop, and Musical Theater.

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Leaps and Turns. Leaps & Turns placement is based on a dancer's Jazz level.

Get that extra time to focus on JUST your leaps and turns that are so important for jazz technique and choreography. Begins at a level 2. A GREAT add on class for any Jazz student! Beginning in Fall 2022, we are cutting back on the number of Leaps and Turns classes we offer since almost all dancers who took it were in Company and they now take that as part of their Company Technique class. Must be enrolled in a Jazz class.

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Floor Barre. Offered for ballet level 3 and up.

Floor Barre takes ballet technique to the floor where dancers can focus on the absolute basics and create strong muscle memory that will take their training to new heights. Floor Barre improves technique, core, turnout, flexibility and helps prevent injury. Dancers will enhance their precision and posture and train their muscles for stronger technique when they return to their ballet classes. Tools will need to be purchased for class. A list will be given to dancers in class.

Must be enrolled in Ballet level 3 or higher.