School of Dance 2008-2009 Class Descriptions
Dance is a discipline that embodies athleticism, grace and artistic expression providing greater concentration, stronger posture and opportunity for confidence. Our dance students are known for their excellence, versatility, and character. We look forward to each new year of growth in our skills and development of lifelong friendships.
** New Dance Class Opportunities **
The Culture House is happy to offer our new beginning Dance Classes as well as once a week Teen/Adult Dance Classes. They are 40 weeks long and offer younger students and adults an opportunity to dance without participating in the full scale production / recital. Students enrolled in these classes will have their show case at the end of their class term. The once a week classes will be taught by qualified dance instructors. They will not be involved in the year end production. The evaluation and placement process will be separate from the regular dance classes. Please checkout the Teen/Adult classes.
Annual 40 Week Classes without year end production
Creative Movement I: (3-5 yrs old)
THEME: Mulan
Wed: 3:45-4:30, Sat 10:00-10:45
A creative and fun introduction to dance. This class explores movement, music, and drama. Students learn to express their natural joy of movement and to work together to create group choreography. Creative movement and motivational songs encourage these young ones during this 45 minute class.
Creative Movement II: (4-6 yrs old)
THEME: Snow White
Sat 10:00-10:45
Students develop increased body awareness and control. Large and small groups of muscles are isolated and strengthened through the practice of specific exercises. Students start to develop an understanding of the relationship between dance, rhythm and music.
Ballet Tap Combo: (6-7 yrs old)
THEME: Cinderella
Thurs: 3:45-4:30, Sat: 11:00-11:45
After learning to control specific body movements, this class will help the student build a foundation for dance technique. Floor exercises are introduced to help strengthen the muscles in the abdomen, legs and ankles.
Beginning Ballet (7-10):
THEME: Alladin
Tues: 3:45-4:45, Sat: 9:00-10:00
This is a once a week ballet class for those students whose interest in ballet is just initiated and want a slower entry into the discipline. Students will receive the same curriculum set for Ballet I but will advance at a slower pace. Vocabulary and foundational exercises will be introduced. Students from Beginning Ballet will advance into Ballet I.
TEEN AND ADULT CLASSES
Teen / Adult Ballet A (11-Adult):
Thurs: 6:30-7:30
This is a once a week ballet class for those students whose interest in ballet is just initiated and want a slower entry into the discipline. Students will receive the same curriculum set for Ballet I but will advance at a slower pace. Vocabulary and foundational exercises will be introduced. Students from Adult/Teen Ballet A will advance into Teen/ Adult Ballet B when curriculum is mastered. If the student desires to follow the regular twice a week class, he or she will be required to take a placement class.
Teen / Adult Ballet B (11-Adult):
Sat: 9:00-10:00
This is a once a week ballet class for those students whose interest in have been introduced to Ballet and would like to explore more of the technique and benefit from the discipline requires. Students will receive the same curriculum set for Ballet II to II Adv. but will advance at a slower pace. More vocabulary will be introduced. Students from Teen /Adult Ballet B will advance into Teen/ Adult Ballet C when curriculum is mastered. If the student desires to follow the regular twice a week class, he or she will be required to take a placement class.
Teen /Adult Ballet C (13-Adult):
Tues: 7:30-8:30
Teen / Adult Ballet C is designed to continue building the students’ technique while allowing them to attempt more complex choreography. More vocabulary is introduced and the class time is lengthened. The difficulty increases gradually and the combinations are more complex. Students will receive the same curriculum set for Ballet II Adv – III, but will advance at a slower pace. Students from Teen /Adult Ballet C will advance into Teen/ Adult Ballet D when curriculum is mastered. Vocabulary and foundational exercises will be introduced. If the student desires to follow the regular twice a week class, he or she will be required to take a placement class.
Teen /Adult Ballet D (15-Adult):
Wed: 8:00-9:00
Teen/Adult Ballet D is for students who have a solid mastery of the foundations of ballet. Students will be challenged with further vocabulary and exercises at the barre, floor, and in more developed choreography. Students who master the curriculum at this level are encouraged to take a placement class and move into more extensive training.
Teen / Adult Jazz B (11-Adult):
Mon: 8:00-9:00
This is a once a week jazz class for those students who have already had a beginning jazz foundation. Students will review the elements introduced in Jazz I or Theater Dance Class Jazz/Tap Combo. They will increase their vocabulary, understanding, and execution of these elements as they learn more compound, progressive, and complex combinations. Students will also experience a concentrated focus on isolations, contractions, body alignment, transitioning, and center core strength. Students will advance from Teen/Adult Jazz B into Teen/Adult Jazz C once the curriculum is mastered. If the student desires to follow the regular twice a week class, he or she will be required to take a placement class.
Teen / Adult Jazz C (13-Adult):
Sat: 11:00-12:00
Adult /Teen Jazz C class reviews the elements introduced in Adult /Teen Jazz B. Additional material covered in Adult /Teen Jazz C will include; stage presence and staging, level changes, pirouettes, chaînés turns, leaps, and more complex combinations. Dancers will continue core strengthening and increased extensions. It is likely that students will spend a minimum of two years in this level. Students who master the curriculum at this level are encouraged to take a placement class and move into more extensive training.
Teen / Adult Tap (11-Adult):
Mon: 7:30-8:30
Includes and continues comprehension of Tap I elements and adds compound steps and combinations. Students will review the elements introduced in Tap I and Theater Dance Class Jazz/Tap Combo. Steps include Essence, Time Step, Maxi Ford, Front Irish, and more. It is likely that students will spend a minimum of two years in this level. Students will also concentrate on tonal quality, accenting, shading and clustering, syncopation, and picking up by sight. Steps covered will include Flash steps, Wings, Double Pull Backs, Cincinnati, and Time steps. It is likely that students will spend a minimum of two years in this level.
Pilates (All Ages)
Wed: 12:00-1:00
Pilates matwork demonstrates that our body can achieve fitness all on its own without any equipment. Using only you own body weight and gravity, the matwork will tone, strengthen and lengthen your entire body. Pilates mat classes focus on integrating the entire body, rather than exercising each body part separately. As you begin to focus on your body as a whole you'll achieve better alignment and reteach your body to work more efficiently. This class is ideal for both dancers who want to maintain a healthy, injury free body and non-dancers who want to remain limber, flexible and strong.
AeroFunk Ages 20 – 60:
Mon & Wed: 12:30-2:00, Fri: 9:00-10:30
An energizing Jazz/Hip Hop class geared toward the stay at home mom or the twenty (thirty, forty, or fifty) something wanting to stay (or Get!) in shape. Class includes core strengthening, stretching, and cardio fun.
Adult Ballet (Ages 20 – 60):
Wed 8:00-9:00
This class is designed for Low Intermediate to Advanced Ballet students. The student must have a strong foundation and be able to execute the movements asked of them. As the students improve and strengthen their technique, the class will present more difficult exercises.
Annual 40 Week Classes with Year End Production
Creative Movement (3-6)
Tue: 4:45-5:30
A creative and fun introduction to dance. This class explores movement, music, and drama. Students learn to express their natural joy of movement and to work together to create group choreography. Creative movement and motivational songs encourage these young ones during this 45 minute class.
Creative Movement I: (3-5)
Fri: 12:00-12:45
A creative and fun introduction to dance. This class explores movement, music, and drama. Students learn to express their natural joy of movement and to work together to create group choreography. Creative movement and motivational songs encourage these young ones during this 45 minute class.
Creative Movement II: (4-6)
Fri: 10:00-10:45
Students develop increased body awareness and control. Large and small groups of muscles are isolated and strengthened through the practice of specific exercises. Students start to develop an understanding of the relationship between dance, rhythm and music.
Ballet Tap Combo: (6-7)
Mon: 5:30-6:30, Fri: 11:00-12:00
After learning to control specific body movements, this class will help the student build a foundation for dance technique. Floor exercises are introduced to help strengthen the muscles in the abdomen, legs and ankles.
BALLET
Ballet is the foundational technique for all of performance dance in Western Culture. Ballet is the most rigorous and detailed of dance techniques assisting the dancer in gaining control and mastery of one’s body and expressiveness. Not only for the classical dancer, Ballet is foundational for excellence for most performance techniques (modern and jazz).
Beginning Ballet (7-10):
Wed: 4:30-5:30, Fri: 9:00-10:00
This is a once a week ballet class for those students whose interest in ballet is just initiated and want a slower entry into the discipline. Students will receive the same curriculum set for Ballet I but will advance at a slower pace. Vocabulary and foundational exercises will be introduced. Students from Beginning Ballet will advance into Ballet I.
Ballet I (7 & Up):
Tue & Thu: 4:30-5:30
This class is for students beginning their formal dance training. The student is ready to learn more of the technical aspects and skills associated with ballet. This class will teach the fundamentals of ballet with an emphasis in proper technique and discipline. Ballet vocabulary will be introduced. Students should be no younger than 7 years old. It is likely that students will spend a minimum of two years in this level.
Ballet I (10 & Up):
Tues & Thu: 4:30-5:30
For older students beginning ballet. The student is ready for formal ballet training emphasizing technical aspects and skills, proper vocabulary, discipline and technique. Students should be no younger than 10 years old. The class will introduce students to some of the Ballet II curriculum. It is likely that students will spend a minimum of two years in this level.
Men's Ballet Technique (9 & Up):
Wed: 3:30-4:30
For male students interested in beginning to develop their ballet technique. Students will receive formal ballet training emphasizing technical aspects and skills, proper vocabulary, and discipline. There will be a strong emphasis on jumps, strength, and stamina.
Men's Ballet Technique (13 & Up):
Wed: 4:30-5:30
A more rigorous ballet class for young male dancers, athletes, skaters, and those involved in the martial arts. Ballet is one of the most demanding physical disciplines and will improve ones abilities whether becoming a professional dancer, actor, or athlete. There will be a strong emphasis on jumps, strength, flexibility, and stamina. Beginning partnering techniques will be introduced.
Ballet II:
Tue & Thu: 5:30-6:30
For the student who has spent at least two school years in Ballet I and has mastered all concepts of that class. Ballet II will build on the fundamentals of Ballet I while introducing more vocabulary, more complex movements, and more structure. It is likely that students will spend a minimum of two years in this level.
Ballet II Advanced:
Mon & Wed: 5:30-6:30
For the student who has spent at least one year in Ballet II. They will continue with the fundamentals of Ballet II while being introduced to more complex combinations. Students will be introduced to Pointe. It is likely that students will spend a minimum of two years in this level.
Ballet III:
Mon & Wed: 6:30-8:00
Designed to continue building the students’ technique while allowing them to attempt more complex choreography. More vocabulary is introduced and the class time is lengthened. The difficulty increases gradually and the combinations are more complex. At this level, dancers should be enrolled in PrePointe and Pointe class. It is likely that students will spend a minimum of two years in this level.
Ballet III Advanced:
Mon, Wed & Thurs: 4:00-5:30
Designed to continue building the students' technique and to strengthen their core. The class will increase in level of difficulty and as the student improves, they will pick up combinations at a faster pace. At this level, dancers should be enrolled in Pointe class. It is likely that students will spend a minimum of two years in this level.
Ballet IV:
Mon, Tue, Wed, & Thurs: 4:00-5:30
Designed for intermediate students. The dancer must have a very strong foundation and be able to execute the movements asked of them. The student should be able to handle more difficult combinations and a faster paced class. As the students improve and strengthen their technique, the class will present more difficulty in the execution of exercises and performance skills. At this level, Pointe class is mandatory. It is likely that students will spend a minimum of two years in this level.
Ballet V:
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thurs: 4:00-5:30
Designed for advanced intermediate dancers. Who demonstrate technical proficiency and knowledge of elements learned in ballet. The student at this level should be able to execute any and all movements asked of them and will be introduced to variations. The student in this level self corrects, and has an understanding of their art form. The dancer is performing the movement and not just executing. At this level Pointe class is mandatory. It is likely that students will spend a minimum of two years in this level.
Ballet Variations: (Ballet V)
Mon: 5:30-6:30
This class is designed for Ballet V students to study and execute different classical variations. It is likely that students will spend a minimum of two years in this level.
Pas de Deux / Partnering: (B. IV/V & Men’s Ballet (13 & Up):
Wed: 5:30-6:30
This class is designed for Ballet IV/V and Men’s Ballet students to study and execute different lifts and partnering technique. In ballet, partnering is particularly studied by male principal dancers, who must develop the strength to gracefully and confidently (and reliably!) lift, catch and carry a female partner. On the other hand, female dancers will spend more time on developing the strength of their feet, ankles, legs, and abdominal muscles for Pointe work and partnering vocabulary. Dancers will learn to communicate with their partners.
Pre-Pointe: (Ballet III)
Wed: 5:30-6:30
This class will not use pointe shoes, but will strengthen the ankles and lower legs as well as the core to enable the dancer to step on pointe without injury. Pre-pointe is required for anyone who used to be on pointe and had to stop because of injuries.
Pointe I:
Mon & Wed: 5:30-6:30
Designed for beginning pointe dancers. The student must have a strong understanding and execution of ballet fundamentals as well as strong core and legs muscles. It is likely that students will spend a minimum of two years in this level.
Pointe II:
Tue: & Thu: 5:30-6:30
Designed for the dancer who has completed Pointe I. The teacher will decide if the dancer is strong enough to advance. It is likely that students will spend a minimum of two years in this level.
MODERN
Modern dance techniques have become essential in choreography from major ballet companies to Broadway. Structured technical exercises that condition the body for strength, coordination and flexibility are developed. Physical activities which focus on the aspects of space, time, shape, and movement dynamics are explored through individual work as well as group participation. Teaching methods for modern dance incorporate a variety of techniques that focus on correct alignment, fall and recovery, centering, and proper articulation of the joints, which are developed through warm up exercises, center floor work, and larger combinations.
Beginning Modern: (8+)
Tues: 5:30-6:30
This class is designed to introduce modern dance exercises and movement qualities to young dancers. Exercises include core exercises designed to strengthen the abdomen and upper body as well as improvisational skill.
Modern I: (Ballet II Adv & Up)
Mon: 6:30-7:30
This class is designed for students to explore movement as a creative art form. Curriculum includes opportunities to develop physical strength, flexibility and endurance while exploring improvisational and expressive movement. A variety of modern dance exercises and vocabulary are used from the most popular contemporary techniques. Students are required to be in Ballet II Advanced in order to take Modern I. It is likely that students will spend a minimum of two years in this level.
Modern II:
Tue: 6:30-7:30 & Thu: 7:30-8:30
This class emphasizes students’ acquisition of intermediate movement skills and refined motor control through the study of modern techniques. Students will also be introduced to the Graham technique. Modern II is for those dance students who demonstrate an intermediate level of dance technique and an interest in exploring dance movement as a creative and expressive art form. Students learn to take responsibility for their personal health and to care for their dance instrument. It is likely that students will spend a minimum of two years in this level.
Modern III:
Tue & Wed: 6:30-7:30
Designed for the advanced dancer, Modern III will challenge students with exercises and choreography to broaden their movement vocabulary and physical endurance. Emphasis is given to a wider range of modern styles and exercises.
JAZZ
Traditionally associated with Broadway, Jazz Dance has now been accepted and influences concert dance, movies, music videos and more. Known for its highly dynamic, rhythmic and athletic style, Jazz is essential for educating the fully developed dancer.
Jazz/Tap Combo:
Tue: 6:30-7:30
A combination class to introduce and strengthen Jazz and Tap techniques. This class is especially valuable to the musical theater student as well as the ballet student interested in broadening their dance abilities.
Jazz I:
Wed: 7:30-8:30
Consists of foundational jazz dance elements including; counting & timing, directional changing, spotting, body alignment, contractions, isolations, jumps, turns and combinations. Dancers will also experience center core strengthening and stretching.
Jazz I Advanced:
Tue & Thu: 7:30-8:30
Students will review and continue with the foundational elements introduced in Jazz I. They will increase their vocabulary, understanding, and execution of these elements as they learn more compound, progressive, and complex combinations. Students will also experience a concentrated focus on isolations, contractions, body alignment, transitioning, and center core strength.
Jazz II:
Tue & Thu: 6:30-7:30
In addition to Jazz I elements, material covered in Jazz II will include; stage presence and staging, level changes, pirouettes, chaînés turns, leaps, and more complex combinations. Dancers will continue core strengthening and increased extensions. It is likely that students will spend a minimum of two years in this level.
Jazz III:
Tue & Thu: 5:30-6:30
Students will build upon elements learned in Jazz I and II as they learn about movement dynamics (accent, texture, and attitude), stylizing (lyrical, commercial, etc.), specialty jumps, turns, and more intricate use of the floor including knee work. It is likely that students will spend a minimum of two years in this level.
Jazz IV/V:
Mon & Thu: 7:30-9:00
This class combines all material from Jazz I-III and adds presentation, improvisation, complex specialty turns and jumps, layouts, switch leaps, and a variety of stylized combinations.
TAP / HIP HOP
Tap Dance is an original American technique that is included in a wide variety of productions. Whether it’s performed on the streets, in a musical, or featured on its own Tap steels the show!
Hip Hop is the most recently developed American dance technique that has taken the culture by storm. So, popular and influential that we’re beginning to see it musicals, dance productions, and television. Hip Hop encompassing movement that includes poppin’, locking, and breaking as well as free style movement to give students the opportunity to develop their own sense of
style.
Tap I:
Mon: 6:30-7:30
Students begin with the basic elements; primary steps, shuffles, flap, ball change, buffalo, waltz clog, and cramp roll. A fun and challenging class preparing the student for more complex combinations. Simple combinations will help students apply and retain material.
Tap II/III:
Mon: 4:30-5:30 & Wed: 6:30-7:30
Includes and continues comprehension of Tap I elements and adds compound steps and combinations. Steps include Essence, Time Step, Maxi Ford, Front Irish, and more. It is likely that students will spend a minimum of two years in this level.
Tap IV/V:
Mon & Thu: 6:30-7:30
Students will continue perfecting material from Tap I and Tap II as they concentrate on tonal quality, accenting, shading and clustering, syncopation, and picking up by sight. Steps covered will include Flash steps, Wings, Double Pull Backs, Cincinnati, and Time steps. It is likely that students will spend a minimum of two years in this level.
Boys Athletic Dance (B.A.D.)(7-9):
Wed: 5:30-6:30
This class will prepare students through a variety of dance styles. The students will be introduced to the discipline of the fundamentals of Jazz, Modern, Tap, Ballet, while continuing to strengthen the muscles in the abdomen, legs and ankles and improving stamina.
Hip Hop I:
Wed: 7:30-8:30
The class format consists of a warm up / dance routine / cool-down. Through physical training, the Hip-Hop course will enhance the student’s physical health, increase their stamina, and coordination. Student will also learn to dance according to the trend of today’s music.
Hip Hop II:
Sat: 12:00-1:00
This class will take the students through the world of urban dance and trends from old school to new school. Through hard physical training, the student will learn combinations, choreography, street and be introduced to popping, locking, and breaking.
Breakdance:
Sat: 1:00-2:00
Break dancing, also known as "B-boying" or "B-girling" by its practitioners and followers, is a dynamic style of dance that is part of Hip Hop culture and emerged out of the Hip-Hop movement. Students will be introduced to the many elements of break dancing. They will be challenged with acrobatic moves such as Spine-move, Freezes, Styleheads, Powerheads, Headspins and more.
Performance Groups
Infinity:
Wed: 7:30-9:00
Our senior dance company based on ballet and modern choreography. Infinity dancers will perform in the Winter Concert as well as a wide variety of public settings. Infinity dancers will take their inspirational message out into Kansas City to lift spirits and give hope. Infinity dancers may also be included in productions by our top companies, Störling Dance Theater and Maxxas Dance Theater.
Exusia:
Tue: 7:30-9:00
Our junior Jazz and Modern company performs electric pieces to entertain audiences throughout the year. Whether it's in our Winter Concert, at a church, or at an assisted living center, Exusia brings a smile to everyone they meet.
Anavia:
Mon: 7:30-9:00
Our junior ballet/modern company is introduced to expressive and creative choreography by some of our best artists here at The Culture House. The dancers have a wonderful time getting to work together and create fun and learning new dances.
Sep 15: Wizard of Oz Rehearsals
Sep 19: Wizrd of Oz Parent Mtg
Oct 27-Nov1: Parent Watch Week
