Class Descriptions
Acro
Acro Dance Teachers Association (ADTA) Program
Acro/Tap Combo
Students engage in 30 minutes of the ADTA Kinder Acro Program which is the highest quality Acro program available for students 4-6 years old. Children practice fun, safe and fundamental Acrobatic skills. The other 30 minutes of the class will engage children in learning the basics of Tap such as counting, rhythm, shuffles and flaps. This class is full of energy, yet very structured and is geared towards younger students. Students will need to have tap shoes, be barefoot for the Acro portion and if possible hair pulled back.
Beg Acro
This is the beginning step to a child's Acro journey by following the ADTA syllabus. Students will learn all the basic skills that will help them transition to the Acro 1 program. Instructor will focus on proper technique to create a safe, yet fun environment. Students will also practice Acro positions, rolling, cartwheels and bridges. Minimum age for this class is 6 years old or by teacher invitation. If possible, students should wear hair pulled back and they must be barefoot for class.
Acro I
Students will learn a wide variety of techniques and skills by following the ADTA syllabus for Acro I. Such skills are body positions, bridges, rolling, handstands, cartwheels, tinsicas, balances, walkovers, partnering and across the floor passes. A prerequisite for this class is Beg Acro or by teacher invitation.
Acro II
Students will learn a wide variety of techniques and skills by following the ADTA Intermediate syllabus for Acro II. These skills range from intermediate drills, walkovers, handstands, back handsprings, tinsicas, needles, tik toks, the side aerial family, tumbling, partnering and across the floor passes. A Prerequisite for this class is completion of Acro 1 or by teacher invitation.
Acro III/IV
Students will learn a wide variety of techniques and skills by following the ADTA Advance syllabus for Acro III/IV. These skills will include Advanced walkovers, side aerials, front aerials, back tucks, back handsprings, tumbling lines, aerial to back layout, partnering and across the floor passes. Prerequisite for this class is completion of Acro II.
Recommended classes: Ballet, Jazz
Ballet
Ballet dance is the foundation for many dance forms. In Ballet, students will learn grace, poise and technique needed to be proficient in all other areas of dance. Class will focus on posture, flexibility, balance, self-discipline, musicality, self- confidence, body placement, proper use of turn out, coordination of the upper body and use of arms. Instructors will use careful explanations of exercises and theory to help students learn and use Ballet vocabulary in a simple, practical way. Exercises at the barre prepares for more complicated rhythms and combinations in the center. All levels will use the barre, learn combinations to travel across the floor and are expected to wear their hair in a bun, leotard, tights and leather Ballet shoes. Oftentimes, students remain at the same level for several years until the instructor sees that they are ready for the next level.
Recommended classes: Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Pointe, Acro, Hip Hop
Pointe
All pointe classes require students to have previous training in Ballet. Students will utilize previously learned Ballet technique while working in pointe shoes. Each class includes barre exercises, center floor work and across the floor combinations. These exercises focus on strengthening the feet and ankles. Ballet instructors will recommend when a dancer is ready for Pointe. Two and/or three (based on ability of student) is required to take Pointe.
Contemporary
Contemporary dance is a fusion of Ballet and Jazz that focuses on technical skill, musicality and expression of emotion. Students will learn technique, proper body placement and alignment which is very important for this form of dance. Ballet is not required for Beginners of Contemporary; however, in order to advance in The Dance Stop’s program, students are required to take Ballet simultaneously.
Recommended classes: Ballet, Jazz
Hip Hop
This is a high-energy class that infuses the latest styles of dancing as well as old school. Classes will encourage students to step outside of the box by bringing their own individual style and personality to the movements. Students will learn a variety of movements and choreography. Examples of this are isolations,how to count music, plie, body awareness, coordination, contraction and grounding of the floor. More advanced levels focus on the history of Hip Hop, different styles and fast paced choreography. Instructors often suggest a second Hip Hop to take simultaneously and is sometimes required for advancing. Tennis shoes/sneakers are required for this class and we ask that students change into them when they arrive to studio/prior to class to help keep floors clean and dry from outdoor weather.
Recommended classes: Hip Hop, Jazz, Ballet, Tap
Jazz
Jazz is a high energy, stylized form of dance focusing on isolations, kicks, leaps, turns and everything in between. Students will learn proper technique and body placement while expressing personal style. Each class will include a warm-up, stretch, across the floor progressions and choreography combinations/dance. There are several levels of in our Jazz program. Jazz shoes are required for class. Please email or call the office for placement.
Recommended classes: Ballet, Musical Theatre, Hip Hop
Musical Theatre
Musical Theatre dance is a Jazz based class using a mix of Broadway shows, Musicals and movie themes. This high energy class combines both dance and theatrics focusing on performance skills. Students will learn to engage with the audience and character portrayal. Various styles and eras will be introduced to provide a fun mix of theatre and Jazz.
Recommended classes: Ballet, Jazz
Tap
Our Tap program is designed for students to learn rhythm, syncopation, musicality, style and sound. Exercises focus on building flexibility of the knee and ankles, coordination and speed of movement. This high energy class requires tap shoes. Please email or call the office for recommended shoes based on age and level of class.
Recommended classes: Jazz, Hip Hop