Dance Studio Sussex County Delaware
 

class descriptions

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Ballet

Classical Ballet (Vaganova and Cecchetti Methods) is the foundation for all students at Sussex Dance Academy. Class placement will be done by Mrs. Walker. Please note: The ages listed below are guidelines only. Students will repeat each level until prepared for the next level.

Pre-Ballet I (Ages 3-5)
This class is designed with the very young dancer in mind. It stresses natural dance movement, including stretching, music appreciation and dance. This is the right class for your dancer if he/she is in Preschool. 

Pre-Ballet II (Ages 5-6) GRADE K
A continuation of Pre Ballet I with special attention on body alignment and increased exercises for strength and coordination.  This is the right class for your dancer if he/she is in Grade K.  

Ballet 1 (Ages 7-8)
An introduction to the art of classical ballet including barre, centre and stretch exercises. The proper use of turnout and body alignment are enforced.  The Ballet/Tap 1 class will consist of 40 minutes Ballet and 20 minutes Tap 1.  This is the right class for your dancer if he/she is in Grades 1 or 2. 

Ballet 1-2 is a combination of these 2 levels

Ballet 2 (Ages 8-9)
A continuation of Ballet I with increased exercises at the barre and centre floor. This class will be repeated until placed by instructor.  This class is best suited for dancers who are in Grade 3. 

Ballet 3 (Ages 9-11)
Same as Ballet 2 but with increased complexity of steps.  It is expected at this level that the dancer has a good deal of self control and discipline in order to focus on the demands of being a level 3 student.  This class is best suited for dancers who are in Grades 4-5.  In additon, for older dancers who are the start of their ballet training. 

Ballet 3/3X is a combination of these 2 levels

Ballet 3X (Ages 10 & up)
Barre and centre exercises are stressed with special attention to proper body alignment, turn-out, balance, and use of port de bras and the head. Students are expected to be able to learn and demonstrate more complex combinations.

Four or more years of previous ballet training required or by placement. Class meets twice per week. Pre-pointe testing is done on serious students (over the age of 11) taking a minimum of 2 ballet classes per week. No child will be put on Pointe until the criteria to do so has been met.  Ballet 3X is for dancers in Grade 5 and older who have the readiness to be disciplined in class and can maintain regular attendance in at least 2 classes per week. 

Ballet 4 & 5/Pointe (Grade 8 & up or with permission)
A repetition of exercises learned in a greater quantity and at a faster tempo. The development of the legs and the insteps by means of alternating movements on the whole foot and on demi-pointe. The study of movements en tournant as well as tours and beats are introduced. Five or more years of previous ballet training required or by placement.

Prerequisite: Must be enrolled in three or more ballet classes per week (or two ballet classes per week and at least one contemporary or jazz class totalling more than 3 hours). Pointe: Must have strong pointe work and ability to dance en pointe. An emphasis on barre and centre work concentrating on developing a smooth quality of movement and strength. Students will work at individual levels.

 

Contemporary

This class incorporates contemporary warm-up, progressions and centre exercises with contemporary/lyrical combinations and choreography. The goal is to instill an understanding of how to interpret the music and/or lyrics of a song into the dance itself. We recommend taking Ballet in addition to this class to improve a dancer’s overall technique.
Contemporary 1-2 (Ages 6-8)
Contemporary 2-3 (Ages 7-9)
Contemporary 3 (Ages 8-10)
Contemporary 3X (Ages 10-13)
Teen (Ages 12+ with Permission only) 


Contemporary 4/5 (Grade 8 & up) with permission only
This is an advanced class incorporating contemporary warm-up, progressions and centre exercises with contemporary/lyrical combinations and choreography. AUDITION REQUIRED.

Jazz

Jazz is a Classical style of dance with a long history. Our classes will focus on learning proper dance technique such as isolations of the body, improving performance quality and developing complex rhythms and patterns. Students will be exposed to various styles of jazz such as Broadway, Street and Contemporary to help develop a well rounded dancer. Class curriculum is based on ballet technique layered with traditional jazz movement and includes a proper warm-up/conditioning, stretches, isolations, turns and leaps,  across-the-floor progressions, and combinations. As students progress through each level curriculum will become increasingly more complex and intricate. Emphasis is on clean technique and repetitions. Students will repeat this class until prepared for the next level.
Jazz 1 (Ages 6-7)
Prerequisite: 1 or more year of prior ballet or Jazz training. 

Jazz 2 (Ages 7-9)
Same as Jazz 1 but at a more progressive level; increased complexity of exercises and combinations

Jazz 3 (Ages 9-11)
Jazz 3X (Ages 10-13)

Teen(Ages 12+ or with permission)
Prerequisite: Three or more years of dance training and at the discretion of instructor. A continuation of Jazz 2 with increased complexity of stretches, turns, leaps and centre progressions. The further development of technique and style is emphasized. Various American Jazz dance styles are utilized including Giordano technique. Theatre dance as well as current dance trends (Hip-Hop) will be incorporated in choreography.

Jazz 4/5 (Grade 8 & up or with permission)
Prerequisite: By placement only. Same concepts as Jazz 3/4 at a more advanced level. AUDITION REQUIRED.

Tap

Tap 1-2 (Ages 5-8)
Beginning tap dance technique is introduced in barre and centre floor exercises making single and double tap sounds with the feet. Emphasis is on balance and correct weight placement, posture, and the proper use of the ankle and foot. Basic music theory is introduced to the students so that they understand the counting and accent of the tap sounds. This class may be repeated.

Tap 3 (Ages 8-11)
Adding on to what was previously learned in Tap 1 with an emphasis on increased difficulty and speed, clarity of sounds and shifting of weight. Progressive moves will be done across the floor. This class may be repeated. Prerequisite: By placement.

Tap 4/5 (Ages 11-17)
New Intermediate/Advanced level tap exercises and steps will be learned with an emphasis on the transfer of weight from alternating feet, and the clarity of sounds. Turns and combinations become more complex. Prerequisite: By placement only. 

 

Acrobatics for Dancers
Learn the basics or work on advancing your skills in this flexible Acro class! Acro is not the typical tumbling or gymnastics class. Our experienced acro instructor will guide the class towards increased flexibility, balance, strength, muscle control, discipline and concentration. This class will focus on fundamental acrobatic technique, teaching such skills as handstands, chin stands, elbow stands, cartwheels, back bends, walkovers, balance and contortion tricks, all each student's individual level of experience. And it's fun, too!
Acro 1-2 Monday (Ages 6-11+) must be able to do forward roll, backward roll, bridge, limbers, backbend, elbow stand
Acro 3 Tuesday (Ages 11 & up) with required skills and
must be enrolled in at least one technique class. Dancers must be able to do a backbend from a standing position, back chest rolls, chin stand, front/back walkovers, working on aerials, front and back handspring

 

Hip Hop
 

Hip hop is a high-energy class that infuses the latest styles of street dancing with upbeat, high energy, and rhythmic combinations focusing on body isolations and smooth or sharp movements.

Classes will encourage students to step outside of the box by bringing their own individual style and personality to the movements. Hip hop dance requires students to have the strength and stamina to successfully perform moves. Therefore class includes upper and lower body conditioning as well as a rigorous warm-up to help prepare students for more intense movements.  Stretching, isolations, rhythms, musicality, upper body strength and funky footwork will all be incorporated. Students will learn to memorize choreography by working on a combination each class.  Adding Hip Hop to your child's dance schedule will create a well-rounded dancer. 

We only use age appropriate music and hip hop dance moves to create a love for dance! 

Hip Hop 1-2 (Ages 6-11)
Hip Hop 3- (Ages 11 & up with teacher permission) 

 

dance classes for boys and girls in Delaware

Sussex Dance Academy | 18585 Coastal Hwy, Suite 20B, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 | (302) 645-7855 | sussexdance@gmail.com


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