CLASSES

Designed just for 3 & 4 year-olds, the Pre-Dance curriculum includes warm-up, stretch, flexibility exercises, and introduction to basic dance steps, music, rhythms, and creative movement to enhance coordination and inspire imagination. Each class provides lots of fun while learning. These little dancers are a special part of our annual performance for their family and friends in June.

In continuation of the Pre-Dance curriculum, Kinder-Dance students learn skills and technique of the three basic forms of dance – ballet, tap and jazz, before moving into individual classes. Kinder-Dancers begin to learn the technical skills involved in dancing, as well as enhance their musicality. A specialized curriculum is designed for five year olds starting Kindergarten. During the 45-minute class, students begin to learn about cooperation, teamwork, and develop memorization skills. Kinder-Dancers will perform in our annual June show.

Ballet is the foundation of all forms of dance and is necessary for the dancer's technical development. Classical ballet technique is offered in two methods: Cecchetti and Russian. All elements of proper barre work, body placement, arm movements, adagio and allegro are incorporated into each lesson. In addition, ballet students develop proper posture, carriage and discipline. Classes are offered starting at ages six years through adult, and range in length in accordance with the level of the class. At the June show, students perform in either a classical, character, contemporary or lyrical style of ballet dance.

Special classes are devoted to pointe training for only those ballet students whom have reached an intermediate/advanced level in their training with a minimum age of twelve years old and have the permission of the instructor and Academy Director. Students are required to be enrolled in a minimum of one additional ballet class along with their pointe class.

Jazz classes focus on a strong technical foundation beginning with a warm-up designed to stretch and lengthen the muscles while strengthening the core. Although jazz dance can be performed in its traditional form, it is often influenced by other dance styles such as ballet, contemporary, lyrical, and hip hop. Therefore, the Academy encourages dancers taking jazz class to enroll in ballet class as well. A variety of steps are integrated into an upbeat routine to be performed at the Academy's June show. Jazz classes range in length from 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on age and skill level on the dancer.

Tap classes begin with basic tap steps emphasizing technique, speed, clarity of sounds, and rhythm. After warm-up, dancers then learn tap combinations. Students have fun while getting a great workout. The dancers learn to set tap choreography to music and perform in the Academy's annual June performance. It is recommended the dancer study ballet or jazz to enhance tap abilities. Classes are 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on age and skill level.

This class is an excellent workout for all-around fitness and great for children of all ages! Including warm-up, posture, stretch, and flexibility exercises, students train and condition the upper, mid, and lower body. Beginning level students are taught basic skills including splits, forward/backward rolls, backbends, handstands, cartwheels, walkovers, and round-offs. Once the basic skills are mastered, students’ progress to advanced skills including handsprings, aerials, and tucks. Dancers benefit greatly from the body awareness, balance, and coordination learned in acrobatics classes. Class length is 45 minutes to one hour, and students are encouraged to advance at their own pace with individualized attention.

Classes include all the different styles of Hawaiian dancing such as  chants, implements, traditional and modern hulas. Proper technique is  emphasized starting from the basic steps to the advanced routines.  Students learn the terminology, language and cultural background as part  of their training. It is a truly beautiful and interesting dance  subject to study.