Class Levels

Pre-Ballet Ages 3-6

Students are introduced to fundamental positions and movements of Ballet technique.  Creative movement, use of props and dance games are integrated throughout the class.  Students gain social and motor skills to support overall confidence and development. Pre-Ballet meets once a week for 45-minutes.  

Beginning Classes Ages 5-8

Our beginner youth program is focused on refining technique, exploring repertoire, and delving into diverse dance disciplines. Students will focus on dance fundamentals in a supportive and enriching environment. Dancers have the option to audition for level placement at age 7. We currently offer Beginning Ballet and a Beginning Jazz/Tap combination class. Classes meet once a week for 45-minutes 

Level I Ages 7+

Students are introduced to the fundamental principles, positions, and movements of ballet technique, building strength and flexibility, and moving to different rhythms. No prior dance experience necessary. Students with previous ballet training from other dance programs may be placed in Level I in order to establish the skills and understanding that Dance Institute identifies as providing an effective foundation for continued progress. Classes include Ballet, Jazz, and Tap. All Level I classes are 1-hour. 

Level II 

Strengthening for Pointe readiness is introduced. Ballet technique continues to focus on clean, correct, and precise execution with an increased awareness of musicality and artistic expression. Classes include Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Lyrical and Tap. Ballet classes at this level are 1.5-hours and the other technique classes are 1-hour. 

Level IIIA

Students at this Level will begin work en pointe by faculty recommendation only. Classes focus on building strength and developing stylistic nuance, musical phrasing, and artistic interpretation. Classes include Ballet, Pointe, Contemporary, Jazz, and Tap. Ballet classes at this level are 1.5-hours and the other technique classes are 1-hour. 

Level IIIB/Level IV

Students continue to build on strength, endurance, musicality, and artistry.  Advanced level classes emphasize technical excellence and artistic maturity. Classes include Ballet, Pointe, Contemporary, Jazz and Tap. Ballet classes at this level are 1.5-hours and the other technique classes are 1-hour. 

Adult Ballet and Adult Yoga

Take time for yourself and join us for Yoga or Adult Ballet.  Perfect for anyone looking to continue dancing, supplement training or get moving in a new way!  Tuesday Adult Ballet is for the Beginner/Intermediate Dancer and Thursday Adult Ballet is for the Intermediate/Advanced dancer. 

Pre-Professional Track

Dancers in level II and up are eligible to be part of our prestigious pre-professional program. Our curriculum blends rigorous ballet classes with additional dance styles to create a well rounded dancer. Students at this level will be invited to special master classes and receive a per-class discount. This program is to prepare your dancer for the next step in their career or dance study. All pre-professional dancers are included in our performances and all rehearsals are part of their repertoire classes on Saturday mornings. 

Class Descriptions

Ballet 

Ballet focuses on body alignment, balance, musicality, and artistry.  It provides poise and the technique to support proficiency in other areas of dance. Ballet classes will help dancers with posture, flexibility, mobility, self-discipline, and self-confidence. Students are taught proper body placement while working on barre, center floor work, and across the floor combinations. 

Pre-Pointe & Pointe or Strengthening

Pre-Pointe focuses on strengthening the feet and ankles in preparation for the demands of Pointe technique.  Pre-Pointe and Pointe are by Faculty recommendation only.  

Conditioning 

Students in our pre-professional track focus on developing core strength, flexibility, balance and stamina. The instructor presents the exercises at multiple levels which allows students to choose to work at a beginning, intermediate, or advanced pace. Students learn to be aware of breathing patterns and spinal alignment while engaging the deep muscles of the core.

Contemporary

Contemporary dance focuses on building a dynamic range of movement supported by creative use of space, time and energy.  Students learn how to perform choreography with fluidity, strength and self-expression.  

Tap

Tap classes are designed to develop rhythm, style, and sound. Students will learn a variety of styles from Broadway to Rhythm tap. Exercises focus on building flexibility of the knee and ankles, coordination, and speed of movement. Emphasis is on developing proper Tap technique and producing clear sounds.  

Jazz 

The class focuses on learning elements of Jazz technique such as isolations, syncopation, and dynamic movement.  Students will work on building performance quality and stamina through experiencing a variety of Jazz styles.  

Lyrical 

This class combines ballet, jazz and contemporary techniques. Typically performed to music with lyrics, dancers explore emotional and expressive storytelling through movement.  

We look forward to dancing with you!

From Pre-School to Adult, we have just the right class for you!  

Questions about what class to take?  Reach out anytime at danceinstitute@uakron.edu or 330-972-7949.