About the Academy

 

Our classes at CDP are designed to meet the skill level and goals of all dancers.  We offer a wide variety of classes for all ages, including Combo  (Tap & Ballet), Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, and Contemporary. Learning dance is only part of the experience; our staff strives to maintain a warm and open environment to meet the needs of our students as well as to respond to the needs of the parents.

 

Most classes are 1 hour long unless indicated otherwise on the class schedule and each class is held once per week.  Instructors will ensure that students are placed in the appropriate level class.  Please select "Classes" for information on scheduled classes, tuition, and to register.  Academy students participate in a recital in May/June to show off their accomplishments. 

 

Ballet

Ballet is the foundation for all styles of dance.  Instruction is based primarily on American Ballet Theater National Training Curriculum with an emphasis on Vaganova method.  Dancers develop coordination, flexibility, balance, discipline, proper posture, and grace that extend beyond the dance class.  Ballet classes include barre work, center floor work, and patterns in movement across the floor.  Students are instructed in proper technique, foot and body positions, and the language of ballet.  As students progress, the classes become increasingly more complex and challenging. 

  

Tap

Tap is a form of dance characterized by using the sounds of tap shoes striking the floor as a form of percussion and arms and upper body to blend movements of ballet and jazz.  Tap focuses on rhythm and musicality and dancers learn proper techniques and to produce distinct sounds.  It improves coordination and builds self-confidence as steps are mastered and is a lot of fun. 

 

Jazz Tech

Jazz is a high energy class that teaches students proper jazz techniques such as isolation and improvisation.  Large leaps, expressive footwork, and sharp turns are incorporated into routines.  Students improve their coordination, balance, and flexibility.  Technique is the basis of all fundamentals of dance, from holding your body correctly while performing, to executing skills properly in a routine.  Students' technique is practiced and perfected in areas that include body alignment, arm/hand positions, turns/proper spotting, pointing toes, and turns and leaps positions.

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Combo

This class is designed for younger students to introduce them to the techniques of ballet and tap in a fun, creative environment.

Students develop rhythm, improve coordination, and learn terminology.  Come join the fun!

 

Hip Hop

Hip Hop is a high energy class based on street dancing and teaches students the basic elements of breaking, popping, boogaloo, and locking.  Students develop coordination and balance while they learn fun routines to age appropriate music.

 

Contemporary

Contemporary dance is a style of expressive dance that combines elements of several dance genres including modern, jazz, lyrical, and classical ballet.  It stresses versatility and improvisation, unlike the strict, structured nature of ballet.  Routines will incorporate floor work and utilize the strong legwork of ballet.  Students will learn proper technique and improve their musicality.

 

Tech I

Tech I focuses on teaching dancers to correctly position their feet and arms, hold their body correctly, perfect their turns, and to point their toes.
 

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