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 Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre, and Contemporary.  We also offer specialized classes such as Technique, Turns and Leaps, and Strength and Conditioning.  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.  Academy students attend class once per week for each class in which they are enrolled.  All classes marked I/II or III/IV require instructor placement.  Please select "Classes" for information on scheduled classes, tuition, and the Registration form.  Academy students, except those in specialized classes, participate in a recital in June to show off their accomplishments. 

 

Ballet

Ballet is the foundation for all styles of dance.  Dancers develop coordination, flexibility, balance, discipline, proper posture, and grace that extends 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

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 develop coordination, balance, and flexibilty. 

 

 

Combo/Lil Bit 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 versitility and improvisation, unlike the strict, structured nature of ballet.  Routines will incorporate floor work and utlilize the strong legwork of ballet.  Students will learn proper technique and improve their musicality.

 

Musical Theater

Musical Theater incorporates all forms of dance combined with acting to portray a character.  Students will be expressive and animated as they enjoy this dance experience.  

 

Technique

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.
 

Turns & Leaps

Students in these classes learn, improve, and perfect techniques in jumps, kicks, turns, and leaps. 

 

Strength & Conditioning

The focus of these classes is to improve torso strength to improve posture, increase balance and stability, improve muscle strength, and stretch muscles to improve flexibiltiy.  The exercises reduce the risk of injuries and enables a dancer to use the correct muscles to perform moves and to better control moves.