Contemporary is a fusion. In this class we will use every kind of movement, many will have strong lyrical components but, you will see flares of Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop, Salsa, theatrics, mime, modern, pedestrian movement… you name it. The fun is in the blending. This class will have a short warm up and then spend the majority of class learning and dancing new combinations every week. Whether inspired by a song, a feeling, a vision, or just a wild hair each combination will be unique and allow for much individual artistic freedom. This class will often rotate teachers to increase variety.
In this class, the students are trained in next level of movements and expressions as said above. Our Artistic Director loves to view dance as a language of the body, encouraging each student to explore how to express movement and rhythm through the vocabulary ofcontemporary technique.
To get trained in classical ballet and modern, it needs patience, discipline, and hard work. Throughout the year, we work with students to help them increase their dance vocabulary, create smoother transitions and focus on aesthetics &integrity.
Our Lyrical Contemporary classes are geared for intermediate and advanced dancers who want to broaden their technique and performance skills. This class utilizes fluid movements and combinations with emotional motivation. Students will experiment with musicality, improvisation and personal expression while learning the fundamentals of lyrical contemporary movements.
Lyrical can be considered a blend of many traditional styles. It is characterized by soft and smooth movement that parallels the music selection. Lyrical is meant to tell a story so dancers fuse traditional steps with body language and dynamic choreography. Improvisation is also an important component of lyrical and students are often encouraged in creative self-expression. Lyrical helps students understand how to use muscles properly by leveraging ballet and modern technique. Lyrical has high values in artistic expression and encourages each student to express themselves through dance. Throughout the year, students will focus on developing foundational Jazz technique, improving floor work and increasing their level of musicality.
Modern dance originated as a rebellion against the rigidity of Jazz technique. Modern movement pulls from inner feelings and emotions as well as natural imagery. In this class, dancers will be instructed to move with intention and freedom. A few elements vital to this class are shift of weight, use of the back, body release, twist of the spine and grounding the body. The class will start with a floor work warm up, progress to across the floor movement and end with an expressive combination in the center. Each month the students will learn background information on a specific form of modern dance (i.e. Martha Graham technique) or a particular Modern dance company. Modern dance blends technique with creativity and expressiveness and is a key component to a dancer’s versatility. Our Modern classes incorporate Graham, Humphrey, Limon and Cunningham techniques. Classes are done barefoot and Jazz Shoes and explore a variety of movements and techniques throughout warm-up and combinations from beginning to advanced students. The monthly educational focus will be incorporated into the movement quality of the class.
This course introduces total beginners to the world of contemporary dance techniques. All the major elements such as alignment, gravity, breath, contraction, release, fall and recovery, suspension, floor work, balance and off-balance will be explained in detail. The class is challenging but relaxed with an emphasis on expression and pleasure. The goal is to give you a solid foundation so you can enjoy dancing contemporary at your own pace.
This class is for people who have had some dance experience and want to improve their technique, fluidity and dance ability. The class is challenging but relaxed with an emphasis on expression and pleasure.
This class is for advanced dancers with good technical experience, who are looking to improve and develop their skills and artistry. Exercises will be very challenging, expect things such as turns, kicks and leaps. We will work on exercises to improve core strength, flexibility and stamina with a strong focus on musicality and style.