Recreational Classes

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Recreational Dance classes are for Beginning students through Advanced and Adult Classes for ages 9 & Up

These classes are designed for the dancer that is including the art of dance in their life for their enjoyment. They consist of developmental classes that include progressive instruction in technique, repertoire, flexibility & strength conditioning, theatre and performance skills. Students are moved through the levels based on their development, technical ability, mental preparedness and
dedication & maturity.

Five Levels of Classes are Offered at Spotlight Dance Academy:

• Beginning (usually ages 9-12) Intermediate (usually ages 9-14)
• Intermediate II (usually ages 10-15)
• Advanced I (usually ages 12-18)
• Advanced II (usually ages 12-25) In the disciplines of Classical Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hip and Lyrical.
• Adult Classes are offered in Jazz and Tap (ages 17+)

Ballet

Ballet is the foundation of dance; every dance form uses ballet positions and vocabulary…

It is imperative for all dancers and aspiring dancers to know ballet technique and terminology. Ballet is not a supplement for any other dance forms, it is the substance. If Dance were a language, ballet would be the letters that form the words. Ballet is best known for dancers with “stream-lined” bodies in Pointe shoes, with high extensions, dancing precise, graceful, ethereal movements. But don’t let that intimidate or discourage you; Ballet is for dancers at any age, with every body type, at every level of dance knowledge. It promotes the development of flexibility, long lean muscles and strength.

Beginning Levels are for ages 9 and up.

Technique, choreography, and terminology are taught at this entry level. Conditioning and flexibility training, and theatre are introduced. Positions for the feet, arms and body are introduced and reinforced. This class will follow an actual format of an actual ballet class to include basic barre exercise and center practice. Dancers will also demonstrate skills and combinations traveling across the floor. Students must wear pink tights, leotard and pink ballet shoes. Hair must be fastened away from the face, preferably in a bun.

Intermediate I and II are for ages 9 and up.

The class continues introduction in the above through technique, choreography, theatre, terminology, conditioning and flexibility. Physical discipline, general body awareness, and control coordinating with elementary technique and terminology are necessary. New students must take a placement class. Returning students will be placed by recommendation of their instructor .

Advanced I and II ages are for 10 and up.

These classes are for the developmental & continuing ballet student. All students will be placed by instructor through invitation only . Students must meet age requirements, mental and physical preparedness before being considered for developmental classes and pointe work. Regular attendance, focus & desire are also important considerations when placing students in these classes. Understanding the relationship between music, rhythm and controlled movement with proper ballet technique are necessary. New and more complex material will be taught at an accelerated pace. Student will begin to learn basic ballet history and develop a knowledge and great appreciation of the great ballets, classical music and famous dancers. The advanced levels combining skills from previous level classes and correlating steps to lengthy and complex combinations with correct technique, extensive terminology and knowledge of the art of ballet itself.

Jazz

Jazz is the most popular dance form amongst amateur dancers. Its movements are big, exaggerated and there is typically an attitude the dancer wants to convey to the audience. Jazz emphasizes isolation, which is moving one part of the body such as the head, shoulder, or pelvis, while the rest of the body is still. It also emphasizes suspension, which is moving through a position rather than balancing. It is fast paced, so even though Jazz looks easy and fun, dancers must be in really good shape. Though both Jazz and Modern dance techniques are based on ballet, both are considered a rebellion against it.

Age and experience are both factors in placement. Placement in Advanced Jazz is by invitation only. Skill level, focus and regular attendance are considered for placement.

Beginning Levels for ages 9 and up

This class is designed as an introduction to basic jazz technique, focusing on basic jazz positions, turns, jumps, & leaps. Students will also learn center and locomotors progressions as well as proper stretching techniques to enhance strength & flexibility. Basic Jazz dance terminology are discussed as well as stage directions, center and across the floor techniques and short choreographed combinations.

Intermediate I and II levels are for ages 9 and up

This is an intermediate jazz class designed to augment basic jazz training. It will continue basic skills learned in Beginning Jazz , including positions, turns, jumps, & leaps, as well as elements of dance conditioning. A strong focus on technique is incurred and will focus on the basics as well as the newest trends in the dance arts. For the serious dancer, it is strongly recommended, but not required, to take a ballet class to complement jazz training. While some students have no prior dance training, others will have several years of experience in ballet.

Advanced I and II levels are for ages of 10 and up

This class will continue to cover jazz fundamentals , but will be taught at an advanced level. Students will improve within their own ability levels through center work & progressions.