Tiny Tots (Age 2-3 years) and Pre-Ballet (Age 4-5 years)

Introduces young children, ages two through five, to the basics of dance in a motivational class structure which highlights movement, musical awareness and self expression. The thoughtfully structured classes use dramatic play and music, in conjunction with exercises and various props. The program encourages the love of music and dance while inspiring imagination and stimulating creativity. This practical learning experience fosters participation, artistry, imagination and self-assurance, in a very enjoyable, child- centered atmosphere.

Ballet (Age 6- All Levels)

Classical Ballet training provides the mandatory essentials of body awareness, equilibrium, core strength and posture required for all styles of dancing, and is the foundation of any strong dance education program. The Dance Academy’s Ballet curriculum has been heavily influenced by the teachings of “Enrico Cecchetti”, who devised a system of required daily exercises designed for mastering poise, sense of line, elevation and presentation. The great dancers of the twentieth and twenty first century, from Anna Pavlova to Karen Kain have been influenced by the teachings of Enrico Cecchetti.

Jazz (Minimum Age 5- All Levels)

Jazz dancing is an energetic and fun dance form- consisting of syncopated rhythms, intricate movements, improvisation, big leaps, and complex turns. Jazz showcases a dancer’s individual style and originality allowing every dancer the ability to interpret and execute the steps in their own unique way. To excel in jazz, dancers need a strong background in ballet, as it encourages grace and balance. In recent years, Jazz has become one of the most popular dance styles mainly due to its popularity in movies, and on television shows, such as So You Think You Can Dance.

Modern/ Lyrical Dance (Age 5 – Adult)

Modern and Lyrical Dance defies a single permanent definition. This is largely due to its ability to adapt, develop and evolve with the ever changing trends in dance. It is a fusion of multiple dance styles including ballet, jazz, and even contains elements of hip hop. The children’s program utilizes imagery and props to encourage students to move creatively while enhancing their self confidence and musicality. As students mature, this dance style challenges the dancers to use motion and movement to interpret music and express emotion, making a strong technical background essential.

Tap (Minimum Age 4- All Levels)

Tap dancing develops a great sense of rhythm and timing as the instructor helps the student focus on music awareness while incorporating tap steps and combinations. Tap dancing is a fun style of dance that is beneficial in many ways such as increasing cardiovascular conditioning, strength, flexibility and coordination. Cognitive abilities are also enhanced through this dance style, as tap dancers must develop both mental and muscle memory to become proficient at tapping out rhythms in correct timing.

Canadian and Newfoundland Stepdancing

Stepdancing is a fast paced, rugged and energetic style of dance usually performed to traditional fiddle music and requiring limited surface movement. The dance is concentrated on foot work involving limited hand and arm motion. Stepdancing requires a floor with a hard, smooth surface, shoes with taps attached to the toe and heel, and music, played by either fiddle or accordion. Music can be played in single, double or triple time.

There are many different types of stepdances which all have different tempos, timing and accents. The different dances throughout Canadian & Newfoundland stepdancing include: reels, jigs, clogs, hornpipes, waltz-clogs, polkas, and two-steps. In all cases, stepdancing requires much flexibility and a relaxed nature of the feet and ankles.

Hip Hop (Minimum Age 8 – All Levels)

Hip hop dancing is an ideal way to express one’s creativeness. The dancing represents body movements that go with the beat and rhythm of hip hop music including break dancing, popping, locking, and free styling. Hip hop dancing is considered a good exercise for all ages.  It helps to improve flexibility, core strength, balance, and coordination, all while having fun. This dance form allows the dancers to improve their own style and to remain in good physical shape. Hip hop dancing can be learned by all those who are interested in dancing- there is no age limitation or restriction for learners and dancers.

Dance Examinations

Through a carefully designed and well-tried examination syllabus young people are trained to become disciplined and adaptable dancers who have a professional approach towards dance. A series of examinations has been created by The Imperical Society of Teachers of Dancing, from children’s grades through to professional teaching qualifications.

Students who are highly motivated and possess the required technical expertise may prepare and be examined in a given dance style. These dance styles include:

• Modern Theatre- Primary to Advanced
• Cecchetti Ballet- Primary to Advanced
• Tap- Pre primary to Advanced
• Jazz- Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medals