Students learn to dance by studying and internalizing the basic principles, in an effort to become self-reliant rather than imitating the movements executed by their teacher. Students learn to think of the movement of the foot, leg, arm, and head, not as something apart, but in its relation to the whole body, to develop a feeling for graceful lines. This class includes a comprehensive vocabulary of movement, development and maintenance of the dancer's abilities, barre work, center work, port de bras, alegro and choreographies.
Our introduction to the study of pointe work safely concentrates on specific excercises designed to improve the strength and understanding of the technical demands needed for this realm of classical ballet. Students must have attained a minimum of Gr 3 Cecchetti with high standard, technically and physically prepared for this work, and physician approval. For the safety and well being of our students the following is assessed by our instructors before students are allowed to commence point work: correct posture, physical attributes and strength. Because serious foot deformities can result from starting pointe too early, pre-professional students do not usually begin dancing en pointe until after the age of 12 and it should be discouraged for others. Student's physician should ensure that the dancers' feet have ossified sufficiently if students starts pointe work earlier. It is dangerous to start en pointe at such a young age without orthopedic approval because the bones in the feet are still growing and can be permanently damaged. Otherwise, students are ready for pointe when they can hold their turnout from the hips while performing center combinations, hold a proper ballet position (straight back, good turnout, etc.), pull up correctly in the legs, and balance securely in releve because dancing en pointe requires one to use the entire body, including the legs, back, and abdominal muscles.
This is a class for young ballet students wanting to obtain the highest training in ballet using the Cecchetti Method. Students are trained in a rigorous system drawn up with careful regard for the laws of anatomy, and it is designed to endow the human body with all those qualities essential to the dancer…balance, poise, strength, elevation, elasticity, “ballon” and so fourth. Students are required to attend 2 + classes a week of ballet in order to take annual exams under Cecchetti USA. On Thursdays Standard 2 to Grade 5 are given an Open Ballet Class.
Yela! Learn basic Middle Eastern dance, also known as, Belly Dance. This class will focus on Oriental/Balady technique, rhythms, musical interpretation, finger cymbals, choreography and improvisation. Students will also learn basic undulations, accents, shimmies and traveling steps, as well as, understand the cultural aspects, props, and regional dances.
Capoeira is a manifestation of the Brazilian culture with unique characteristics. It is a mix of fight-game-dance that is accompanied by the sound of instruments like “berimbau”, “pandeiro”, “atabaque”, clapping, and chants. Besides being a form of self-defense, Capoeira is an excellent exercise for all.
Students in this beginners class will learn the rich culture heritage and unique characteristics of some of Mexico’s Bailes Regionales (Regional Dances). This class will teach several different regions in Mexico by its costumes, music (instrumentation), and dance (footwork, skirt work, partnering and pattern styles).
Welcome to the beautiful world of Polynesian dance. In this class students will learn the basics of Tahitian dance, its language and the cultural roots. Your child will learn the fast pace movements of Otea, the graceful sway movements of Hula and the lovely hand story telling of Aparima. Aloha!
As traditional instructors I strive to provide a deeper understanding of the Hawaiian Hula, which includes history, legends, Hawaiian language, songs, ‘oli or chants, crafts, lei and costume making. More than just a dance, Hula is a tradition that allows us to preserve a rich culture and share the beauty and spirit of aloha with everyone we meet. Classes are taught in an open and fun environment. We look forward to sharing the joy, beauty and power of the dances, songs and culture of Hawai’i!
Olé! Become a passionate Flamenco dancer. Our beginning level classes consist of floreo & braceo (hand & arm movement), zapateado (footwork), various rhythms, castanets, flamenco vocabulary. Students in this class will be learning sevillanas and flamenco rumba. Come let the energy in you out!
Learn basic old school and new school hip hop from the best. Students will be taught the basics of the following styles: old school-looking, top-rock’n, up-rock’n, footwork and powermove, new-school street dance. Come have fun with the best!
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This course is for students that desire to learn or obtain higher levels of dance and education.
This course is for families that wish to take the classes just for fun with no commitments attached.
This course if for students aiming to audition in the Folklorico Department of the Orange County School of The Arts.