GDT Class Descriptions: Summer 2023
Kids’ Dance Combo (ages 3-6): This class includes developmental dance, motor skills, music, and fitness. The program provides children with the opportunity to be creative while being introduced to the basics of both Ballet and Tap.
Introduction to Ballet w/Deep Stretch: The class is designed to introduce fundamental body positions and establish proper ballet body alignment. Students will be introduced to basic barre and across the floor exercises.
Ballet Technique – Level 1: Students are expected to learn fundamental ballet vocabulary as well as proper execution of the movement. Level 1 students will build onto their barre and across the floor exercises. Proper body alignment and the expansion of classical vocabulary will be emphasized.
Pre-Pointe & Ballet Technique – Level 2: Students must demonstrate proper execution of Level 1 ballet syllabus, along with the advancement of ballet vocabulary, technique and musicality. Dancers will begin class in the center with TheraBand exercises to strengthen the ankles, feet, and the leg in for pre-pointe work. They will then go to the barre to work on basic technique, as well as learn detailed combinations, involving port de bras (use of upper body, head, and arms).
Ballet Technique for Levels 3/4/5: This class is designed to advance the dancer’s knowledge of ballet technique and its kinetic breakdown, bio-mechanical awareness and analysis of the movement. The overall emphasis is on vocabulary, technique and understanding of motion and placement. Working on advanced combinations as well as an increased tempo throughout the class will be incorporated. Self-expression and artistry will be emphasized.
Leaps & Turns Technique: This class will focus on developing the skills necessary to perform a variety of turns and leaps. The dancer will work on the proper alignment and on their foundation for leaps to get higher off the ground. Cross Training with weights and yoga blocks will be used. Designed for dancers in Ballet Levels 2-5.
Men’s Ballet: Our men’s ballet classes are designed specifically for male dancers. This class will focus on strengthening, stretching, and correct ballet technique in a fun atmosphere where young men can feel comfortable dancing and learning.
Nutcracker Variations: Students will learn Nutcracker Choreography. They will have the opportunity to learn the variation choreography and gain knowledge about the history, characters, and story lines of The Nutcracker.
Pointe Technique for Levels 3/4/5: This class is designed for students with previous ballet training. Students will utilize previously learned ballet technique while working in pointe shoes. Each class includes barre exercises, center floor work and across the floor combinations. These exercises focus on strengthening the feet and ankles.
Progressive Ballet Technique: This class will focus on body-conditioning and strengthening that is designed to enhance students’ technique by focusing on training the muscle memory required in each exercise in all forms of dance.
Contemporary Ballet – Level 2 Students will be challenged to incorporate elements of classical ballet and modern dance. They will focus on a greater range of movement of the upper body that is not constrained to the rigorously defined body lines and forms found in traditional, classical ballet.
Contemporary Technique for Levels 3/4/5: This class will exercise and hone creativity, artistry, and contemporary dance technique. Emphasis will be on musicality, choreography, and personal expression. Improvisational prompts will be introduced to encourage artistic decision-making. This class is for advanced students in Ballet Levels 3-5.
Beginner Jazz & Modern: This is a combo class that will introduce dancers to the fundamentals of both styles. We will explore movement that is both sharp and precise while working on timing in our Jazz class. The Modern portion of class will explore movement that is more grounded and free flowing while expanding on the student’s knowledge of ballet.
Jazz (Intermediate & Advanced): In this class the dancer will focus on strength, flexibility and conditioning technique and progressions including turns, kicks and leaps. The class is a combination of classical ballet and modern dance technique with a contemporary influence. There will be a strong emphasis on energy, rhythmical accuracy and style. The dancer will learn many fun and trendy dance steps through choreography to current, age-appropriate music, along with classic styles of jazz from previous decades. Enrollment in Ballet and Modern is encouraged. Please contact the office if you need clarification on which level is right for your student.
Tap Technique: Tap technique will focus on drilling the basic steps of tap with small combinations done center floor and across the floor. We will also explore different tempos and syncopated sounds. Open to all levels.
Deep Stretch: Focus will be on building upper and lower body strength, flexibility, and core control. Exercises will be designed to build endurance. This class is suited for dancers in Intro to Ballet and up.
Adult/Teen Ballet & Pilates: This class will explore ballet fundamentals in combination with Pilates principles to sculpt your muscles while having fun. We will use body weight and resistance to work each muscle group of the body at the barre and on the mat. A yoga mat is required for class. Ballet shoes are optional.
