Ballet is the cornerstone of all dance styles. Louis XIV is credited with structuring this art form to what it is today. Ballet is characterized by grace, fluidity and preciseness of its formalized steps, elaborate gestures and poses. Ballet training begins at the barre working on posture, turn out and placement. These are essential elements in executing the ballet vocabulary. Our ballet classes begin mixed with creative movement at younger ages to allow for expression and creativity while building a strong foundation for ballet and a love of dance. All classes maintain the classical formula; barre work followed by centerwork; including adagio, pirouettes, petite and grand allegro. Classes will help students build strength, increase flexibility and coordination, set to classical music. As students rise through the levels they can expect quicker tempos, more complicated combinations, and more difficult choreography. Students have the opportunity to perform in our holiday production of the Nutcracker, as well as, our spring ballet production. Our full length story ballets enlist students and their families in bringing the stories alive onstage all while learning about dance history and the many aspects of the productions.

Tap dance is characterized by using the sound of one's tap shoes hitting the floor as a percussive instrument. As such, it is also commonly considered to be a form of music. Two major variations on tap dance exist: rhythm (Jazz) tap and Broadway tap. Broadway tap focuses more on the dance and arm styling. This style is widely performed as a part of musical theater and is commonly the first type of tap taught to beginners. . Rhythm tap focuses more on musicality, steps become more intricate to achieve the vary syncopations and rhythms. This style is also sometimes referred to as street tap. Elements of both Broadway and rhythm tap will be incorporated into classes at The Center.

Jazz has become one of the most popular dance styles in recent years, mainly due to its popularity on television shows, movies, music videos and commercials. Jazz dancing is energetic and fun, consisting of unique moves, fancy footwork, big leaps and quick turns. Jazz dance has followed music trends and has constantly evolved, Charleston, swing, are all forms of early Jazz. This is a high-energy class, with classic jazz technique styles ranging from musical dance, to Broadway, to Fosse. Set to popular music this fast-paced class rolls cardio, abs, technique, and fun into one!  Hip-Hop Hip hop developed from several cultures, including jazz, rock, tap and American and Latino cultures. 

​ In this 45 minute class, students will learn basic skills in tap and ballet. Creative movement and imaginative play will be highly incorporated into every class session. Students will learn floor patterns, class etiquette, procedures, and proper terminology that will provide a strong foundation throughout their years in dance.

5’s –Kindergarten Tap and Ballet classes are separated at this age and Jazz technique is also introduced. Ballet is an hour class that will begin to emphasize correct body placement as well as building their ballet skills. Creative movement will still be incorporated throughout each lesson. Students will begin barre work at this level. Tap Students add additional sounds to their foundation steps at this level. Focus will also be on dancing as a group and successfully “sounding” like a team! Rhythmic tap foundation steps will be introduced at this level. Students will increase memorization of combinations and vocabulary. Jazz foundations begin at this level. Isolations are core skills at this level, learning to control individual parts of the body for greater coordination. Popular, upbeat music is used for spins and jumps to get students moving and expressing themselves through dance.

Contemporary dance places a heavy emphasis on the connection between mind and body, with dancers being encouraged to explore their emotions through dances which push against traditional boundaries. This style of dance often involves a great deal of playing with balance, floorwork, fall and recovery, and improvisation.

Mommy & Me : Experience the world of music and dance with your child through song, rhythm, and movement that will forever give you memories to cherish. Children will develop strength and coordination through a series of stretching, eye hand coordination, and controlled movement exercises that are fun to do with mommy/daddy. Each activity is designed to promote confidence in jumping, climbing, motor skills and balance.