Class Descriptions

Mommy & Me

Age 2

A 45-minute creative movement dance class with mom assisting the dancer. Beginner ballet and tap steps are introduced with music and imagination. Skills are introduced with props and rhythmic instruments; students explore musicality and self-expression. Meeting dance friends and having mom's assistance in class is so much fun! Both mom and dancer prepare a dance together in class that is an option to perform in the recital. Dancers will need white tap and white ballet shoes.

Creative Movement

Ages 3 to 4

A one-hour creative movement dance class for preschoolers. The little dancer will learn primary skills in ballet, tap and tumble. With props and rhythmic instruments, each dancer explores movement with their own musicality and self-expression. The recital routine demonstrates the skills, confidence, and fun experienced throughout the year. This class is a great way to meet new friends and experience the joys of dancing.

Combination Classes

Ages 5 to 7

A one-hour class that introduces ballet, tap and jazz dance to students in grade school. Dancers experience the different genres of music that complement each style of dance. Tempo, rhythm, and percussion inspire dancers as they are led through a series of exercises at the ballet barre, in center, and traveling across the floor. The recital routine demonstrates the skills, confidence, and fun experienced throughout the year. This class is a great way to meet new friends and experience the joys of dancing.

Ballet

Ages 8+

The Curriculum: Ballet
Classical Ballet training uses precise and highly formalized steps and gestures. Training in ballet is very structured and gives a dancer an important foundation in the study of dance. This foundation is beneficial whether intent on studying ballet, jazz, modern, lyrical, contemporary or other. Ice skaters, ballroom dancers, actors and actresses among others study it because of this. When a dancer has mastered this foundation we often say they have "Good Technique".

It is very important for dance educators to provide that solid foundation, which results in good and proper technique. Here at CND we have always emphasized the importance of developing good ballet technique. The syllabus utilized by our Ballet teachers focuses on age appropriate development and use of correct Ballet terminology.

This program is for the development and training of young students that embraces sound ballet principles and incorporates elements of the French, Italian and Russian ballet schools of training.

Dancers are led through the execution of their exercises: Correct ballet terminology is utilized in class. When at the barre learning correct posture, correct coordination, placement of positions. These skills are then brought to the center of the room where we master them without use of the barre and develop strength, better balance and more coordination while in motion. Turning and jumping progresses into traveling across the floor. Dancers will feel the artistry of allegro and adagio and how it is used when choreographed into a ballet routine for the annual recital.

Our program prepares the dancer from beginner to pre-collegiate level. Both CND Ballet teachers are American Ballet Theatre Certified Level 1-5.

Pre-Pointe

Ages 8+

The Curriculum: Pre-Pointe
This class is required for the ballet dancer who is interested in going on pointe. Done on flat, dancers will exercise ankle and feet to strengthen demi-pointe and control alignment in preparation for pointe shoes. Dancers must be taking a minimum of 2 ballet technique classes per week to join this group, and be dancing at an intermediate level.

Pointe

Ages 8+

The Curriculum: Pointe
Admittance upon teachers' approval and completing a written and physical exam, ballet dancers will add the pointe class to their ballet program. Dancers must be taking a minimum of 2 ballet technique classes per week to join this group, and be dancing at an intermediate level. This class is for the more serious ballet student. Good attendance is very important. Dancers perform ballet movements on pointe while learning an effective series of steps to achieve a sense of lightness and speed.

Tap

Ages 5+

Dancers will begin each class with a warm-up including basic skills and rudiments practiced preparing the dancers for more advanced combinations throughout the class both center and across the floor. A strong technical foundation in execution and vocabulary is emphasized in the curriculum guaranteeing a solid platform for dancers to progress the art form with either a more traditional classical approach (musical theater) or a more rhythmic approach (concert and commercial). Our studio will set up your dancer to succeed in both or either pathway.

Jazz

Ages 6+

Jazz allows dancers to work on isolation exercises and dynamic movement. Dancers will improve their technique across the floor and center practicing leaps, turns and jumps specific to jazz. Dancers will study both classical styles of jazz and more contemporary styles for the stage and performance. This class will allow your dancer to achieve their goals for Broadway, dance teams, and commercial styles of jazz dance.

Lyrical

Ages 9+

Lyrical dance emphasizes a dancer's ballet technique utilizing movement through space going in and out of the floor. These classes are heavily technique based. The dancers will learn how to perform with choreography and movement given to a song to portray pictures with lyrics, so the audience can follow a dance that tells a story.

Contemporary

Lyrical and modern dance. This class allows dancers to find their own type of movement through improvisation, choreography and music that always revolves around a story and detailed partner work. Intermediate dancers to advanced dancers.

Modern

Modern dance focuses on the structural movements that help strengthen a dancer's body. Helping dancers find and use their core technique along with exploring different styles such as Horton, Graham, and release techniques. Students dance in CND attire with bare feet.

Acrobatic Arts

Ages 8+

Acrobatics promotes flexibility, strength, balance, and tumbling. Dancers learn tumbling through progressions and skills, and how to safely execute fun tricks with assistance. The acrobatics skills can also be used for partnering.

Hip Hop

Ages 6+

Dancers will learn the fundamental techniques of locking, popping, breakdance, freestyle, and party dances. This class will begin with warm-up, practice progressions across the floor and center; and they will learn combinations formulating foundational skills and commercial style choreography each week. Dancers will build confidence and gain musicality and dynamics to their repertoire. Dancers will need to wear sneakers to take this class.

Musical Theater

Ages 10+

This class will allow dancers to explore musical theatre movement in all genres of music and dance (jazz shoes, tap shoes, and character shoes all are welcome and should be set in your dancer's bags). From early Broadway favorites to current day shows that have evolved what the theatre has to offer. Combinations will be taught on a weekly basis to showtunes and current pop songs covering the theatre genre. Dancers will learn character development and build important skills to be the best Broadway dancer they can be! Vocal abilities are not required but always encouraged as we dance to your favorite tunes! This class is recommended for anyone who loves the theatre and/or wants to explore their best showmanship to what they already acquire.

Yoga

Ages 18+

In this class you will practice the union between mind and body. Incorporating postures and stretching through gentle movement sequences, breath work. Silent and guided relaxation supports increased awareness of the mind, body, and spirit. A yoga mat is required for this class. All levels welcome!

Rhythm Works

Ages 18+

Rhythm Works Integrative Dance is a ground-breaking rhythm and dance program designed for those with learning differences and special needs. Their mission is to make our wonderful world of dance as accessible as possible.