Class Descriptions
Dance for Joy is a safe, loving environment for anyone who wants to dance. We believe dance class should be fun, challenging, and a place to express oneself through movement. We also teach students to be grateful for the healthy, working bodies God gave us and we often take time to show Him thanks by dancing for Him.
Lower School Program
Lower school is our program for 2 year old's - 1st grade during the school year and consist of 2 sessions - 14 weeks in the fall and 14 weeks in the spring. There is a recital at the end of each session.
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2 Year Old Class
The idea with this age group is to develop a love for
dance and to learn how to follow instructions and be a
part of a class. The Ballet that is being taught is often
"disguised" as creative games or imaginary movement.
This is a great way to be learning and growing as a dancer without the students realizing they are actually doing quite a bit of work. Although we won't be standing at the barre or doing pirouettes at this age, they will be building a solid foundation to one day accomplish such things.
It is also usually works best if Mommy, Daddy,
brothers, sisters, Grandmas and Grandpas are
NOT in the classroom during class. Of course,
there is always an exception, but for the most
part, little ballerinas need to be given space to
be a part of the class without the distractions of
family. There is a room adjacent to the
classroom which will be a good place to spy!
Must be 2 by Sept. 1, 2024 to be in a 2 year old class.
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At this age, we will build on the foundation that we work on in the 2 year old class. While still using creativity and imagination as a method of learning ballet technique, we will also begin to incorporate more traditional teaching methods. We will occasionally expose them to the ballet barre as well as learning some more ballet vocabulary. We will work hard on following instructions and learning the manners of ballet class, like waiting our turn and using quiet voices. If they are enrolled in a ballet/tap or ballet/jazz combo, then the tap or jazz portion of class is to work on musicality, rhythm, and getting some energy out! Dancers always enjoy speeding up the tempo and making some noise! Combo class (ballet/tap or ballet/jazz), is 30 minutes of ballet and 15 minutes of the other technique.
Must be 3 by Sept. 1, 2024 to be in a 3 year old class.
3's and 4's
4's and 5's
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In the 4's and 5's class, we expect a little bit more than in the 3/4's class in the way of listening and following instructions. We still use our preschool curriculum for the most part but we will incorporate much more ballet terminology and classical ballet technique. If your child is entering kindergarten this year, she may still enjoy this class as the kindergarten class transitions into a more structured classical ballet class. If they are enrolled in a ballet/tap or ballet/jazz combo, then the tap or jazz portion of class is to work on musicality, rhythm, and getting some energy out! Dancers always enjoy speeding up the tempo and making some noise! Combo class (ballet/tap or ballet/jazz), is 30 minutes of ballet and 15 minutes of the other technique.
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Must turn 4 by Sept. 1, 2024 to be in a 4-5 year old class.
Kindergarten and 1st Grade
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While still using creativity and imagination as a method of learning ballet technique, we will transition into a more traditional curriculum. We will expose them to the ballet barre as well as learning some more ballet vocabulary. At this age they are really following instructions well, so this gives the opportunity to learn much more! If they are enrolled in a ballet/tap or ballet/jazz combo, then the tap or jazz portion of class is to work on musicality, rhythm, and getting some energy out! Dancers always enjoy speeding up the tempo and making some noise! Combo class (ballet/tap or ballet/jazz), is 30 minutes of ballet and 15 minutes of the other technique.
Must turn 5 by Sept. 1, 2024 to be in a K/1st grade class.
Upper School Program
Upper school is our program for 2nd-12th grade dancers. It is a school year-long commitment with a recital in May.
2nd-12th grade Ballet
We are very excited to offer many options for our
"older dancers" as Dance for Joy grows. Many girls
may begin to lose interest in ballet at this age and are
looking for something more "exciting". I know this can
be a challenge when trying to decide what extracurricular
activities to put your child in, but let me encourage you to
stay the course with ballet and begin to add other dance forms through the years.
Think of ballet as like eating your vegetables. All dance forms are stemmed from ballet, therefore students will find greater success in other forms if they stick with ballet. However, what is most rewarding is that often times, dancers who manage to stick with it, begin not only to tolerate their "vegetables" but they begin to long for them and even love them. So although ballet at this age does require focus at the barre, stamina throughout the class and determination to learn new steps, it will be worth it!
Pre Pointe/Pointe
Pointe is for the committed dancer who is at least 11 years of age and older. To be on pointe, she must have taken ballet for three consecutive years and be approved and fitted for shoes by her instructor. Our pointe dancers are required to take 2 ballet classes per week.
Pre-pointe is for the dancer whose goal is to be on pointe,
but is either not old enough or not quite ready physically
to be on pointe. This class will include conditioning and
strengthening exercises.
2nd-12th grade Modern/Jazz
We love Modern and Jazz and the many years of fun, powerful, and worshipful dance pieces these styles have brought to our program. If you are in a modern/jazz class, that means we will be alternating between modern and jazz from week to week. Modern/Jazz is to expose dancers to all these dance forms as Dance for Joy grows and expands so dancers can get a feel of the different forms.
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These dance techniques are very different from one another but I think it is important to expose our Dance for Joy dancers to various forms of dance at this stage of our studio growth. Jazz is a classical dance form which emphasizes rhythm, powerful jumps and kicks, and sharp movement. Modern can include floor work and anything from sharp to flowing movement. Students in modern/jazz dance barefoot. All dancers in a modern/jazz class, must also take a ballet class.
2nd-12 grade Musical Theater
We are excited to offer Musical Theater style dance. Our Upper School students will get to experience the dance styles from their favorite Broadway musicals which include a rich history and foundation of ballet, jazz, and tap. This is a fun and energetic class which will help the students with their acting and skills in performing. No tap shoes or singing required. All dancers in a musical theater class must also take a ballet class.
