Young Children’s Division

Our young children’s program has been carefully designed to nurture the young child’s natural desire to dance. Our curriculum is presented in a fun and entertaining way that enhances coordination, musicality, and creative ability.

• Pre-Ballet & Tap (3-4yrs) - the syllabus for this level covers stretching, basic strengthening, balance, motor skills, and coordination. A beginning emphasis on musicality and rhythm is offered as well as the concept of moving creatively through space. Basic dance vocabulary and positions are learned through imagery. Interaction with classmates and the teacher is encouraged through fun dance games. Approximately 40 minutes of ballet and 20 minutes of tap. Dress: White tank leotard, pink tights, pink leather ballet slippers and black mary jane tap shoes.
  
   
• Beginning Ballet and Tap ( 5-6yrs) - the first introduction to a more structured ballet class. More advanced stretching and strengthening exercises are given, barre work is introduced with a greater emphasis on vocabulary and French terminology. Musicality continues to be emphasized along with balance and coordination through the strengthening of the body core. Center work is introduced with continued focus on the positions of the arms, legs, and feet in classical ballet vocabulary. The introduction to a more refined tap technique with a focus on rhythm and the sounds of a tap step. Also, basic jazz steps are introduced as well. One hour and fifteen minute class. Dress: pink tank leotard, pink tights, pink leather ballet slippers and black mary-jane tap shoes. 
  
  
  

Junior Division

In our junior division, we provide a friendly, nurturing environment where each student can advance and grow. At this level, we emphasize classical training and proper classroom etiquette. Students will learn proper terminology, musicality, and technical skill while developing a love and appreciation for the art of dance. This division offers ballet, contemporary, tap, conditioning, pre-pointe for ages 7 and over.

 

                           •    Intermediate 1 ( 6-8yrs ) - a traditionally structured ballet class incorporating the next level in the classical ballet syllabus. More challenging steps as well as 
                                 musicality skills are introduced both at barre and in center work, building on the previous vocabulary learned. Classes offered are ballet one hour,  jazz thirty 
                                 minutes and tap thirty minutes a week. Dress code: sky blue tank leotard, pink tights, pink canvas ballet slippers, black lace-up tap shoes, black slip-on 
                                 jazz boot and hair in a bun.                            

      •    Intermediate 2 ( 8-10yrs ) -  building upon our classical foundations we are focusing on strengthening and preparing the dancer for all the riggors, 
            proper body placement and poise for the introductory years before pointe work.  Classes are one hour ballet, thirty minute jazz and thirty minute tap 
            once a week.  Dress code: Lilac tank leotard, pink tights, pink canvas ballet slippers, black slip-on jazz boot, black lace-up tap shoes and hair in a bun. 

• Apprentice (by invitation 11yrs +) - a more advanced syllabus is offered during one hour classes. Body placement, alignment, and overall strengthening are of paramount importance at this level in order to proceed to the next level in the classical ballet syllabus. Knowledge of French terminology is emphasized; ballet dictionary strongly recommended at this level and for use in subsequent levels. Student evaluations, pre-pointe and conditioning are introduced. Classes offered are one and a half hour ballet class twice a week, one hour modern, one hour jazz,, 30 minute pre-pointe and a required one hour stretch and conditioning class such as pilates. Dress code: ballet - black  camisole leotard, pink tights, pink canvas ballet slippers, hair in a bun, black slip-on jazz boots for jazz and bare feet for modern. Mats for conditioning classes. 

Senior Division

In our senior division, we offer a variety of recreational classes as well as classes specifically designed to develop pre-professional, career oriented dancers. Selected dancers attend multiple ballet technique and pointe classes a week. In addition to their comprehensive class schedules, rehearsals, performances, master classes, and special events. Senior division students benefit from developing more personal relationships with their teachers who may offer professional guidance towards auditions, colleges, summer programs, scholarships, and career opportunities.

• DAC Performing Company ( by invitation - 13yr +)  The most advanced level of training in the school curriculum. A more advanced level of pointe work is offered. For ballet, modern, jazz, tap, improvisation - this level offers extremely challenging combinations, body strengthening, and demanding choreography. Classes offered are two hour ballet technique and pointe twice a week, one hour variations, one hour contemporary technique twice a week, one hour conditioning, one hour tap. Dress code: Black leotards, pink tights on ballet days, pink canvas ballet slippers, pointe shoes and hair in bun. Black tights or biker shorts for modern and jazz, bare feet for modern and black slip-on jazz boots for jazz.  Wrist and ankle weights, thera-bands and mats for conditioning.
  
  
  Teen/Adult Classes - (Flexible class cards available for ages 18 and over) Whether you are a busy career person, mom or a college student, everyone needs and deserves a fun and creative workout catered just for them. DAC offers one hour ballet technique, one hour modern/jazz class and many different exercise programs to choose from: Zumba( a cardio dance party work-out), Yoga and pilates. Dress code: comfortable non-restrictive clothing, yoga-wear, leotards, sweats, etc.—all are acceptable. Pink canvas ballet slippers, jazz shoes or bare feet and mats for conditioning.