Leveled Classes
GRADES 6+
Classes are designed to develop students in sixth-grade and up with age-appropriate coursework developing basic through advanced skills and technique, choreography, vocabulary, and musicality with stylized execution of the dance genre. Classes will develop technique, self-expression, strength, as well as work to increase the complexity of combinations and level of performance. A respectful attitude, regular attendance, the ability to demonstrate skills at each level of advancement with bring forth the spirit of joy, teamwork, and accomplishment.
Level I
Beginner (0–2 years training in a leveled class)
Recommended for beginners and/or those who have a basic understanding of the discipline and general dance terminology.
Level II
Intermediate (2–4 years training in a leveled class)
Recommended for those with a broad understanding and proficiency in discipline and general dance terminology.
Level III & Level IV
Advanced (4+ years of training in a leveled class)*
Recommended for those with a complete understanding and proficiency in discipline and dance terminology.
*Requires Instructor/Director Permission
**Advancement is based on correct placement, skill mastery, and instructor recommendation – NOT age – which means all classes have a variety of age levels. Students will spend an average of two years at each level before mastering the skills to advance.
We reserve the right to place students according to their age, ability level, and experience. Personal evaluations and placement classes are available.
Leveled Class Schedule
September 2023–June 2024
Acro
Acro I/II**
**Requires additional ballet or jazz class.
Monday 6:00-7:00 PM
Acro III/IV*,**
*Permission of instructor is required.
**Requires additional ballet or jazz class.
Monday 7:45-8:45 PM – Full – Waitlist Only
Acrobatics uses strength and flexibility to perform gymnastic-based tricks. In this class, students perform conditioning exercises to prepare them for increased difficulty. It teaches flexibility, balance, strength, and coordination. DIDC Acro Instructors are certified by Acrobatic Arts and classes follow the Acrobatic Arts syllabus.
Dancers in leveled Acro classes are required to be in either a ballet and/or jazz class in order to work on the dance-specific aspects of technique used for Acro. In order for dancers to get the most out of their Acro class, dancers need to have their fundamental dance technique covered in a ballet or jazz class.
Ballet
Ballet I
Wednesday 6:30-7:30 PM
Ballet II
Tuesday 7:15-8:15 PM
Wednesday 6:30-7:30 PM – Almost Full
Ballet III*
*Permission of instructor is required.
Thursday 6:00-7:30 PM – Full – Waitlist Only
Ballet IV*
*Permission of instructor is required.
Thursday 3:45-5:15 PM – Full – Waitlist Only
Pre-Pointe/Pointe I/II
Monday 4:30-5:15 PM
The classic dance form of ballet teaches strength, poise, and balance using specific terminology, technique, and choreography. Dancers are trained at the barre in order to develop correct posture and to prepare the body for the demands of classical dance. The main goal of Ballet is to learn and improve upon one’s technique, which will be used as a foundation in every subject of dance. In ballet, dancers learn to execute classical movements with grace.
Ballet Add-On Classes – available for those wishing to advance/progress “en pointe” (in addition to their regular Ballet class).
—Pre-Pointe – Before beginning pointe work, a Ballet dancer must undertake many pre-pointe exercises to ensure they are strong enough to dance on pointe without injury. Dancers must be at least 12 years of age and have completed extensive work in ballet to enroll in this class. (Must be currently enrolled in Ballet II+).
—Pointe – Pointe is ballet performed in pointe shoes. Dancers must be at least 12 years of age and have completed extensive work in ballet and pre-pointe to enroll in this class. Students are ONLY admitted to go up on pointe when recommended by the pointe teacher. Students are evaluated on coordination, posture, strength, and feet. There is an inherent risk going up on pointe, therefore, we will only recommend those students who are developmentally ready to begin pointe work.
Contemporary
Contemporary I/II
Thursday 6:45-7:30 PM
Contemporary III/IV*
*Permission of instructor is required.
Monday 7:00-7:45 PM – Full – Waitlist Only
Similar to the fluidity of lyrical but with less emphasis on ballet-based technique. Dancers are taught to express themselves through movement by interpreting the words, music, and emotion of a song. This class is available to students grades 6 & up.
Hip Hop
Hip Hop Grades 6–8
Monday 7:45-8:30 PM
Wednesday 5:45-6:30 PM
Hip Hop Grades 9+
Thursday 8:15-9:00 PM
Hip Hop is a dance style, usually danced to hip hop music, and includes a wide range of styles like breaking, locking, and popping. This class requires stamina, hard work, and a strong core. Students should be prepared for a challenging and rewarding class. Dancers will improve their musicality, strength, stamina, and more!
Jazz
Jazz I
Wednesday 7:30-8:15 PM
Jazz II/III
Wednesday 7:30-8:15 PM – Almost Full
Jazz IV
*Permission of instructor is required.
Monday 6:00-7:00 PM – Full – Waitlist Only
Traditional Jazz consists of unique moves, fancy footwork, big leaps, and quick turns. It teaches strength, power and flexibility and is performed to contemporary music. Jazz dance is lively, fun, and full of rhythm!
Lyrical
Lyrical Grades 6+
Wednesday 8:15-9:00 PM
Lyrical dance uses the lyrics in music to tell a story. This style incorporates technique used in both ballet and jazz to create elegant and fluid movements.
Modern
Modern Grades 6+
Monday 5:15-6:00 PM
Often performed barefoot, Modern, is now more than 100 years old. Although similar to ballet in many ways, it uses movements that are freer and a more natural form of expressive dance. Dancers will explore a dynamic range of movement qualities, varying rhythm and timing while making artistic choices in the development of performance quality. Students will be encouraged to incorporate individual expression in their approach to movement theory and composition. This is a great class for students in grades 6 and up.
Musical Theatre
Musical Theatre Grades 6+
Thursday 5:15-6:00 PM
A fun and expressive class covering the variety of styles used in Broadway theater choreography. Dancers will work on developing a combination of jazz dance and theatre performance technique using music, props, narrative, and facial expression. A basic jazz background is recommended. A great class for those who just love to put on a show!
Tap
Tap I
Monday 7:00-7:45 PM
Tap II/III
Monday 7:00-7:45 PM
Tap IV*
*Permission of instructor is required.
Thursday 7:30-8:15 PM – Full – Waitlist Only
Tap dancing is an American art form. It is a step dance tapped out audibly with hard soled shoes. It was born in the 1800’s meshing a wide spectrum of percussive dance styles – African, English, Irish and Scottish. Tap teaches dancers to understand rhythm and timing while working to improve their footwork and agility.