Mommy & Me:
This 45 minute class has been designed as an introduction to creative movement for 2 & 3 year olds. Mommy's (or other adult family members) are asked to be a part of the fun by being present and participating with their child following the instructor's lead. Toddlers will learn the basics of rhythm and movements such as jumping, twirling and sliding to music. Students will also learn basic tap and ballet steps. Students are not required to wear any specific dance attire such as leotards or dance shoes, but are asked to wear comfortable clothing they can move in.
Preschool Combo:
This 45 minute class introduces our 3-4 year old students to dance by learning the basics of tap and ballet. Students also learn rhythm, creative movement and partnering skills which are helpful in the social component of dance which requires working within a group. We believe in a "no stress" family environment and as a result, a high percentage of little ones remain with us throughout their school years. All combo students ages 3-4 & 5 perform in our Sunday Matinee performance at the end of the year.
5 Year Old Combo:
We understand the changes our kindergarten students are experiencing in being in school full time. Therefore we try and ease the adjustment by keeping these young children in transition, together for their one hour combo class per week. Students learn both ballet and tap technique. Students will continue learning creative movement and partnering skills as well.
Ballet:
We believe that the study of classical ballet is the primary foundation in the training of an aspiring young dancer. Ballet is a technical form of dance, best recognized by its graceful, flowing and precise movements. Students begin every class with basic barre' exercises which teach proper weight distribution for balance. And just as importantly proper placement of positions for use in center floor work. Young students will always learn classical technique, but may be introduced to a more contemporary style as a more mature dancer. Ballet classes are offered for ages 6-adult at every level. For more information on the importance of ballet training, please click here.
Pointe:
The dream of every young ballet student is to dance in pointe shoes. Proper care must be given to early technique training in order to fully prepare a student for the strength needed to dance "en pointe." Most students around age 11 in their 3rd to 4th year of ballet training are physically prepared for the new challenges. We recommend that young students with this serious goal begin at least 2 minimum hours of training per week before they start pointe. First year Pointe students will use the barre' to develop more strength and confidence before being introduced to center floor work. Starting in 2009, only our intermediate to advanced Pointe students will be performing in our show. This is to allow our beginner students more time to develop. Students who take Pointe must also take a Ballet Technique class in addition to their normal ballet classes. (See below)
Ballet Technique:
Ballet technique is a non-recital class, mandatory for all Pointe students. The class is used as a way to continue working on barre' and floor work all year, while they may be working on recital dances in their normal classes. There is a required uniform for this class.
Jazz:
This class starts with a high-energy warm-up that incorporates stretching and isolations. Students work on jumps and turns as well. The teachers may introduce different Jazz styles including lyrical, theater (Fosse), and pop. Jazz classes are offered for ages 6-adult and for every level.
Tap:
Tap dancing uses syncopated rhythms to create a pattern of sounds. Teachers usually begin class with a warm-up and then move on to combinations in center and across the floor. Turns are introduced as well. Tap styles range from ballroom (Fred Astaire), to hoofing/rhythmic (Savion Glover, Gregory Hines) to Broadway (42nd Street.) Tap classes are offered for ages 6-adult and for every level.
Modern:
Modern dance evolved from traditional ballet and is less structured, centering on organic and free movements. Teachers interpret the music using emotions and moods. Modern was made most popular by choreographer Martha Graham, but different choreographers have many different styles. Both of our modern teachers are members of Lehrer Dance Company here in Buffalo. Modern classes are recommended for students with a ballet background and are available for ages 8-adult.
Hip-Hop:
Hip-hop is 'street' dancing to fast-paced popular music. It is high energy and great for any level of experience. We offer hip hop classes starting at age 6. "Camp Rock" star Jordan Francis visited Performing Arts in 2010 and explained why being a well-rounded dancer makes you better at hip hop too. Click here to view the interview video.
Break:
A break dancing class is offered to kids ages 10 and up. It is a style of dance evolved from the hip-hop culture derived from African-American and Latino-American youth. Breaking includes 4 primary moves: top rock, down rock, power moves and freezes.
Music Theater:
This class incorporates vocal coaching, dance steps and acting techniques to prepare students for a realistic audition or career in theater. Students DO perform in our yearly recital where they will use all of these techniques to do a 2-3 minute piece from a musical chosen by the teacher. No prior experience in dance is necessary. Students 12-18 however are recommended to take our Theater Jazz class to sharpen their dancing skills (See below). Classes are offered for ages 7-11 and 12-18.
Theater Jazz:
New in 2009, our theater jazz class is targeted for male and female students, ages 12-18, who perform or desire to perform in their school's musicals. This is an excellent class addition for anyone already enrolled in our Music Theater program, or someone looking to sharpen their theater dance skills. Mr. Jason, who has choreographed Saint Francis High School & Immaculata Academy Musicals for many years, will be teaching this class.
Private Performance/Audition Lessons:
Private coaching is available with Miss Kerri Lynn Paufler. Miss Kerri helps students prepare for upcoming auditions, shows or musicals by teaching them vocal and dance performance skills. She graduated in 2002 from AMDA in NYC and toured nationally with the Broadway musical "CATS". She also released her first CD, "My Life". Please call the studio to find out about available times.
Acro:
This class will introduce children ages 8-12 to basic skills in acrobatics. Children will achieve more flexibility, agility and balance that will benefit them in gymnastics as well as in dance and in many sports.
