Class Descriptions

Classes for Young Children

Pre Dance (ages 3-4): Movement classes that explore rhythm, song, body awareness, locomotor skills, and creative expression. Exercises are geared to the developmental needs of preschoolers, and pre-kindergarteners. Children must be potty-trained, and able to be independent from their parent for the class.

Pre Ballet/Tap (ages 3-4): Your child will learn the beginning elements of ballet and tap dance. Children must be potty-trained, and able to be independent from their parent for the class.

Creative Ballet (ages 5-6): A movement class that explores the elements of rhythm, locomotive skills and creative movement. We also introduce the children to the first steps and elementary terminology of ballet, jazz, modern dance, and folk dance. Enjoyment of movement and music is emphasized.

Tap/Jazz and Mini Hip Hop (ages 5-6): Beginning steps of tap, jazz, and hip hop are introduced and explored using age appropriate movement and music.

Classes for Students with Developmental Disabilities

Special Dance and Special Ballet/Creative: Classes geared for students with physical limitations and/or developmental disabilities. Exercises for flexibility, strength, and agility are employed. Artistic expression through dance is emphasized. Both Special Dance classes have the opportunity to perform for community events.

Contact the Director for information.

Multiple Levels of Ballet

Ballet 1-6 (ages 7-above) and Teen/Adult Ballet: Most children are ready for the exercise at the barre and in the center by age 7 or 8 years. Careful, safe instruction allows the child to progress at their own pace to the next level. Correct body alignment and placement, along with understanding of musicality and expressiveness are emphasized. Ballet 2 and 3 meet twice a week and Ballet 4, 5, and 6 meet three times per week.

Pointe: Dancers in Ballet 3 begin preparation for pointe work by taking the Pre Pointe class.  Dancers in Ballet 4 continue preparation for pointe work, progress to pointe work at the barre, as well as advancement to pointe work in the center and across the floor in the Pointe 1. Eventually they progress to Pointe 2, continuing and improving pointe work in the center and across the floor.

Ballet Repertory: This invitational class will learn classical and contemporary ballet variations.  We will work towards competing in the Youth America Grand Prix.  Teens must be proficient in Pointe work.

PBT, Conditioning, and Flexibility

Flexibility: How can we safely increase our range and ease of movement? Often we think of flexibility (or lack thereof) as being in the muscles. But it is also possible to hold tension in nerves (which don’t like being stretched) and in the other connective tissues of the body called fascia. This class will explore gentle massage, mobilizers, release techniques to make gains in flexibility. Some useful items for this class are: massage cream or lotion, pillow(s), tennis ball, chair, and a towel or yoga strap.

PBT/Conditioning and PBT for Ballet: will incorporate “Progressive Ballet Technique” a method of working with balls and therabands to help students in improving core stability and alignment. Focus on dynamic core control. Class will use a variety of props (most are listed under “what to wear” tab). PBT/Conditioning is geared for age 13 and up PBT for Ballet is available by ballet level. Dancers should have their own props and bring them to each class.

Company DC and DBDC

Dancenter has eight performing companies based on age and experience. We perform at many community events throughout the bay area. Requirements for Company DC are ballet, modern and jazz classes at the student’s level. DBDC dancers need to be enrolled in Level 5 Hip Hop Dance Classes concurrently. Ballet Repertory is invitation only and for dancers in Ballet 3 or higher.