Class Descriptions

PLEASE NOTE: For your convenience, the Encore DANCE Store offers a selection of quality dancewear, tights, and shoes.

Creative Movement (30 min): A fun and entertaining introduction to rhythm & dance for older toddlers.  Dancers work on developing gross and fine motor skills, building self-confidence, and following directions. "Twinkle Toes" (ages 2 to 3) ATTIRE: Black, pink, or purple leotard, pink tights, and pink ballet shoes; hair pulled up away from face.

Pre-Ballet & Tap (45/60 min): Laying the foundation of basic ballet and tap steps to establish good technique in body alignment, graceful arms, and correct and solid footwork for the younger dancer (ages 3 to 6).  Pre I "Bumblebees" (45 min, ages 3-4); Pre II "Butterflies" (45 min, ages 4-5); Pre III "Ladybugs" (60 min, ages 5-6) ATTIRE: Black, pink, or purple leotard, pink tights, and pink ballet shoes; black patent leather tap shoes with buckle or "tap ties"; hair pulled back in ponytail off face.

Pre-Jazz/Hip Hop (45 min): Introducing the movements of basic jazz steps to faster music, along with learning the importance of correct stretching, body isolations, and agility in faster footwork.  Also available in combination with ballet (60 min).  Pre III "Jitterbugs" (ages 5-6) ATTIRE: Solid color leotard, black jazz pants, and black jazz shoes; hair pulled back in ponytail off face.

Ballet (60 min): The fundamental study to all types of dance. Ballerinas begin level I as early as age 7. They will learn vocabulary, ballet positions, body alignment and ballet technique under the Cecchetti method. Benefits of ballet include poise, posture, grace, flexibility, discipline, and strength. (ages 6 and up) ATTIRE: Black leotard, pink tights, and pink ballet shoes; hair pulled up in bun (if possible) -- otherwise, ponytail.

Pointe (30 min): With teacher approval (examination required), intermediate to advanced dancers will work on ballet technique wearing pointe shoes (dancing on their toes). (ages 12 and up)

Lyrical (60 min): Expressive in nature, combining jazz, ballet and modern techniques and vocabulary. (ages 9 and up) ATTIRE: Solid-colored leotard, pink tights (with convertible feet) and lyrical sandals or pink ballet shoes; hair pulled up away from face.

Modern (60 min): Similar to Lyrical, but typically danced in bare feet and to contemporary, off-beat & instrumental music. (age 9 and up) ATTIRE: Solid-colored leotard, pink tights (with convertible feet) and lyrical sandals or pink ballet shoes; hair pulled up away from face.

Jazz (60 min): Combining the techniques of ballet and modern to upbeat music and building coordination and style to move on to hip hop. (age 6 and up) ATTIRE: Solid-colored leotard, black jazz pants, and black or tan leather jazz shoes or boots; hair pulled up away from face.

Hip Hop (60 min): Clean, fun street dancing with sharp staccato movements combined with high energy and rhythm. This style of dance tends to be most popular with older dancers. (age 5 and up) ATTIRE: Solid-colored leotard, black jazz pants, and black leather jazz shoes or jazz sneakers; hair pulled back in ponytail off face.

Tap (60 min): A fun and exciting way to dance, making sounds with your tap shoes and rhythm with your feet. (age 6 and up) ATTIRE: Solid-colored leotard, pink tights (footed), and black tap shoes with buckle; hair pull up away from face.

Company Class (60 min): By audition, invitation or teacher recommendation only. Company classes will work on pieces that will be showcased at recital, public events and/or dance conventions and competitions. ATTIRE: Solid-colored leotard, dance pants/tights, and appropriate dance shoes; hair pulled up in bun (if possible) -- otherwise, ponytail.