ACRO (acrobatics & tumbling)
From the tiniest dancer somersaulting down the mat to the advanced performer perfecting an ariel, an acro class is often an exciting chance to explore body movement away from the tight constraints of the ballet barre. Instructors who are certified to teach a progressive acro program can safely offer these fun classes while still providing building blocks toward acrobatic excellence. As the dance world continues to evolve, incorporating wow-factor acro skills into a dancer's repertoire is now an expectation. Highly influenced by television and social media, the big tricks are enticing to dancers.
BALLET
We strive to provide a strong ballet foundation. We support both the recreational and the pre-professional student. Our curriculum is designed to progress each age group and level in a systematic way, allowing each student to understand and apply the material before moving on to the next level. Dancers under the age of 13 will be placed in a primary, level 1, level 2 progressions. We will be focusing on the terminology and technique with all of our students.
HIP HOP
Hip hop dance refers to street dance styles primarily performed to hip-hop music or that have evolved as part of hip-hop culture. It includes a wide range of styles primarily breaking, locking and popping which were created in the 1970s and made popular by dance crews across the United States. It is fun, yet challenging and trains the body and mind to learn intricate moves while improving one's coordination and musicality. This class learns choreography as well as he concept of free styling. For our Dance Factory pre-school dancer they will explore the basic elements of rhythm and the hip hop style. Teachers use current and popular clean versions of today's radio hits. This is an upbeat and fun way of learning choreography and the structure of dance class. At all levels, our trained staff uses age-appropriate music and choreography to understand the beats and musicality necessary to execute hip hop moves.
JAZZ
Jazz is one of the most fun and classic styles of dance! Jazz dancing began with the jazz music era and is evolving. Jazz is performed on stage with attach, technique and usually a lot of attitude! Using its upbeat movement, jazz dance emphasizes rhythm, style, lines and a strong low-center of gravity. At Dance Factory we strive to instill these key aspects into our students. Kids will get the opportunity to learn multiple styles of jazz while incorporating its basic technique. We believe that a strong understanding of the basics will help our dancers thrive.
LYRICAL/CONTEMPORARY
Lyrical dance is a blend of Ballet & Jazz focusing on strong emotional connection to the music, soft fluid movements, long expansive motions and technique. Contemporary dance a blend of almost all styles of dance, while emphasizing technique, floor work and unpredictable rhythm changes. In both styles the dancers will find ways to express themselves through story-telling of the lyrics or the music itself. They will learn improvisation techniques, how to emote their feelings and incorporate technique.
MUSICAL THEATER
Musical theater dance uses jazz and ballet based technique and movement to interpret music from Broadway and TV musicals. Musical theater dance is larger than life style! In this class, we focus on sense of story, emotional connection, expensive visual movement and performance. In order to understand the storyline, music and how dance brings it all together, dancers will be working on an established musical for 2 weeks or classes. Recital routines will use a musical discussed in class. The musicals used in class will be age-appropriate for that age group.
TAP
Tap dance is a percussive art form of dance characterized by using the sounds made as tap shoes strike the floor. Two major variations on tap are rhythm (jazz) and Broadway. Both are rooted deeply in American culture, as Tap Dance is a true American art form. Broadway tap focuses more on dance; as it is widely performed in musical theater. This style has produced household celebrities such as Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire and Eleanor Powell. Rhythm tap focuses on musicality and practitioners consider themselves to be a part of the jazz tradition. This style is widely considered to be the heart of the art form and has been passed down by masters such as Bill B Jangles Robinson, John W. Bubbles, Sammy Davis, Jr. and so many more.
