A uniquely magical movement program - this one and a half hour long program has been developed to stimulate the minds and bodies of young, growing children. It introduces movement and music in a very unique style which encourages and allows them to explore their vast imaginations and to develop gross motor skills at their own pace, through the use of props, costumes, music and creative movement. Dance ‘N Play® was developed by educators to instill a love of movement and music in a safe and nurturing environment.

An hour long introduction to dance through imagination and self-expression. This class is designed to develop coordination, rhythm, flexibility and a love for music and dance. This class includes a 15-minute section of tap to develop musicality.

These hour long classes are the beginning of formal ballet and tap training. Children are introduced to ballet and tap terminology. The emphasis is on improving body awareness and instilling a love for dance. 

Fundamentals I/II, for ages 7-8, is a one and a half hour class. After a warm up the students receive 45 minutes of ballet instruction. The study of ballet continues with simple barre exercises and centre floor technique. Teachers use proper ballet terminology and students begin to develop an appreciation for classical music. The remainder of the class is devoted to jazz and tap to increase rhythm and timing.

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In Fundamentals III/IV, for ages 9-10, our ballet education progresses with more advanced barre and centre technique in this one hour class. As the students progress through instructional levels barre work is focused on concentrated movements and combinations become more complex. Additional hour long classes in jazz/tap and contemporary provide opportunites to continue their development in these genres.

For this age group, classes are offered in ballet, tap, jazz and contemporary. These classes focus on continuing to improve technique and correct body placement while building on dance vocabulary and choreographic knowledge. Ballet students are encouraged to also enroll in Tech and Pre-pointe classes to maximize their potential growth.

We offer Senior Prep classes in ballet, tap, contemporary and jazz allowing dancers to further explore their interests and develop their skills. 

Students will be introduced to longer combinations and more challenging choreography. Ballet students are encouraged to also enroll in Tech and Pre-pointe or Pointe classes to maximize their potential growth. 

Senior classes in ballet, jazz, tap and contemporary are for dancers in grade 10 and up. These classes combine technique from all earlier levels. Ballet students are encouraged to also enroll in Ballet Tech and Pre-pointe or Pointe classes to maximize their potential growth.

A combination of both the art of acrobatics and dance. The focus is on tumbling skills while incorporating dance. Students concentrate on improving balance, agility and flexibility.

In this class, students will work on various forms of dance, such as ballet, tap, jazz and vaudeville. These styles of dance will be integrated into the story through spoken word and song. Dancers will experiment with comedy, tragedy, conflict and happiness while developing a character who can convey the story line through song and dance.

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Students must be enrolled in a ballet or jazz class to take Musical Theatre.

This modern dance form takes its roots from ballet and is highly influenced by many other styles of dance, both popular and traditional. The use of space, timing, alignment, and rhythmic sensibility will be explored through floor work, combinations and improvisation.

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Students must be enrolled in a ballet class to take contemporary.

Hip hop incorporates aspects of modern dance, tap, and swing, integrating music of today and complex movements to form the artistry of street dance. It is also fused with the choreographic elements of jazz dance to create a hybrid dance form that is fun and upbeat. 

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Dancers ages 5-8 add an acro dance element to their class in Hip Hop & Handstands.

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Hip Hop It Up! is an exciting performance group designed especially for dancers aged 8 to 13! Bursting with energy and creativity, this group focuses on the fun and expressive world of hip hop dance. With a mix of cool choreography, upbeat music, and a friendly atmosphere, Hip Hop It Up! encourages kids to explore their passion for dance while making new friends. 

Participation in Hip Hop It Up! requires enrollment in a weekly hip hop class.

Combining artistry, grace, and physical ability, Irish step dancing is offered on all levels. The beginner starts with learning the body and foot positions, correct dance posture and the seven steps of the traditional Irish jig.

For soft shoe dancers, a light reel, a light jig, slip jig, and a four or eight hand reel are taught.

In advanced beginner and intermediate levels, classes include hard shoe dances, such as jigs, hornpipes, treble reels, and traditional sets.

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The Irish 10+ students will perform in Our World is Dancing in addition to the Spring Dance Recital.

In this class, you will be exposed to Salsa and Bachata. Salsa is a mixture of Latin music and dance genres, with influences from jazz, ballroom, and hustle. Bachata originated from the Dominican Republic is the offspring of the energy of merengue and the romance of bolero. Classes will be geared toward creating a fun, energetic, and relaxed environment that mirrors the essence of the dances. 

Dance Jam! is a non-competitive, innovative performance ensemble. Students, grouped by age, will work with various choreographers including the staff at Dance It Up! as well as student interns majoring in dance from local colleges. Throughout the dance season, students will learn a variety of dance pieces to perform in the Nutcracker, Our World is Dancing!, the spring recital and at community events. Dance Jam! is designed to be a fun dance opportunity that challenges students’ bodies and minds. Participation fosters self-discipline, self-esteem and performance ability through the art of dance. Dance Jam! is a great way to experience different genres and choreographers. Hip Hop, Acro, Contemporary, Jazz, Ballet, Musical Theatre and Latin Dance have all been presented at our performances.

Students must be enrolled in a technique class (ballet or jazz) to participate in Dance Jam! This 90 minute class is taught in two - three age groups depending on enrollment.

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Dance Jam participates in our annual Nutcracker program; there is a an additional $250.00 fee if not auditioning for additional Nutcracker roles.
 

Tricks class focuses on developing skills like jumps, turns, and acrobatic movements, with an emphasis on proper technique and safety. Dancers will be able to use the skills learned in Tricks to complement the choreography they learn in other classes. This class incorporates conditioning exercises to build strength and flexibility, allowing dancers to execute tricks with greater control and precision. Students in Tricks class must also be enrolled in a jazz, contemporary, acro or hip hop class.

A second weekly ballet class for students already en pointe or working to be considered for pointe work (by instructor approval only). Class will consist of core strength training, barre, center work and turns en diagonale. Students must be enrolled in Tech to be eligible to perform en pointe; instructor will determine this.  

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Students enrolled in a Ballet Tech class are required to purchase the Ballet Tech Bag from Sugarplums. This ensures they have the proper equipment to participate in the class.

Dedicated ballet students learn traditional solo and small group choreography from historical ballets; adapted for skill level.  Past selections include variations from Giselle, Sleeping Beauty, Coppelia, and La Fille Mal Gardee. This class runs for 30 weeks and concludes with performances in Our World is Dancing!

The Ballet Repertory Ensemble explores masterworks of ballet by famous choreographers and their context in history are learned. Choreography includes small ensemble works and large corps de ballet pieces. Past selections include scenes from Giselle, Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Coppelia, Les Sylphides, The Four Seasons and Orpheus and Eurydice, spanning 1840-1978. This Ensemble begins the first Saturday in January, runs for 20 weeks, and performs in Our World is Dancing! and the Spring Dance Recital.

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The Repertory Ensemble is an intensive performance/choreography class designed for dancers 11+. 

Please visit our Performance Groups page for more information.

The Junior Ballet Ensemble is a performance/choreography-based class designed for dancers who are too young for Ballet Repertory Ensemble or older students not ready to make a 3 hour commitment on Saturdays.  This Ensemble begins the first Saturday in January, runs for 20 weeks, and performs in Our World is Dancing! and the Spring Dance Recital.

Please visit our Performance Groups page for more information.

This 2 hour ballet class begins with 45 minutes of Progressing Ballet Technique and continues with core training and additional ballet technique work. Our goal is to challenge students with barre work, center adage and allegro combinations. 

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Students enrolled in the Junior Ballet Ensemble participate in the 45 minute Progressing Ballet Technique portion of the Company Class. Concurrent enrollment in the full Company Class is required for Ballet Repertory Ensemble students.

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Students not enrolled in the Ensemble groups may 'drop-in' on this class for a fee. Please contact the office.

Ms. Catherine, our Ballet Director and certified instructor of Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) includes this program in the Tech, Prepointe/Pointe and Company classes. Students  benefit from this body conditioning and strength building program that focuses on muscle memory development. Ballet-specific exercises will help students to:

• Improve muscle memory

• Enhance technique

• Heighten control and precision

• Prevent injuries

• Enhance artistic expression.

Students are asked to bring their own yoga mat; we will supply additional props that may be used during class including yoga balls, fusion balls, and resistance bands.

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Watch a video introduction to PBT!