Class Descriptions

BALLET

   Ballet is known as the building block of all dance and is characterized by fluid and precise movements done in "turned out" positions.  This graceful, meticulous art form is spoken in French and is considered the foundational style of all dance technique.  Even though there are different types of ballet, it's been relatively standardized worldwide.  Training in ballet has the potential to enhance every other style of dance.

   At DWDC, ballet is taught with the focus on correct technique and form, as this is imperative for quality of movement and injury prevention in any style of dance, BUT we also focus on the absolute beauty and joy of ballet.  Not everyone has the perfect feet, turn-out, or physique required to embark on a career as a professional ballet dancer, but everyone should have the opportunity to receive high-quality, technical, and truly enjoyable training in this

one-of-a-kind dance style.

   NOTE:  Enrollment in ballet is required for those enrolled in a contemporary class; for jazz, contemporary,

and ballet company dancers; and is a must for those on a pre-professional, teaching, or team track.  

​

JAZZ

   Jazz dance is one of the most important and fundamental technical styles of dance, along with ballet.  The defining characteristics of jazz dance are hard-hitting, sharp, confident movements performed to upbeat music.

   At DWDC, we provide our dancers with exposure to high-quality jazz technique and many styles of jazz, particularly the very popular genre of jazz funk.  Jazz and its many different styles are extremely popular in pop culture, on teams, and on the competition

circuit, to name a few.

   NOTE:  Due to its high level of technique, popularity, and high overlap into other genres of dance, jazz is a must

for those on a pre-professional, teaching, or team track.  

​

CONTEMPORARY

   Lyrical began as a dance genre that combined ballet technique with jazz movement.  As dance styles have rapidly progressed and dancers have been exposed to various choreography styles, lyrical has evolved into a highly creative, emotive form of dance that is typically a blend of ballet, jazz, and modern, typically known as contemporary.  

   Contemporary choreography is very often created with the intent of telling a story and/or expressing thoughts and feelings.  Defined by changes in musicality and emotion-driven performances, contemporary dance has become one of the most popular genres of dance.

   NOTE:  All Ballet I classes (ages 7+) are a combo of both ballet and contemporary, in order to allow the dancer

the opportunity to experience an introduction to both.  Because the base for contemporary dance is ballet,

enrollment in ballet is required for contemporary classes level II and up.

​

TAP

   Tap dance is an upbeat, strong dance style, characterized by sharp, musical sounds created by the feet of a dancer wearing shoes with metal plates attached to the heels and toes.  There are several styles of tap dance, including rhythm, classical, Broadway, and post-modern.  Tap has made a renewed emergence in the world of dance, as tap dancers show off their highly advanced rhythmic capabilities, bringing tap into

the 21st century.

   NOTE:  Still considered by many to be one of the three main styles of dance, along with ballet and jazz, tap is

highly recommended for those seeking professions that require a well-rounded dance education.

​

HIP HOP

   Hip hop dance refers to a genre of street dance styles that were originally cultivated outside of dance studios alongside hip hop music and culture.  Before long, the hip hop dance styles of locking, popping, and breaking began to merge with the organized elements of jazz

choreography and has now taken on a life of its own.

   NOTE:  Hip hop dance at DWDC is always CLEAN, as we focus on age-appropriate choreography, music, environment,

dress code, language, costumes, etc. - ALL ages and levels.