At Gotta Dance, there are a lot of dance classes available – so we've made it easy to decide which one is most suitable for your dancer. Our classes are structured as combination classes, meaning that each age group has specific offerings tailored just for them. This guide will help to explain all of the different types of dance classes we have to offer, and what to expect from those classes. Read below to find out more.
Ballet Dance Classes
Ballet is an important part of a dancer's overall training – it's the root and foundation of all other dance forms. In ballet class, students will be instructed on proper body placement, balance, flexibility, alignment and technique, achieved both through barre and floor work.
Tap Dance Classes
Tap is a great dance class for all ages, especially the young ones. Tap involves creative movement and sounds of the feet as well as fun and expressive ways to let loose. Tap class develops musicality, rhythm and coordination. Proper execution is the key to perfecting each sound.
Jazz Dance Classes
Jazz incorporates techniques and dance moves from a variety of dance styles ranging from contemporary to lyrical – jazz funk incorporates a bit of hip hop as well. Exciting music is usually played during class and the movements are imaginative and expressive. High kicks, leaps and turns are just a few of the moves these classes teach. Jazz is appropriate for ages seven and above, and to excel, dancers need a strong foundation in ballet, as it requires grace, balance and muscle control.
Leaps & Turns Classes
Leaps and Turns is a technique class designed to assist students in focusing on the leaps, jumps and turns that dancers perform in ballet and jazz. Leaps and Turns class is a way to better your technique when executing basic leaps, center leaps, turns, and fouetté. Ballet is required with this class.
Lyrical Dance Classes
Lyrical dance is a unique combination of ballet and jazz with expressive movements that tell a story. Lyrical dance focuses on emotion and self-expression through proper dance technique. Our lyrical dance classes are recommended for 4-12th grade students (4-6th grade class will not require a costume or participate in the recital). Ballet and Jazz is required with this class.
Contemporary Dance Classes
Returning this year is Contemporary. It's a current style of artistic expression that combines elements of several dance genres including modern, jazz, lyrical and classical ballet. Connecting the mind and body through fluid dance movements allows this style of dance to experiment with abstract concepts, movements or emotional extremes. Ballet and Jazz is required with this class.
Musical Theatre Classes
Musical Theatre is a jazz-based class filled with Broadway style dancing and music. Our classes are available for dancers in the 7th grade and up, incorporating the style of dance one would typically see on a Broadway stage. This form of dancing emphasizes learning performance skills such as connecting with the audience and facial expressions.
Hip Hop Classes
Hip Hop classes are fun, age-appropriate, high-energy classes that cover the basics of hip hop and street dance. It focuses on rhythm, creativity and technical, expressive movement – it’s one of the most popular dance styles today, aimed at giving students an understanding of what hip hop dance is to build a more powerful repertoire for self-expression and think on their feet.
Accelerated/Advanced Level Ballet, Tap & Jazz Classes
These newest offerings are intended to challenge those students that have demonstrated a solid foundation of ballet, tap & jazz technique – and are ready to advance beyond the basics. All classes require teacher approval prior to confirming enrollment. CLICK HERE for our complete guide to the program.
Pointe Program
The Gotta Dance Pointe Program has been a solid and successful feature for many years – our dancers are amazing. The art of Pointe requires dedication, determination and discipline. Regular attendance is very important – this beautiful and rewarding dance form is worth the extra effort, and enrollment into the program will assure your continued development as a dancer. Read more…
Yoga & Pilates
Returning this year is our popular Yoga/Pilates class, taught by our certified instructors. Increase strength and flexibility while calming the mind and body. Yoga and Pilates can help develop body awareness, decrease stress and anxiety while increasing focus. All levels welcome.
Stretch/Strengthen + Body Conditioning
Get in shape, stay in shape. Take care of your body during the dance season. Extended warm-up, proper body alignment and special stretching exercises help improve technique, strength, balance, overall flexibility and coordination. 7th graders and up may enroll, adults are welcome, no experience necessary.
All dance classes are beneficial – each and every one has it’s own unique movements, combinations and technical challenges to offer. We recommend having your child test out many different dance classes to see what they like best and go from there. All dancing is beneficial for the mind, body and spirit – if you have any further questions or comments on class placement, please ask – we're happy to help guide you along the way!