Class Descriptions

**Dancers may stay at any given level for more than one year.  Advancement of levels is at the discretion of the instructors, and levels are not based solely on age (especially for higher levels).  At the end of each year, dancers will be evaluated/approved for appropriate level classes.  Age levels in classes are approximate and averages.**

Jazz

Jazz is a fun, high-energy style of dance featuring both a smooth and sharp style of movement. Dancers will learn the fundamentals of jazz technique, how to memorize choreography, and how to enhance their strength and flexibility.

Lyrical

Lyrical is a fusion of jazz and ballet technique focusing on beautiful, flowy movement. Dancers will learn proper technique, how to memorize choreography, how to emote through movement, and how to match their movement to the lyrics of the music.

Character

Character consists of folk and dances from across European countries. This dance class is built to enhance the student’s presence, posture, artistry, and musicality that is used throughout classical ballet.

Contemporary

Contemporary is a blend of ballet, lyrical, jazz, and modern technique allowing the dancer to learn a wide range of styles within the movement. Dancers will learn proper technique, how to memorize choreography, how to expressively perform movement, and how to match their movement to the music.

Worship

Worship is praise to Jesus Christ. In this class, we will explore what it means to have a heart of worship to God and praise the Lord through creative expression via the voice of the Holy Spirit. As it says in Psalm 149:3, “Let them His name in the dance: let them sing praises unto Him with the timbrel and harp.”

Pre-pointe

Pre-pointe (elements within a ballet class) focuses on preparing the dancer specifically for pointe shoes. Dancers will learn exercises that will stretch and strengthen their feet and bodies. These exercises will help them adapt to pointe shoes more easily and successfully.

Beginning Pointe

Beginning Pointe must be approved by an instructor to start beginning pointe. Dancers will learn how to apply their ballet technique in pointe shoes. They will learn the fundamentals of pointe work through barre focused exercises to properly strengthen as they adapt to pointe shoes.

Pointe

Pointe focuses on experienced dancers with a solid demonstration of proper pointe technique. Dancers will continue refining their movement in artistry and technique. Movement sequences will become more challenging and dancers will continue to further their strength and flexibility.

Pre-Ballet (ages 3-5)

Pre-Ballet (ages 3-5) is geared towards preschool-aged children who will learn basic developmental movements like balancing, jumping, and coordination. Our dancers will begin to learn proper ballet terminology and connect those words with movement.

Ballet 1 (ages 5-7)

Ballet 1 (ages 5-7) focuses on basic ballet technique which sets the essential foundation for furthering their ballet training. Dancers will learn proper technique, proper ballet class etiquette, memorization of simple movement sequences, ballet terminology, basic movement in artistry, and will learn flexibility and strengthening techniques.

Ballet 2 (ages 8-11 plus beginning teens)

Ballet 2 (ages 8-11 plus beginning teens) focuses on learning basic ballet technique and building on the foundations taught in Ballet 1. Dancers will continue to learn proper ballet class etiquette, memorization of simple movement sequences, ballet terminology, artistry, and will learn flexibility and strengthening techniques.

Ballet 3 (approx ages 10-13)

Ballet 3 (approx ages 10-13) builds on a properly laid foundation of ballet technique from Ballet 1 & 2, including class etiquette and memorization of movement sequences.  Dancers will expand their artistry to movement, increase their flexibility & strengthening techniques, and build their ballet terminology lexicon.  

Ballet 4 (approx ages 11-14)

Ballet 4 (approx ages 11-14) focuses on intermediate dancers with an expanding mastery of proper ballet technique. Class etiquette and memorization of movements is now second nature. Dancers will further their exposure to artistry in movement and start to display a greater degree of strength & flexibility.

Ballet 5/Company (approx ages 13-18)

Ballet 5/Company (approx ages 13-18) focuses on experienced dancers with a solid demonstration of proper ballet technique. Dancers will continue refining their movement in artistry and technique. Movement sequences will become more challenging and dancers will continue to further their strength and flexibility. At this level, there is a mastery of ballet terminology.

Attire

 
Preballet and Ballet: Level 1
Students should wear a pink or black leotard with a coordinating skirt, pink tights, and pink ballet shoes. Hair should be pulled back neatly in a bun.
 
Jazz: Level 1
Students should wear a pink or black leotard with a coordinating skirt, pink tights, and pink ballet shoes. Jazz pants and jazz shoes are not needed yet at this level. Hair should be pulled back neatly in a bun.
 
Ballet: Level 2+
Students should wear a black leotard with a black skirt, pink tights, and pink ballet shoes. Hair should be pulled back neatly into a bun.
 
Jazz/Lyrical/Contemporary: Level 2+
Students should wear a black leotard, black jazz pants or black leggings, and black jazz shoes. Hair should be pulled neatly into a bun.
 
Character Dance: Level 3+
Students should wear a black leotard, black character skirt, and black character heels.  Hair should be pulled neatly into a bun.
Girls in Tutus - 2022 Joie de Vivre Dance Recital
Girls in Tutus - 2022 Joie de Vivre Dance Recital