• Course Descriptions

    JAZZ

    Intro to Jazz
    Grade Level: 9-12
    Prerequisite: None
    You will be introduced to the primary forms of classical jazz, modern, and ballet, as well as contemporary hip-hop and funk, designed to enhance body conditioning, strength, flexibility, self‐discipline, control, and joy of movement. Students are taught to develop their kinesthetic sense of basic alignment and safe and efficient movement principles.

    Jazz 1-2
    Grade Level: 9-12
    Prerequisite: Successful completion of Intro to Jazz.
    You will be offered additional exploration and work in basic dance techniques emphasizing jazz styles.

    Jazz 4
    Grade Level: 9-12
    Prerequisite: Jazz 2, Modern 3
    Designed for the advanced student, this course offers jazz techniques for the highly skilled dancer. The ongoing refining of line, dynamics, and musicality are consistently stressed as performance and presentation are studied in detail.

    Jazz 5
    Grade Level: 9-12
    Prerequisite: Completing Jazz 4, Modern 3, Ballet 2 and instructor consent.
    Designed for the advanced student, this course offers jazz techniques for the highly skilled dancer. The ongoing refining of line, dynamics, and musicality are consistently stressed as performance and presentation are studied in detail.

    MODERN

    Intro to Modern
    Grade Level: 9-12
    Prerequisite: None
    You will be introduced to the primary forms of dance and dance vocabulary. The class focuses on modern techniques such as Horton, Cunningham, and Graham. The course is designed to enhance body conditioning, strength, flexibility, self-discipline, control, and the joy of movement. Students are taught to develop their kinesthetic sense of basic alignment and safe and efficient movement principles.

    Modern 1
    Grade Level: 9-12
    Prerequisite: Successful completion of Intro to Modern or instructor permission.
    You will be offered additional exploration and work in basic dance techniques emphasizing modern dance styles.

    Modern 2
    Grade Level: 9-12
    Prerequisite: Successful completion of Dance 2, Ballet 1, and instructor consent.
    This course is an intermediate survey course of various modern dance styles. Different approaches to expressive dance require focus, trust, movement skills, and a willingness to share and collaborate.

    Modern 3
    Grade Level: 9-12
    Prerequisite: Successful completion of Modern 2, Ballet 2 and instructor consent.
    This course is an intermediate survey course of various modern dance styles. Different approaches to expressive dance require focus, trust, movement skills, and a willingness to share and collaborate. 

    Improvisation/Composition
    Grade Level: 10-12
    Prerequisite: Completing Jazz 3, Modern 3, Ballet 3, and instructor consent.
    This course is designed for the advanced student and further studies expressive dance improvisation techniques in the modern idiom. Improvisation, composition, and performance skills are covered.

    HIP-HOP 

    Hip-Hop 1
    Grade Level: 9-12
    Prerequisite: None
    You will explore the uniquely American dance style that emphasizes the development of rhythm and fine motor skills. Students learn basic hip-hop combinations along with a variety of beginning dances.

    Hip-Hop 2
    Grade Level: 9-12
    Prerequisite: Successful completion of Hip-Hop 1 and instructor consent.
    You must have a strong knowledge of the basic hip-hop steps. Complex rhythms and longer sequences progressively build technique, stamina, and artistry. Emphasis is placed on musicality and performing quality throughout the year.

    Hip-Hop 3
    Grade Level: 9-12
    Prerequisite: Completing Hip-Hop 2, Ballet 2 and instructor consent.
    This course is designed for students with solid hip-hop skills. Speed and technical accuracy are applied to complex hip-hop combinations and layered rhythms in various hip-hop styles. Ease of movement and artistry are stressed throughout the year. 

    BALLET

    Ballet 1
    Grade Level: 9-12
    Prerequisite: None
    Ballet 1 focuses on developing alignment, turnout, flexibility, strength, and line. Musicality is stressed as dancers continue to learn and improve basic ballet step combinations and vocabulary.

    Ballet 2
    Grade Level: 9-12
    Prerequisite: Successful completion of Ballet 1 and instructor consent.
    This course emphasizes refining and strengthening the fundamentals of classical stance and movement. Body alignment, line, and precise musical execution are introduced to steps, turns, and jumps at an intermediate level.

    Ballet 3-4
    Grade Level: 9-12
    Prerequisite: Successful completion of Ballet 2 and instructor consent.
    This course is for ballet students with intermediate-advanced solid technique. Pointe work is studied and stressed throughout the year as students learn and study classical variations and repertoire.  

    Ballet 5*/Pointe
    Grade Level: 9-12
    Prerequisite: Successful completion of Ballet 4 and instructor consent.
    This course is for ballet students with intermediate-advanced solid technique. Pointe work is studied and stressed throughout the year as students learn and study classical variations and repertoire.

    *Pointe work for those who are ready.

    AFRICAN DANCE

    Intro to African Dance
    Grade Level: 9-12
    Prerequisite: None
    You will focus primarily on traditional African dance from Senegal, Mali, and Guinea regions of West Africa. Studies of African songs, the relationship of drum rhythms, and concepts in African culture are included. Any interested student may take this course.

    African Dance 1-2
    Grade Level: 11-12
    Prerequisite: Completion of Intro to African Dance, Dance 1 and instructor consent.
    African Dance 1-2 emphasizes African dance's historical and cultural roots and explores more advanced levels of technique.

    African Dance 2-3
    Grade Level: 11-12
    Prerequisite: Completion of Intro to African Dance, Dance 1 and instructor consent.
    African Dance 2-3 emphasizes African dance's historical and cultural roots and explores more advanced levels of technique. 

    TAP

    Intro to Tap
    Grade Level: 9-12
    Prerequisite: None
    You will explore the uniquely American dance style that emphasizes the development of rhythm and fine motor skills. Students learn basic tap combinations along with a variety of beginning dances.

    Tap 1
    Grade Level: 9-12
    Prerequisite: Successful completion of Intro to Tap and instructor consent.
    You must have a strong knowledge of the basic tap steps. Complex rhythms and longer sequences progressively build technique, stamina, and artistry. Emphasis is placed on musicality, notation, and performance quality throughout the year.

    Tap 2-3
    Grade Level: 9-12
    Prerequisite: Successful completion of Tap 1 and instructor consent
    This course is designed for students with solid tap skills. Speed and technical accuracy are applied to complex tap combinations and layered rhythms in various tap styles. Ease of movement and artistry are stressed throughout the year.

    Tap 4-5
    Grade Level: 9-12
    Prerequisite: Successful completion of Tap 2/3 and instructor consent.
    This course is for highly advanced tap students. Emphasis is on articulating diverse tap styles, speed, strength, improvisation, choreographic skills, and refining technical and artistic qualities.

    Conditioning and Flexibility
    Grade Level: 9-12
    Prerequisite: Successful completion of level two classes or instructor permission.
    This course will challenge you to increase your flexibility and strength. The class will be focusing on core strength and isometric stretching. The curriculum includes partner exercises, cardio workouts, and acrobatic elements.

    *Dual PCC Credit: PCC credits are available to students in level 5 dance classes and the Jefferson Dancer Company Members. Please see the instructor.