Class Descriptions

IDC offers classes in all levels of dance from beginner to advance.  Dancers will be encouraged, motivated and challenged by IDC instructors.  All dancers will develop knowledge of dance disciplines of their choice or level of commitment.  Dancers may choose the class(s) they are interested in and IDC’s professional staff will place dancers in the appropriate level according to individual ability and age.

 Pre-Primary (3-7):  Classes are designed to improve body awareness and posture placement and foster self-confidence, emphasizing motor skills development, coordination and limbering exercises.  Group activities will be introduced along with classroom manners. Requirements:  Students must be able to keep quiet, listen and follow instructions.

 Creative Movement/Pre-Ballet (3-5):  A 30 minute class for the very young. Basic beginner ballet techniques and free movement exercises will be introduced.

 Pre-Ballet/Tiny Tap (5-7):  Dancers should have taken at least one year of Creative Movement/Pre-Ballet first.  Tap class starts with simple basic rhythm steps to develop strong tap techniques. 

 Level I (7-9):  Beginner classes for students with little or no previous dance experience.  Learn basic traditional technique and vocabulary; terminology, body positions and stretching in each dance discipline.

Ballet I:  A classical ballet class which includes barre work, center floor exercises and across the floor combinations.  A strong ballet foundation is critical to becoming a truly fine dancer in any dance form.

Lyrical I:  Is a beautiful blend of ballet, jazz and modern.  Students learn the rhythms of jazz and the emotions of modern dance.  Dancers create a story or express the mood or theme of the music and its lyrics.

Jazz I:  Combines many styles and techniques from ethnic and contemporary to ballet.  Consisting of exercises to stretch and tone muscles and to develop support for proper stress-free alignment of the skeletal structure.

Tap I:  Previous dance experience in Pre-Ballet/Tiny Tap is helpful but not required.  This class follows the Al Gilbert teaching technique along with learning different rhythms and counting.

Funk I:  Previous dance experience is helpful.  This exciting dance style can be seen on popular video productions.  Students will explore the fundamentals of hip-hop.

 Level II (10-12):  Beginner/intermediate classes for older students with little experience.  The focus will be on traditional technique, vocabulary, terminology, stretch and strength training.

 Ballet II:  A classical ballet class which includes barre work, center floor exercises and across the floor combinations.  A strong ballet foundation is critical to becoming a truly fine dancer in any dance form.

 Lyrical II:  Previous ballet experience is required for this class.  Learn the introduction of interpretive movements and body expressions (expressing emotions) using a combination of ballet, jazz and modern.

 Jazz II:  See Jazz I.  Need at least two years of ballet or jazz experience.

 Tap II:  Develop stronger technique and movement of the feet to a variety of music.  Students should have at least one/two years of tap experience. Practice time outside of class will be required.

 Funk II:  Requires at least one year of previous dance experience in funk, ballet or jazz.  Students will learn street style, funk, hip/hop movements to the latest hip/hop music (age appropriate).

 Level III (12-14):  Intermediate/advanced class for dancers with three-four years of dance experience and know the basic technique and terminology and demonstrate each with good form.  A good working knowledge of leaps, turns and floor work is expected.

 Ballet III/Pre-Pointe:  A 90 minutes class of classical ballet with an emphasis on getting ready for going on pointe.

 Lyrical III:  For dancers with three-four years of ballet, jazz or modern training.

 Jazz III:  Requires at least two years of previous dance experience in ballet or jazz.  Dancers should know the difference between an inside and outside pirouette.

 Tap III:   The focus will be on developing stronger, more challenging tap sounds, vocabulary and movement of the feet in center and across the floor combinations to a variety of music of instructor’s choice.

 Funk III:  Explores intermediate hip-hop combinations and encourages students to create their own choreography with the group. Focus will be on the execution of hip-hop moves, perfecting timing and performance.

Level IV (By Audition):  For students who have taken two or more years of Ballet III, Jazz III, Lyrical III, Funk III or a summer intensive with instructor’s approval. 

Ballet IV: Must have good strong ballet technique and is willing to work hard in this class.  Must have a good attendance recorded from previous classes.

Lyrical IV:  This class is an emotional and contemporary form of dance combining the grace and beauty of ballet with the strength and flexibility of jazz.  Interpretive movements and body expressions of modern dance will be stressed.  Students must be open to working on expressing emotions. 

 Jazz IV:  More challenging combinations will be taught.  Students will be pushed harder.  Requirements:  Double pirouettes, attitude turns, grand jete and hitch kicks.  There is a possibility of doing competitions.

 Funk IV:  Previous dance, performance, or cheerleading experience is preferred. This class explores advanced hip-hop combinations and encourages students to create their own choreography individually and with the group.

 Competition Funk (By Audition):  At least 3-4 years previous dance experience in hip-hop, jazz, tap, ballet or performance is required. This is a competition/performance group. Students are expected to participate in Fall & Spring competitions, and additional local performances as required by instructor. Students are also encouraged to participate in regional dance conventions and workshops. This is a physically demanding class – extra rehearsals will be required before competitions.  A list of audition requirements will be provided when students signs up for audition. Students are encouraged to sign up for an alternate class in the event they are not chosen for a position.

 Adult Tap I (18-up):  An adult beginner tap class, with no tap experience needed, focusing on basic tap steps and rhythms. Class speed will be tailored to class need and ability.  “NO” classes in May 2010 (Annual rate is $313.88 with the Winter/Spring Semester rate at $224.44 otherwise Fall Semester and Monthly are the same as the rest).

 Adult Tap II:  This class is a fast paced classic tap and Irish dance class for gung ho adults.  Practice outside of class is expected.  This class will dance two recital pieces, in addition to dances for other events.

Required Attire: