Recreational Classes

Mission Dance provides a wide assortment of dance training and classes. All ages and skill levels are welcome to take part in our Recreational Programs.

Enjoy dance classes in Creative Dance, Pre-Ballet, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, and Flamenco.

Creative Dance

for ages 3-4 MO/TU/SA

Children learn to focus on verbal instruction and physical movement of the teacher. Pre-schoolers will learn right from left, naming body parts and their function in dance, how to listen and move to music and counting, spatial awareness, basic steps to prepare them for all styles of dance in the future. Creativity is also a fun part of the dance class. All students wishing to participate in a show will be prepared by their teacher to perform at the end of the year.

 

Pre-Ballet

for ages 4-5 MO/TU/TH/SA

This level is based on the same curriculum of the Creative Dance level but all areas of training are a little more complex. Children are learning about technique and quality of movement and are taught more challenging steps. SOme classical elements of the dance training are introduced at this level, especially the use of arms and feet. Learning combinations of a few steps at a time is introduced as is the correct way of gentle stretching. More awareness is placed on correct posture and holding that while moving in space. Students are encouraged to participate in the spring show if they so choose.

 

Pre-Novice

for ages 5-6 TUE

This is the class for children who simply want to keep learning and having fun with dance. More ballet technique is introduced but rotation of the legs is not yet stressed too much as their joints are still at a very early stage of development. Posture, ballet positions and quality of movement, however, are taught quite precisely at this stage of their training. More gentle stretching is introduced and done regularly in each class as is strengthening of muscles and ballet body positions. Children are encouraged to move in their own creative ways each week. More co-ordination with arms and legs is stressed and practiced and longer dance combinations are introduced. More precise rhythmical and technical movements are practiced to specific music so that children will be ready to perform with confidence and ease. This class is a great preparation if young dancers wish to continue and audition for the Novice level (the first level of the performance program). Often, children in this level are chosen to perform in the Christmas show to enhance their experience of performing on stage. They also have opportunity to dance in the spring show Dance Artistico.

Ballet

for ages 8-10 FRI

All basic positions and movements in ballet will be learned at the barre and in the center. Basics of correct posture and technique will be learned as will be the stretching and strengthening of the muscles for rotation of the legs. Emphasis will be put on correct use of foot, placement of the hips, arms and strengthening the middle of the torso. Simple jumps and turns and moving steps will be studied and practiced. Simple combinations and correct use of musicality and style will be taught. Performing is optional.

 

Ballet

for ages 10-12 MON

Same as Ballet for ages 8-10 but more complex and challenging steps and combinations. More intricate footwork and more variety in use of arms will be learned. Stretching will be more stressed and more difficult jumps and turns will be taught. Performing is optional.

 

Tap/Jazz

for ages 6-8 FRI

A great class to try try out two styles of dance! Intro to Tap and Jazz.

 

Hip Hop

for teens FRI

A fun class to learn Hip Hop!

 

Adult Open Jazz/Adult Open Conditioning

MON

A great class to have fun with Jazz and get fit with a conditioning class!

 

Adult Beginner Flamenco

MON

Learn the basics of flamenco dance: footwork, arms, hand clapping, rhythms and learn a dance too! Students will be prepared for the workshops of our special guest from Spain, Fiona Malena

 

Adult/Jr Co Flamenco

THU

Intermediate to advanced level of above description. Emphasis will be placed on training the teaching and work of Fiona Malena so that students can accomplish a higher level of footwork, keeping compas in known rhythmic structures, feeling the strength/accents and ease of movement as is necessary to execute the dance authentically.