Flat River Dance Company Season 2023 - 2024

Class Descriptions

The following are short descriptions of each level and class. For a full page description of any level, please contact the business office.

NOTES:

• All Creative Movement, Dance Fundamentals, and Pre Ballet classes consist of ballet and creative movement.
• Students enrolling in, Pre-Ballet, Ballet I, Ballet II and III usually take one class per week; however, the option exists to enroll your child in additional classes.

Creative Movement (Ages 3-4)
Class Length: 30 minutes

This class develops natural movement instincts through activities appropriate to the students' innate creativity and physical skills. Children express themselves primarily through movement, but also through music and dramatic activities. This gentle class begins to develop awareness of musicality, body parts, space and pathways, and class etiquette.

Dance Fundamentals (Ages 4-5)
Class Length: 45 minutes

This fun class further develops natural movement instincts through activities that combine innate creativity and physical skills. The gentle class continues to widen awareness of musicality, body parts, space and pathways, and class etiquette with other dancers. Children express themselves primarily through movement, but also through music and dramatic activities.

Pre Ballet (Ages 5-6)
Class Length: 45 minutes

This class extends the range of understanding and ability that a student acquires in the In Pre-ballet program. Concepts continue to be combined in greater complexity with the challenge to clarify movement and expression. The Pre-Ballet III class includes introductory barre work and ballet terminology while it also continues to develop listening skills, musicality, and spatial awareness.

Elementary Ballet  I & II (Ages 6-8)
Class Length: 60 minutes

This class introduces the fundamental principles of ballet technique. A Ballet I student extends the range of understanding and ability to refine technical skills and begins developing proper alignment. An introduction of basic anatomy, physiology, and nutrition supports the blossoming dancer's knowledge. Each class includes barre and center floor work as well as exercises used to develop musicality and creativity.

Elementary Ballet III & IV (Ages 8-12)
Class Length: 60 minutes

This class continues the formal study of classical ballet and encourages the development of self-discipline. Particular emphasis is placed on exercises designed to strengthen legs, ankles, and feet as well as to continue developing postural and technical skills. A continuation of basic anatomy, physiology, and supports the dancer's knowledge. Appropriate for younger students who have progressed from Ballet I, as well as older students with little or no previous training.

Intermediate Ballet (Ages 9-13)
Class Length: 90 minutes

Technique classes emphasize proper placement and alignment, turnout of the hips and legs, coordination of the arms and legs, and a clear knowledge of beginning ballet terminology. Appropriate for younger students who have progressed from Ballet II, as well as older students with little or no previous training. This level also begins to prepare students for pointe work. Ballet III students are encouraged to take this class two to three times per week.

Advanced Ballet (Ages 11-19)
Class Length: 90 minutes

Training builds on previously learned skills while developing increased strength, kinetic awareness, and intellectual understanding. Ballet IV students are encouraged to take this class two to three times per week.

Pre Pointe Class
Length: 30 minutes (Ages 10 and up recommended by School Owners)

Technique continues to build and increase in difficulty. Pointe work is introduced by permission of the instructor only after the student has completed at least three years consecutive ballet training, demonstrated precision in technique, and acquired sufficient strength in legs, ankles, and feet. Intermediate Ballet students are expected to take a minimum of two technique classes a week. Students with aspirations for a professional career are encouraged to enroll in four to six classes a week.

Advanced Pointe Class (recommended by School Owners)
Class Length: 60 minutes

Technique continues to build and increase in difficulty. Performance quality and artistic presentation are elements of focus in this level. Advanced Ballet is for students who exhibit a profound understanding of classical technique and are dedicated to a rigorous course of study. Advanced Ballet students are expected to take a minimum of three technique classes a week. Students with aspirations for a professional career are encouraged to enroll in four to six classes a week.

Variations (Ages 11-19)

This class is available to students currently enrolled in a Advannced Ballet and Pointe class. This is a class designed for our advanced students to learn classical and neo-classical variations (solos, duets, trios and a group piece) that will be performed at the end of each semester.

Jazz (Ages 6-19)
Class Length: 60 - 75 minutes

Beginner, Intermediate, and Advance Jazz focuses on all areas of dance technique. All Jazz classes incorporate technical positions, body placement, flexibility, balance, turns and jumps. Beginner jazz focuses more on the basics and fundamentals. In order to advance to the next level one must accomplish a dance combination by oneself with approval of the dance instructor along with knowing the positions, steps, dance terminology and applying them.

Contemporary (Ages 11-19)
Class length: 75 minutes
(age 10 and up recommended by School Director)

This class combines ballet technique with grounded movements of modern dance. It Incorporating off-center turns and improvisation. Recommended to mature students who have acquired a strong understanding of the dance aesthetic. This class is tailored to students who may want to continue their dance training through college.

Hip Hop (Ages 8-19)
Class length: 45 - 60 minutes

Hip hop is a high-energy class that infuses the latest styles of street dancing, breaking, popping, and locking. Classes will encourage students to step outside of the box by bringing their own individual style and personality to the movements.