Classes Offered

(Sept. - May) 

 
Please call for current schedule.

 All students are evaluated and assigned to classes according to their age and ability. 
Students are generally grouped as follows: 

Kinderdanz - for pre-school and kindergarten
Pre-Ballet/Tap Combo - for 1st through third grade
Primary/Youth  - for fourth through sixth grade
Pre-teen - for sixth through eighth grade
Teen - for high school students
Adult - post high school.

           Within each age group there may be several different levels offered.  Class placement is determined by faculty members.  It is important for students’ progress and development to be placed at an appropriate level: therefore students are evaluated carefully.

        KINDERDANZ (45 min)                                   
A creative movement class designed for children in pre-school through kindergarten.  This class focuses on creative movement, animal rhythmics and simple song and dance. Students will learn pre-ballet & tap routines and basic tumbling skills.

         PRE-BALLET/TAP COMBO  (1 Hr)                         
This course is generally for 1st thru 3rd graders. This combination class is geared to produce rhythm and coordination and to stimulate the imagination. Introduction to classical ballet and tap dancing is provided.

         HIP HOP KIDS  (1/2 Hr)                                                                       
A pre-jazz class open to students in conjunction with Pre Ballet/Tap Combo (above).  This class further explores motor skills and coordination. Students must be at least 6 years old.

         CLASSICAL BALLET    (1 – 1 1/2 hr)                                  
Academic ballet training begins in fourth grade and various levels are offered.  Classes are arranged in graded levels according to ability and experience.  Students learn the format of a classical ballet class beginning at the barre and advancing through adagio, petite allegro, grand allegro & reverence. A wide range of ballet vocabulary is utilized and various styles are explored.

         TAP   (3/4 –   1 Hr)                                                                   
Like our classical ballet classes, academic training begins in fourth grade and students are arranged accordingly.  Various styles are explored from rhythm tap to soft shoe through syncopated jazz tap.  It is recommended, although not required, that tap students also enroll in a ballet class to ensure the grace and poise needed for tap dancing.

         JAZZ  TECHNIQUE (3/4 – 1 Hr)                                          
Open to students in fourth grade and up, jazz dance emphasizes body isolations, leaps & flexibility.  Various styles are taught including broadway, hip hop, rock n’roll & latin.  Jazz students are encouraged, but not required, to also enroll in a ballet class to reinforce dance technique and body control.

         MUSICAL THEATRE  (3/4 – 1 Hr)                                     
This specialized jazz class is offered for students with an interest in theatre.  This class focuses on song & dance routines and broadway style jazz techniques.   Modern & jazz dance technique is offered in conjunction with this class to reinforce body control and stage presence.

         PRE-POINTE & POINTE  (1 - 1 ½Hr)                                                                  
Open to students with good ballet technique, determined by faculty, ages 11 and up.  This class is an advanced extension of classical ballet. Pre-pointe and pointe students need permission by the faculty and MUST be enrolled in a bi-weekly ballet class. 

         MODERN  (3/4 – 1 Hr)                                     
This class involves modern dance principles and techniques.  Improvisation is explored and creative movement is utilized.  Students explore the elements of dance- space, time, & force.  Interpretation of different rhythms and styles of music is also explored. Modern students are encouraged to take ballet.

           HIP HOP (3/4 -1 Hr) - 
Contemporary jazz class that teaches "Street" techniques. Music & movement taught is age appropriate (age 9 & up)

           LYRICAL (3/4 -1 Hr)                                     
This teen class is a mixture of ballet and jazz techniques.  It emphasizes fluidity in movement and emotional expression.  Open to  intermediate to advanced students with a strong ballet foundation (TBD by faculty).

   OTHER PROGRAMS  -- 

NEW-- The Nutcracker-Mix'd Up

The traditional Nutcracker is a very popular event for many dance schools. In 2007, the LJDC presented its first annual “Mix’d Up” version of this holiday classic. In addition to being a great opportunity for our students to perform, this production also serves as a charity event. Proceeds from our ticket sales are donated to The Tommy Fund Children’s charity. This program is open to all LJDC students age 5 and up.  Casting takes place in mid-August.

 Spring Dance Ensemble:  

  Open to students who want more performing opportunities.  Auditions are held in January and are open to dancers age 10 & up.  Ensemble dancers rehearse weekly, usually on Saturday afternoons and represent the dance studio for various performances in the local community.  Ensemble members are expected to be excellent role models and committed to their dance studies.