Class Descriptions and Placement

 

Children's Classes:

Placement: Creative Movement, Pre-Ballet, and all level 1 classes are considered entry level classes for students of appropriate age. Students advance past these levels by permission of instructor only. Our emphasis is on an individual student's experience and ability. 

Ballet Placement: Students are evaluated by their instructor or team of instructors at the end of each semester to determine placement. Students must routinely be on time for class, have regular attendance, as well as meet the minimum technical requirements of their current level to be considered for advancement. If your student is transferring from another school, please email MotionArts for information on attending a required placement evaluation class. 

Our Contemporary and Jazz students also advance per instructor's and school director's discretion, experience and in coordination with their ballet level. 

Classes: 

Creative Movement: ages 3-5 (must be 3 before the start of the class) in this playful class children learn to become comfortable in a studio setting, learn to follow directions, and explore their body moving in space. This is all done with follow the leader and game style movement exercises using music, sound, books/stories, props, and of course imagination! Play clothes and bare feet are appropriate, as well as dancewear of choice. Dancer must be comfortable without a parent in the room. 

Pre-Ballet: ages 5-7 This class introduces basic dance technique and musicality. Both structured exercises and game styled activities are used, as well as imagination. Students learn not only technique, but also studio etiquette and how to follow multi-step directions. 

Ballet 1: Two semester minimum ages 7 and up This class introduces the student to the basic technique of Ballet. Students will also learn musicality and class room etiquette. Black leotard (needed for performance- student may also have other colors), pink tights and pink ballet slippers for girls, white t-shirt and black shorts or leggings and black ballet slippers for boys. Hair must be pulled back. Skirts are optional but must be removable from leotard.

Ballet 2:  Two semester minimum. This class builds on Ballet 1, students need permission of instructor to advance. Students continue to learn more advanced ballet technique and increase their musicality. Black leotard (needed for performance- student may also have other colors), pink tights and pink ballet slippers for girls, white t-shirt and black shorts or leggings and black ballet slippers for boys. Hair must be pulled back. Skirts are optional but must be removable from leotard.

Ballet 3: Two-three semesters is typical. This class builds on Ballet 2, students need permission of instructor to advance. Students should consider two ballet classes per week, but it is not required. Students continue to learn a large amount of new vocabulary as well as complex combinations, and to start to refine their technique and musicality. Black leotard (needed for performance- student may also have other colors), pink tights and pink ballet slippers for girls, white t-shirt and black shorts or leggings and black ballet slippers for boys. Hair must be pulled back. Skirts are optional. 

Ballet 4: Two semester minimum, students need permission of instructor to advance. Students continue to learn and hone ballet technique, complex combinations, musicality and performance quality. Students should consider taking two ballet classes per week, but it is not required. Black leotard (needed for performance- student may also have other colors), pink tights and pink ballet slippers for girls, white t-shirt and black shorts or leggings and black ballet slippers for boys. Hair must be pulled back. Skirts are optional.

Ballet 5: Upper level students are may attend this class en pointe. Students need permission of instructor to advanceStudents continue to learn more advanced ballet technique and combinations, as well as musicality and performance quality.  Black leotard student my also have other colors, pink tights and pink ballet slippers for girls, white t-shirt and black shorts or leggings and black ballet slippers for boys. Hair must be pulled back. Skirts are optional. 

Ballet 6 & 7 Students need permission of instructor to advance. Students continue to learn more advanced ballet technique and combinations, as well as musicality and performance quality. Upper level students especially pointe 3 students may attend these classes en pointe. Black leotard student my also have other colors, pink tights and pink ballet slippers for girls, white t-shirt and black shorts or leggings and black ballet slippers for boys. Hair must be pulled back. Skirts are optional. 

Pointe: By permission of instructor only, minimum age for consideration and required testing is 11. Students must be advanced to ballet 5 per instructor and must take a minimum of 2 ballet classes per week in addition to Pointe class.

Variations:   (when available) Ballet 5+ students Learn classical ballet variations from major ballets! Ballet appropriate attire required, pointe shoes on hand. Dancers should take ballet class prior to this class or be appropriately warmed up. 

Contemporary / Modern 1/2: Ballet 1&2 Students will learn a variety of  Modern/Contemporary dance techniques. Body awareness, movement quality, musicality, improvisation and dance creation are also incorporated. 

Contemporary/ Modern 3/4: Ballet 3 & 4 Students will learn a variety of  Modern/Contemporary dance techniques. Body awareness, movement quality, musicality, improvisation and dance creation are also incorporated. 

Contemporary/ Modern 5/6: Ballet 5+ Students will learn a variety of  Modern/Contemporary dance techniques. Body awareness, movement quality, musicality, improvisation and dance creation are also incorporated.

Advanced Contemporary Rep. 7: Ballet 7 Students will learn Contemporary Modern and Ballet combinations and choreography. dancers should attend the ballet 7 class prior to be warmed up and ready to dance. 

Jazz 1/2 : Ballet 1 & 2 Students will learn jazz technique and dance combinations at an age appropriate level. This class is high energy and fun! Leotard, black leggings or shorts and black jazz shoes are appropriate, hair pulled back.

Jazz 3/4:  Ballet 3 & 4 Students will learn more advanced jazz technique and dance combinations at an age appropriate level. This class is high energy and fun! Leotard, black leggings or shorts and black jazz shoes are appropriate, hair pulled back.

Jazz 5-7: Ballet 5+ Students will learn advanced jazz technique and dance combinations at an age appropriate level. This class is high energy and fun! Leotard, black leggings or shorts and black jazz shoes are appropriate, hair pulled back.

Adult Students: Adults with previous dance experience are welcome at MotionArts! We are a dance community that strongly believes in dancers dancing for a lifetime. Having a mix of ages in our classes is a great experience for all our students and helps build a strong community that values dancers at all ages and stages! While we do not always offer adult specific classes each semester, we highly value having adult dancers participating throughout the different levels of our program. If you are interested in joining our program, email school@motionartsda.com and we will help you set up a time to come in and try out classes and find the perfect fit!