FLDC Class Descriptions

Class Descriptions

Ballet & Pointe (When is this class offered?)

A classical dance form characterized by grace and precision of movement with elaborate formal gestures, steps, and poses. Today's form of ballet was created via centuries of alterations to its original guise as court dances, spectacles, masques, and feasting dances. Dance attire should include a leotard, tights, and ballet or pointe shoes.

Tap (When is this class offered?)

Tap dancing was born from clog dancing when it was combined with African-American and Irish steps in the late nineteenth century. Single-action taps on the soles of your shoes sound out the dance. Dance attire should include a t-shirt or other top, athletic/dance pants or shorts and tap shoes.

Jazz (When is this class offered?)

Derived from minstrel shows and the vaudeville circuit, current jazz dancing covers a wide spectrum of styles from Broadway to pop. It emphasizes body line and a flexible torso while utilizing fast, accurate footwork with the feet parallel (instead of turned out as in Ballet). Dance attire should include a tight fitting top or leotard, athletic/dance pants or leggings and jazz shoes.

Clogging (When is this class offered?)

Originating from Irish traditions, this dance form was eventually adapted into English step-dancing. In its current form, lines of dancers perform precise choreography using double-action taps and little upper body movement. Dance attire should include a t-shirt or other top, athletic/dance pants or shorts and clogging shoes.

Hip Hop (When is this class offered?)

The history of Hip Hop can be traced back to an African martial art known as capoeta. This was first translated into break dancing, and it now takes many forms such as funk and pop-locking. Classes in Hip Hop most resemble the dancing seen in rap and hip hop music videos. Dance attire should include a tight fitting top or leotard, athletic/dance pants or shorts, and tennis shoes or dance sneakers.

Modern Dance (When is this class offered?)

A free form of dance that allows emotional expression, modern dance has no clear definition. It originally developed as a reaction to traditional ballet and was based on the principles of fall and recovery and contraction and release, but now the number and type of modern dance styles are immeasurable. Dance attire should include a leotard, tights or leggings, and bare feet.

Lyrical/Lyrical Ballet (When is this class offered?)

In its roughest form, lyrical dance interprets the lyrics of a song through movement. The dancer becomes the actor and tells a story through technique and emotion. Lyrical students must have a strong and continuing background in ballet and jazz as these classes assume that technique is already present and primarily focus on emotion. Dance attire should include a leotard, tights or leggings, and lyrical sandals or bare feet.

Cheerleading (When is this class offered?)

This class focuses on jumps, cheers, pom dance, and basic tumbling skills. We can also create classes for entire squads if desired. Attire should include a t-shirt or other top, athletic pants or shorts and tennis shoes.

Pilates (When is this class offered?)

Pilates is an exercise regimen for all ages and fitness levels that utilizes breathing, alignment, gaze, and the "powerhouse" (abdomen, lower back, and buttocks). Joseph Pilates created this system for his hospital patients basing it on a cat's example of power and grace. This class is taught by a certified instructor and requires only an exercise mat (provided by the student). Attire should include a t-shirt or other top, athletic pants or shorts and bare feet.

Tumbling (When is this class offered?)

For dancers wanting to add something extra to their performance, tumbling teaches strength, flexibility, acrobatics, and power. Attire should include a t-shirt or other top, athletic pants or shorts and tennis shoes.

Mommy & Me (When is this class offered?)

Given the attention span of most 2 1/2 to 4 year olds, we created this class specifically for them. With mommy (or Daddy or Grandma) by their side these young dancers learn basics of ballet, tumbling, and tap all in one class. Dance attire should include a leotard, tights, ballet and tap shoes. Mommy attire should be comfortable.

BT (Ballet & Tap) (When is this class offered?)

These classes combine skills of 2 important areas for various ages. Dance attire should include a leotard, tights, ballet and tap shoes.