"Dance is art; paint your dream and follow it."
-Steven Thompson
Photo courtesy of Jenni Mahnaz Photography
Photo courtesy of Jenni Mahnaz Photography
Tap
Tap dance is a form of dance characterized by using the sounds of tap shoes striking the floor as a form of percussion. Two major variations on tap dance exist: rhythm (jazz) tap and Broadway tap. Broadway tap focuses on dance; it is widely performed in musical theater. Rhythm tap focuses on musicality, and practitioners consider themselves to be a part of the jazz tradition. Both types of tap are taught at Spendwood.
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Tap classes are 30 minutes in duration and are offered for dancers 3 years and older, through adult. Tap is taught on a progressive system (known as grades) that incorporates barre work, center work, and dance combinations.
Jazz
Originally emerging from African roots in the 1920s and set to popular, contemporary music (jazz music), jazz dancing has evolved over time to include high paced, fast-tempo choreography. Jazz technique is taught on a progressive (graded level).
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Our 30 minute jazz classes are offered at a variety of levels, ages 5 through adult.
Photo courtesy of Jenni Mahnaz Photography
Ballet
A classical dance form demanding grace and precision and employing formalized steps and gestures set in intricate, flowing patterns to create expression through movement. Classes start for students at age 3 and progress through adulthood.
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Initially, classes are 30 minutes long, but they increase in length as the student progresses into increased technique, usually around the age of 8-10.
En Pointe
Pointe technique is the part of classical ballet technique where a ballet dancer supports all body weight on the tips of fully extended feet within pointe shoes.
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Dancers must have substantial ballet experience to be able to go en pointe. Dancers will generally not be eligible to go en pointe before the age of 12. A year of conditioning classes is generally needed to work up the strength in the legs and feet. Due to the highly demanding and skilled nature of this dance, not everyone will be a candidate for en pointe.
Parent/Tot
This introductory dance class is for students ages 2 to 3 and has an adult participating in the class with the student. Using dance, movement, and music, they will learn skills of listening and following directions in a very comfortable first-time dance experience. This will prepare them for regular classes at 3 years of age.
Hip Hop
Hip Hop Dance is a style of movement characterized by bounces and rocks, executed to Hip Hop music. It has deep historical and social roots in African American culture, having emerged in Black communities living in 1970s New York. While frequently referred to as a singular dance style, Hip Hop dance is part of a whole culture of Hip Hop, that includes Deejaying, Graffiti, Emceeing, and Breaking.
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These 30-minute classes are offered for students 5 years and older. A background and exposure to jazz is preferred.
Lyrical and Contemporary
Lyrical dance is a style that combines ballet and jazz dancing techniques. It is performed to music with lyrics so that it inspires expression of strong emotions the choreographer feels from the lyrics of the song. This style concentrates on an individual approach and expressiveness of such emotions as love, joy, hurt, or anger.
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Contemporary dance is a style of expressive dance that combines elements of several dance genres including modern, jazz, lyrical, and classical ballet. Contemporary dancers strive to connect the mind and the body through fluid dance movements.
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These 30-minute classes are offered for ages 5 through adult.
Photo courtesy of Denis Nally Photography
Ballroom
This is an introduction to many styles of partner dance, Ballroom, Social and Latin dances.
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Youth Ballroom classes start at 7 years old, and it is a 30-minute class. Adult classes are one hour.
We also offer private classes, including wedding classes for the bride and groom or the wedding party.
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We also offer Yoga and Barre Fitness Classes!