| In an effort to enhance each dancer's experience at Escalate, we use a system of Levels that will encourage but also challenge the dancer to take their potential to the top. Please note that if you sign up your child for a level they should not be in, we will advise you what level we feel is best for them. |
| LEVEL 1: This level is for the new dancer who is just starting to take classes. The steps and language will be taught at a slower pace allowing the dancer to receive adequate training to move up to Level 2. Please note that while student in Level 1 are generally younger, it is not always the case. |
| LEVEL 2: This level is for the dancer who has some basic dance knowledge but who is still learning proper technique. Teachers will move at a quicker pace than is Level 1 which will encourage the students to challenge themselves. |
| LEVEL 3: This level is for the dancer who is skilled in the basic concepts of dance. In this level choreography will be taught while encouraging the dancer to continue learning advanced technique. This level is designed for students who have taken classes before but who may not be at an advanced level. |
| LEVEL 4: This level is for the most advanced dancer. Choreography will be taught that will encourage and challenge the dancer who has already had adequate training. Dancers will need to know proper technique as well as the proper names for dance moves in this level. Please note that most of the Level 4 classes require an audition or meeting with the instructor. Level 4 dancers will have more performance opportunities. |
ACTING/IMPROV: We are all already accomplished geniuses and stellar actors. After all, improvisation is a skill we use everyday. We generate our own unscripted dialogue with everyone we meet. We all re-act to outside stimuli and hopefully take appropriate action. Our own motivations and interests within any given moment also shape the ways we inter-act with our world. Our acting classes are designed for the development of the student, both on and off the stage. Social interaction, exercising creativity, self-confidence building and experiencing success are additional effects of the theatrical “play” included in each class. As student theatrical knowledge and maturity level rises, so will the concentration on developing meaning through theatrical exercise and character. In Improvisation class, students will be introduced to games that identify common rules of play to aid in unscripted story development. The tricks, tips and rules of play for improvisation on the stage can be directly applied to our "real life" interactions with great success. |
BALLET: Ballet Technique - Ballet is the foundation of all dance. Students will concentrate on technique at the barre and learn fundamental ballet movements. Ballet vocabulary, proper body placement and expression will also be emphasized. Class begins with warm-up exercises at the barre. It continues with center steps in slow and fast tempi. The last part of class moves across the floor in turns, jumps, and combinations. *All Ballet Technique and Ballet Production students are required to wear a black leotard, pink tights and ballet shoes* Ballet 1- Focuses on the fundamentals of ballet including vocabulary, body positions and alignment. Class will include ballet barre, center floor work and across the floor combinations. Ballet 2- Pre-requisite: Proficient in the concepts and expectations of "Ballet 1". Continues development of ballet vocabulary with emphasis on building strength, technique and expression. More advanced techniques are introduced. By the end of Ballet 2 students will be proficient and consistent in basic feet, leg and arm positions independently. Class will include ballet barre, center floor work and across the floor combinations. Ballet 3- Pre-requisite: Proficient in the concepts and expectations of "Ballet 2". Emphasis is placed on the development and strengthening of ballet skills with a continuation of more advanced ballet techniques and terminology. Designed for the serious dancer who wishes to progress to an advanced level of proficiency. Class will include ballet barre, center floor work and across the floor combinations. Pointe Technique - This class is designed for female students age 12 and over with several years of ballet experience. It begins at the barre. Gradually, dancers develop strength to balance, to turn, and to prepare for partnering. Ballet Production- This class is designed for the dancer that enjoys both the technical and performing aspects of ballet. Students will be working on classical ballet choreography while focusing on balance, poise, grace, correct posture and body carriage. This ballet class will be performing in the recital and is by audition/invitation only. Call the studio to set-up an audition time. |
| BROADWAY/JAZZ: This class is great for those students who enjoy musical theater, but want more intense training is Broadway style jazz. Students will learn dance numbers from different Broadway shows and increase their level of confidence as a dancer. This class will help prepare those students who want to pursue a career in theater with their knowledge of Broadway shows and dance styles. |
| HIP HOP: Learn movements inspired by the elements of hip hop dance; popping, locking, funk, breaking and freestyle. Be ready to learn all the latest dance steps for what’s hot, what’s cool, what’s retro, what’s new! (back to top) |
| ADULT HIP HOP: Learn all the latest dance steps for what’s hot, what’s cool, what’s retro, what’s new. This exciting and energetic class will cover all the funky premier hip-hop styles through warm-ups, combinations and routines. (back to top) |
| IRISH DANCE: Following the curriculum of Cumann Rince Naisiunta, Erin Cooney teaches various levels of traditional Irish Solo Dances in softshoe and hardshoe. Dancers learn Reels, Slip Jigs, Single Jigs and Light Jigs in the softshoe classes and Heavy Jigs, Hornpipes and Set Dances in the hardshoe classes. Traditional Ceili Dances are taught in the Ceili Team class. |
| JAZZ: Jazz helps build energy, strength and balance. This class will include warm-ups, basic ballet technique for body placement and alignment, leaps, turns, isolations and footwork. Musicality combinations, syncopation and dynamic shifts will also be introduced. (back to top) |
| JAZZ/HIP HOP: Hip Hop dance is jazz with a funky/athletic flair, the class will consist of some jazz skills such as jumps and turns and will focus on the individuality of each dancer. This class is high energy and is taught to the latest hip-hop style music. (back to top) |
| MUSICAL THEATER TRAINING PROGRAM (MTTP): Our intention with MTTP is to offer students with multiple interests an opportunity for a more comprehensive and higher caliber of training. This class will support dance, theater and vocal training while working toward authentic performances. Students recieve 1 hour of master classes every Monday, 3 hours of class each Saturday and up to 2 additional classes per week. This program is by audition only. (back to top) |
| MUSICAL THEATER: Our musical theatre class combines singing, dancing and acting through fun warm-ups, exercises, and routines. The students will learn to express themselves and become more comfortable performing. Join us for this high-energy, fun-filled musical extravaganza. (back to top) |
| LYRICAL: Lyrical dance is a fusion of ballet and jazz dance techniques that attempts to show the meaning of the music. This dance style will challenge students to use motion to interpret music and express emotion. Students will learn connected and flowing movements to tell the story of the music and express inner emotion. This emotional expression is a critical element of lyrical dance. (back to top) |
| SPECIALTY CLASS: This is a dance class designed specifically for children with special needs. |
| TAP: Students will learn basic rhythmic skills, shuffles, flaps, weight changes, foot articulation and basic time steps. Overall dance coordination will also be taught. This is a fun, fast paced class that appeals to dancers of all ages! (back to top) |
| VOICE 1: Designed for students who enjoy singing but with little or no voice experience. Students will work on proper breathing, diction, posture and basic vocal technique while learning some of their favorite Broadway songs! |
| VOICE 2: Designed for students who have completed level 1 or have had previous choir/vocal experience. Students will continue to work on proper breathing, diction, posture and vocal technique as well as phrasing, sight reading and harmonizing! |
