Curriculum

DSD is devoted to educating in a nurturing/positive atmosphere, therefore all placements for the first month are tentative to ensure the best class for your child. Private lessons available.

FUNdamentals of Dance I and II – Ages 4-6. 45 minute classes. Our FUNdamentals of Dance  program offers a fun, guided way for children aged 4-6 to explore dance through classes that encourage an exploration of movement in a safe and non-competitive environment. Our trained faculty introduces children to basic dance steps while developing motor skills, strength, balance and flexibility. We also work on social skills such as taking turns and following directions, as well as musicality, creativity, and joy in movement.

Ballet –A highly stylized form of dance using intricate steps and expressive gestures that promotes strength, flexibility and discipline.   Students begin their classical ballet training with an emphasis on technique and artistry.  Progressing through these levels may take more than one year at each level.

  • Preballet – Ages 6- 7. 45 minute classes. Students will begin to develop ballet vocabulary and to understand the flow of ballet class while also exploring creative games. Students will also work towards establishing class deportment and behavior appropriate for ballet class.
  • Intro to Ballet – Ages 7 and up. 60 minute classes. An introduction to the elements of classical ballet consisting of basic barre work and terminology.
  • Ballet I – Ages 8 and up. 60 minute classes.
  • Ballet II – Ages 9 and up. 60-90 minute classes. Pre-requisite Ballet I or equivalent. Ballet II dancers are required to take two ballet classes per week.
  • Ballet III – Ages 9 and up. 90 minute classes. Pre-requisite Ballet II or equivalent.Ballet III dancers must be taking two ballet classes a week.
  • Ballet IV – Ages 10 and up. 75-120 minute classes. Pre-requisite Ballet III or equivalent.Ballet IV dancers are required to take a minimum three ballet classes a week.
  • Pre-Pointe/Pointe – Ages 10 and up. Pre-requisite Ballet II or equivalent.Pointe is a component of classical ballet training and places even greater demands on the dancer’s body. It is necessary for dancers wanting to progress to this more advanced level to take a minimum of two ballet classes a week, and as they progress increasing their ballet classes to at least three a week.
  • Preteen Ballet – Ages 9-12. 60 minute classes. Designed for dancers who prefer to take class once a week.
  • Ballet for Teens – Ages 13 and up. 75 minute classes. For dancers 13 and up new to ballet or not current in the basics.
  • Adult Ballet – Ages 18 and up. 60 minute classes. For dancers 13 and up new to ballet or not current in the basics.

 Jazz/Prejazz –An expression through movement of feelings created by modern music that promotes rhythm, flexibility and strength. It emphasizes jazz movements, in a range of styles to include, but not limited to, traditional jazz, contemporary, theatrical and street jazz.  All dancers must be enrolled in ballet except for the Jazz Fundamentals class.

  • Pre Jazz- Ages 7 and up. 30 minutes. Designed for students who are ready add in jazz to their dance vocabulary. Must be enrolled in Ballet I or the equivalent.
  • Jazz II- Ages 8 and up. 60 minutes. Must be enrolled in Ballet II or higher.
  • Jazz III-Ages 9 and up. 60 minutes. Must be enrolled in Ballet III or higher.
  • Jazz IV- Ages 10 and up. 90 minutes. Must be enrolled in Ballet IV or higher.
  • Jazz Fundamentals. Ages 8 and up. 60 minutes. Designed for the more casual dancer that enjoys dance for fun or fitness or to support other activities such as theatre, cheerleading, color guard, and other athletics.

Modern – Ages 12 and up. 60 minute classes.  Expressive dance based on a rebellion against the structure of ballet.  Horton (popularized by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater) and Hawkins techniques are emphasized with a basic introduction to other classical modern dance techniques. Previous dance experience required.