PROGRAMS  Our programs are not only based on technique, but we strive to incorporate the history, faces, and choreographed works of each discipline. A well-rounded dance education for the serious and recreational dancer is our goal. We understand that our students are all in class for different reasons: for exercise and fun, or to train in a serious atmosphere for college and beyond. Our controlled class sizes aim to meet the various needs of every student. Dancers enrolling in Adult classes must be Age 18 or over, and must be out of high school. Music, Movement and Play: For children ages 2-3 (Child must be 2 years old by first class), a six week class with a maximum enrollment of 6 children per class. Children are not required to be potty trained and there is no recital performance. Children wear comfortable loose fitting play clothing (no jeans please) and have bare feet (absolutely no socks or tights allowed on floor for safety reasons). Children will warm-up, group games, parachute activities, mat activities, bean bag activities, Finger plays, musical instruments, songs, props, a cool down, and much more. Children will learn: Signing, dancing, movement games, and activities that promote balance, motor control and coordination. These activities will provide powerful tools that impact your child's physical, social, emotional and intellectual development too. The class will encourage self-esteem and cooperation with non-competitive experiences. They'll also have an opportunity to learn social skills as they have fun interacting with peers and meeting new friends. Parents are encouraged to allow their child to enter the class room and experience the class without them. This will aid in parent/child separation situations and allow the child to develop social skills and interact with peers. (we do understand that some parents may need to be present with the initial “drop off”, but are encouraged to remove themselves from the class as quickly as they are able to.) The last class of the session will be an observation class, where parents, friends, and family may observe the class.  Creative Movement: Creative Movement is a fun way for children ages 3-5 to explore movement through music, develop motor skills, coordination, channel energy, stimulate imagination and promote creativity. Creative movement uses body actions to communicate an image (the wind), communicate an idea (a journey) or communicate a feeling (strength). Creative Movement provides children with opportunities for noncompetitive, success-oriented and creative experiences. Using music throughout the class with props like streamers, maracas and other aids, the learning experience is fun and intriguing. Through movement, children learn about their bodies, the space around them, and each other. Creative movement activities encourage all children to participate. Both boys and girls enjoy these classes. We require that children be potty-trained before enrolling in Creative Movement. There is a maximum allowed enrollment of 8 dancers in each Creative Movement class so that every dancer receives individual attention in a controlled environment. Ballet: The base of all forms of dance, Ballet technique consists of stylized and controlled movements and positions, which develops ultimate strength and flexibility. We follow the Cechetti syllabus of ballet. Ballet is beneficial at any age, and is a safe form of exercise and building strength. We strongly encourage all of our students enrolled in more than one form of dance to study ballet, as the technique is found in every dance class. Tap: Tap combines Irish Step dancing, African dance, ballet, jazz, and social dances together to form a style of dance incorporating timing and rhythms. This enables the tap dancer to develop a musical instrument with the aid of tap shoes: their feet. Even if you think you or your child have no rhythm, tap dance is for you! Ballet/Tap Combo and Ballet/Jazz Combo (Ages 5 through 8): A one-hour class that splits study into two: ½ hour of ballet and a ½ hour of tap or jazz, to give young beginners the opportunity to study both disciplines in one class. Ballet/Tap or Jazz Combo Level I performs a ballet piece in our annual recital and Ballet/Tap or Jazz Combo Level II performs a tap piece in our annual recital. Jazz: Jazz is a combination of a variety of styles of dance: ballet, African dance, Musical Theater, Modern, and social dances. Jazz dance has a firm technique and strength base, allowing for individualized movement. Jazz is a great form of dance for any age, developing strength and flexibility. Students of jazz are strongly encouraged to study ballet simultaneously for the best possible jazz dance experience. Lyrical: Our program combines ballet, modern and jazz technique to interpret music through choreography. The dancers learn to tell a story or convey a message through expression and movement that is fluid, smooth and controlled. Students of Lyrical must have studied at least one year of ballet and we recommend that they also be currently enrolled in a ballet class. Modern: Students are taught the techniques and styles of Isadora Duncan, Martha Graham, Horton, Jose Limon, and more. Modern dance evolved as dancers found the need to break away from the rigidity of Classical Ballet and express themselves using a freer style. Modern Dance is characterized by its bending of the spine into spirals and contractions as well as the use of off-center movement such as tilts and layouts. It lends itself to various types of music including Classical and New Age. Hip-Hop: Hip-Hop combines the latest moves in street dance, break-dancing, and urban funk, commonly seen in music videos. Hip-Hop is a great aerobic workout that develops strength and flexibility. Hip-Hop is constantly changing, and new styles are regularly incorporated into classes..Irish Step Dance:You’ve seen Riverdance and Lord of the Dance, now come learn the basics of Irish Dance! This form of dance expresses a unique cultural history and is casual, fun, and great exercise! Students will enjoy the movement and music of this upbeat form of dance. Students will learn both individual (Irish Step) and group (Irish Ceili) dances, while also learning about Irish dance terms and music.   African: This form of dance reflects the historical and cultural experience from various countries throughout the Africa Diaspora. After a warm-up and stretching session, the dancing begins with the African dance steps broken down into an easy to follow format. Each class provides a great cardiovascular workout in a fun-filled high-energy environment.   Musical Theater: Our Musical Theater Dance program incorporates the stylized movements found on the Broadway stage of yesterday and today. Students study the styles of Bob Fosse, Jerome Robbins and more, incorporating facial expressions and musical interpretations. Musical Theater students must have had at least one year of dance training, and are encouraged to also study ballet and jazz for the best possible experience. Acro: Acrobatic movements are combined with dance steps as students learn the fundamentals of movement and timing with tumbling.This class focuses on strength, flexibility, and skills in balance and support, rotation and springing/landing utilizing them in an aesthetic and athletic dance context. Students will learn headstands, handstands, cartwheels, all basic rolls and positions, traveling and turning jumps and walkovers. These skills transfer easily to such activities as cheerleading and gymnastics. Teacher Assistant Program (“TAP”): Students interested in developing teaching skills may apply to our Teacher Assistant Program. Students must be at least 14 years old, study at least two different forms of dance, able to attend monthly meetings with DDC Staff, and commit to the entire September-June session to participate in the program. TAP members receive a discount on their tuition.