Class Levels & Descriptions

Adult & Teen Class Levels

There are classes especially for teens (13-17 yrs), however they may also participate in adult classes at the appropriate level.

Intro (Teen Beginner)

For dancers with little or no previous dance experience. Learn the basics of technique, as well as an introduction to rhythms and movements.

Level 1 and 1.5 (Teen Intermediate)

For those with at least one full year at the introductory level, who are ready for further exploration at a faster pace. Level 1.5 will move students a little faster and is for those with a minimum of one full year at Level 1.

Level 2 and 2.5 (Teen Advanced)

Designed to build solid technique and good form. Work is increasingly complex and quickly paced. Level 2 is for students with a minimum of two full years at Level 1. Level 2.5 is for students with at least one to two full years at Level 2, who are not quite ready to move to Level 3

Level 3

For dancers with solid technique and considerable experience in the appropriate dance form. Jazz dancers at this level who are new to the DJD style may be recommended to register in Jazz 2 or 2.5

Level 4

FAST! For advanced students or professional dancers. Students must have approval from the Artistic Director or Dance School Principal, or will be placed in appropriate level after the first class.

Please Note: For the safety and enjoyment of all, and for the proper progression of the class, students at the wrong level will be moved to a more appropriate level during the first few classes of the session.

Adult & Teen Class Descriptions

Afrofunk - Experience the energetic blend of West African dance witht he funk and hip hop grooves of today.

Ballet - This class will provide students with the correct tools to enhance posture, strength, flexibility and alignment.
All in a fun and encouraging enviroment.

Bollywood - This class is designed to incorporate the latest Bollywood and Indo-jazz style of choreography to high energy dance songs and is designed for teens and adults at all levels and abilities.

Bolly Hip Hop - Bollywood music and hip-hop traditionally involve a lot of rhythm and beats. Get ready to Bolly Hip Hop (fusion of Bollywood dancing and hip hop) on Bollywood Music. Bollywood dancing has an excellent component of exercise in it. Now mix it with Hip Hop and you will leave feeling pumped up and energized!

Breaking - Hit the floor and learn this street dance foundation. A physical class that challenges students to support themselves on hands and body parts other than the feet. Indoor runners are required, and knee pads and wrist supports are recommended.

Brazilian - Experience the incredible variety of dances from Brazil. Dances taught will include, Samba no pe (Rio
Samba Schools style), Samba Reggae, Swing Baiano, Orixas dances, Maracatu, Coco and Jongo.

Capoeira - Capoeira is a Bazilian art form that combines martial arts, music, acrobatics, and dance. Students will be led through the absolute fundamentals of Capoeira, incorporating kicks, escapes, balance, fexability, self defense, and attacks.

Drumming - This class will introduce and guide you through the techniques and rhythms of West African drumming.
Please bring a djembe. Drum rentals are available through Long and McQuade.

Funk - Using funk and popular dance music, this class explores a fusion of jazz, hip hop and popular dance with each teacher exploring a different slant to the funk groove. Guaranteed to make you sweat, certain to groove you up.

Funk Fusions: This class is an energetic fusion of groovy funky styles comprised of influences from African, Afro-
Cuban, jazz, hip-hop, house and funk dance.

Funk Styles: Explore dance styles that came out of the funk music era such as: locking, popping and social dance
moves of the time. Focus will be on locking and social grooves with an intro to popping and boogaloo.

Gyrokenisis - Gyrokenisis is an exciting exercise method suitable for all levels. This form embraces key principles also found in Kudalini yoga and Tai-Chi. The technique is practiced on a stool and a mat and moves from sitting and lying down to standing.

Hip Hop - Delve into the culture, music and dance that is Hip Hop. Elements of poppin', lockin', uprock, and breakin' will be explored in their pure form.

House - A dance style born in the clubs of Chicago and New York in the 1980’s, House takes from many different dance styles including African, Latin, Brazilian, jazz and tap. Danced to House music, this high energy class will introduce its main styles including footwork and jacking, but will also emphasize footwork and the inherent improvisational nature of the dance.

Jazz - Maintaining a connection to the history of jazz dance, DJD's style of jazz places strong emphasis on rhythm, a grounded style and natural jazz feel. Draw from basic dance techniques and skills within the jazz context along with vernacular (social) dance steps from the early days of jazz.

Jazz/Funk: A jazz class that combines elements of both a funk and a jazz class concentrating on finding a funk     groove and developing personal style.

Modern - Based on the body's response to gravity, modern uses the torso and head to guide movement. Basic principles of fall/rebound are explored in seated, standing and traveling work. Personal style and freedom to explore dynamic range are strongly encouraged.

Musical Theatre - This class will provide students the opportunity to explore acting and simple technique & movement
for musical theatre. Students will explore songs and movement from current and classic musicals, such as Grease, Fame, A Chorus Line, and Wicked- just to name a few. Learn exciting choreography inspired by original songs, and the art of performance all while working up a sweat!

Swing - A class that will swing to the sweet sounds of musical artists like Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald and more. Come learn some classic swing moves and dances from the 1930’s and 40’s.

Tap - Come 'shuffle off to Buffalo', 'flap', 'riff', and 'roll'. Tap is the ultimate in rhythm training, a wonderful tradition that is easy on the body and loads of fun!

West African - Come explore the roots of jazz! Join our well-traveled teaching team and immerse yourself in the rhythms, dances and songs of West Africa. Some exploration of movement from other places such as Haiti, Cuba and Brazil may be included.