YOUTH TRAINING PROGRAM

Keeping a connection to the history of jazz dance, the DJD YTP jazz program places strong emphasis on fundamental jazz concepts/skills (rhythm, grounded execution, musical connection, full body movement, community, improvisation) and social vernacular aesthetics while also guiding students through an understanding of more codified jazz techniques.

Specific class attire requirements, for each class, will be emailed to families upon registration.

Within our Youth Training Program, ballet will provide a solid classical technique foundation that inspires whole dancers, not just future ballerinas. Students’ knowledge, skill level and movement vocabulary will progress each year within a classical ballet framework. Portions of the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus will be incorporated as well as unique additions within the freedom of individual teachers’ input and creativity. An emphasis will be placed on increasing self-discipline, self-confidence, co-ordination, musicality and grace.

Specific class attire requirements, for each class, will be emailed to families upon registration.

YTP modern dance will explore elements from Limon, Horton, and Graham techniques, as well as current contemporary and release forms. This class will challenge the dancer’s range of dynamics and self-expression, and students will learn improvisation, floor work, inversions, and age appropriate partnering skills. We will explore concepts such as weight, energy, breath, and space, all while developing solid, grounded technique.

Specific class attire requirements, for each class, will be emailed to families upon registration.

One of the primary core aesthetics of DJD’s work is rooted within West African dance, music, rhythms and history. Our YTP students are fortunate to add this grounding art form to their regular training and will provide important connections to the full understanding of the history of jazz dance.

Specific class attire requirements, for each class, will be emailed to families upon registration.

We believe that the understanding of foundational styles and proper execution go hand in hand with the development of personal style and hip hop swagger. Our instructors will bring their passion for hip hop culture to their students through the exploration of foundation hip hop styles.

Specific class attire requirements, for each class, will be emailed to families upon registration.

This class is a perfect supplement to all YTP classes. Thoughtful, age-appropriate stretch and conditioning techniques will be used to target specific areas of tightness/ weakness, strength development, landing mechanics and postural alignment. Students will learn that to perform at their highest level and reduce injuries, an integrated conditioning program is needed to develop functional strength, neuromuscular efficiency and is an integral part of the physical preparation for the performing arts. Students will be exposed to a variety of conditioning exercises from various techniques such as Pilates and Progressive Ballet Technique (PBT)

Specific class attire requirements, for each class, will be emailed to families upon registration.

An exciting highlight to any students’ classical ballet training, this class will prepare students to take their ballet skills to higher heights! This class will focus on kinesthetic awareness, structural alignment, safety precautions, musicality, grace and increasing physical strength and rotation.

Students will be assessed and invited to this class on an individual basis. Students can purchase pointe shoes only when their teacher recommends to do so or have come into the YTP already working on pointe.

Specific class attire requirements, for each class, will be emailed to families upon registration.