Class Descriptions
COMBO CLASSES (3-4yr, 5-6yr, 7-8yr)
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For 3-4yr olds, we offer Ballet/Tap and Ballet/Acro combo classes. Class is split into equal parts ballet and the second genre (acro or tap), as well as stretching, creative movement and rhythm exercises.
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For 5-6yr olds, we offer Ballet/Jazz/Tap and Ballet/Acro combo classes. For Ballet/Jazz/Tap, class is split into equal parts ballet and tap, with a smaller portion of time focused on jazz. For Ballet/Acro, class is split into equal parts ballet and acro. All 5-6yr classes also focus on stretching, creative movement and rhythm exercises.
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For 7-8yr olds, Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Acro are split into four separate classes. Your dancer can choose to participate in just 1 style, 2, 3 or all 4. Each class is 30 minutes.
LEVELED CLASSES (9yr+ Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Acro) - It’s important to understand that dancers may not advance to a new level each year. It’s normal for a dancer to spend multiple years in the same level to absorb the knowledge of technique required for each class, and show mastery at that level. See below for specific style descriptions.
*For Level I, if needed within each genre offered, we may divide dancers into Ia & Ib based on experience and age. Ia being the first class for younger or beginner students, and Ib for those with more experience, older students and those that are closer to progressing to Level II.
*We may also combine two or three levels of class at times, where dancers will be given options within class material that matches where they specifically fall. For example, Level I/II Acro, dancers will take class together but work on skills specific to their abilities throughout class as well.
BALLET - The basic foundation of all dance forms. Ballet is a theatrical representation of a story by means of dance or pantomimic action accompanied by music. It teaches proper carriage, placement, grace, & poise. Ballet is highly recommended as a compliment to all other styles of dance because the terminology and placement learned in Ballet quickens advancement in other classes. At age 9, dancers are placed in Leveled Ballet classes based on ability, not by age. Placement is determined by UTD Staff.
Other Ballet-themed classes include:
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PRE-POINTE (invite only) - This class is a pointe preparation class for serious ballet students interested in dancing en pointe. This is a 30-minute class that focuses on foot and ankle strengthening exercises, stretching and whole body control. These classes do not participate in our Spring Dance Recital. Dancers must be enrolled in a leveled Ballet class and be invited to pre-pointe by Ms. Cassidy or Ms. Angelica.
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POINTE (invite only: Leveled Classes I-IV) — These classes are for pointe students that have shown adequate physical strength, accurate technique, and necessary mental awareness to go en pointe. Dancers will perform exercises at the barre and in center, while executing proper ballet and pointe technique. Dancers must be enrolled in a leveled Ballet class and be invited to pointe by Ms. Cassidy or Ms. Angelica.
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VARIATIONS - Dancers will learn choreography from variations, which are solo ballet routines from full-length ballet productions. Variations class combines ballet technique, with stage presence, staging and pointe-work. These classes do not participate in our Spring Dance Recital. Dancers must be enrolled in a leveled Ballet class and leveled Pointe class, with a minimum of 1 year en pointe.
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BALLET & POINTE TECHNIQUE - In these classes, serious dancers will work on technique all year long and not participate in our Spring Dance Recital. Dancers must be enrolled in another leveled Ballet or Pointe class.
JAZZ - An American dance form which evolves and changes with the latest popular styles. It is characterized by the use of improvisation and is influenced by rhythms & techniques of jazz music. Students in this class are strongly encouraged to study Ballet as well. At age 9, dancers are placed in Leveled Jazz classes based on ability, not by age. Placement is determined by UTD Staff.
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JAZZ TECHNIQUE - In these classes, serious dancers will work on technique all year long and not participate in our Spring Dance Recital. Dancers must be enrolled in another leveled Jazz class.
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ADULT JAZZ - Now offering jazz class for adults! Dancers must be 18+yr and have any level of dance experience - beginner to advanced all welcome!
TAP - Your feet & the floor become a percussive instrument! This class will emphasize rhythm, timing, and the execution of proper tap technique through the use of special shoes with metal plates on the ball and heel of the foot. Challenging tempos and syncopation will be included at more advanced levels. Tap builds aerobic fitness as well as muscle control! At age 9, dancers are placed in Leveled Tap classes based on ability, not by age. Placement is determined by UTD Staff.
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ADULT TAP - Now offering tap class for adults! Dancers must be 18+yr and have any level of dance experience - beginner to advanced all welcome!
ACRO - Combining classical dance techniques with precision acrobatic elements, this class will increase a dancer's strength & flexibility. Students will learn smooth, graceful transitions between dance & acrobatic movements. Acro for 3-6yr dancers is offered in the Ballet/Acro combo class. At age 7, Acro can be chosen as a separate class. At age 9, Acro class placement is determined by ability, not by age. Placement is determined by UTD Staff.
DANCE TEAM TECHNIQUE - This class is open to any Dance Team dancer, either on a Team or wanting to tryout for a Team. Technique & styles used on Dance Teams will be covered including Pom, Jazz, Kick & Hip Hop. These classes do not participate in our Spring Dance Recital. Suggested for ages 10+/dancers entering Middle School and up.
COLLEGE DANCE TEAM PREP - For dancers that are established on a school Dance Team (at least 8th grade), we will work on progressing into advanced level skills to prepare for College Dance Team tryouts. Skills such as advanced turn sections, advanced hip hop tricks, pom techniques, etc. This class does not participate in our Spring Dance Recital. Ages 13+/dancers already on a school Dance Team wanting to prepare for the next level.
FLEX/TECH - This class is for the dancer looking for extra ways to enhance their technique! We will focus on strengthening, flexibility and control throughout all skills, and also incorporate cardiovascular fitness to improve dancers' stamina. These classes do not participate in our Spring Dance Recital. For ages 7+, all ages/levels are combined for Flex/Tech.
HIP HOP- Authentic dance expression which combines high energy street movements with funk and jazz technique. This style of dance has evolved from hip hop culture and is often improvisational, or freestyle in nature. Similar to what is seen in music videos, it is a very energetic form of dancing, allowing students the freedom of movement, and the ability to add in their own unique personalities. This class is a favorite among the students! Class placement for Hip Hop is determined by age: 3-4yr, 5-8yr, 9-12yr and 13+yr.
LYRICAL/MODERN - Lyrical dance is an emotional dance style that combines ballet & jazz dance techniques. Dancers learn to connect movements with smooth transitions and interpret the lyrics & meaning of a song. Modern is a dance form developed in the early 20th century based on the expression of art, music, & human emotion. It is a more relaxed, free style of dancing, with a deliberate use of gravity to enhance movement. It is recommend that dancers also take ballet and jazz class to learn terminology that will be used in modern dance. Class placement for Lyrical/Modern is determined by age: 5-8yr, 9-12yr and 13+yr.
MUSICAL THEATRE DANCE - In this exciting class, students will learn combinations from musicals, old & new! Using props, characterization, and unique staging, dancers will get the opportunity to recreate the "Best of Broadway.” Class placement for Musical Theatre Dance is determined by age. Currently, we are only offering age 5-10yr.
*If you have a question regarding which class to place your child in, please email the Director Cassidy Moss, at cassidy@unitedtalentky.com