North Shore Performing Arts Center

Class Descriptions

BALLET (All Ages) is to dance what reading is to every other subject in school. In dance, all subjects benefit from solid ballet training. It provides thorough training and foundation. Placement is determined by the Director. DRESSCODE - Black leotard, pink tights, and pink ballet slippers (no warm-ups allowed)

CONTEMPORARY (Ages 8 & older) is for students with ballet and jazz training. Contemporary dance draws on modern dance techniques as well as newer philosophies of movement that depart from classical dance techniques by altogether omitting structured form and movement. Requires ballet be taken concurrently. DRESSCODE -Black leotard, tan or black tights, black dance shorts or pants, barefeet

HIP HOP (Ages 7 & older) is a fun, fast paced class that focuses on trendy, video style dance. DRESSCODE - white short-sleeved tee shirt or tank top, black shorts, black hip hop sneakers

IMPROV (Ages 8 & older) students will explore the process of interpreting music into movement by creating their own choreography. Students will explore various music and dance styles. DRESSCODE -Black leotard, tan or black tights, black dance shorts or pants, tan jazz shoes

JAZZ (Ages 6 & older) is an energetic class with a variety of styles and music. Jazz combines solid dance technique with fun and challenging combinations. DRESSCODE -Black leotard, tan or black tights, black dance shorts or pants, tan jazz shoes

LATIN STREET DANCE (adults) Drop-In dance class for adults. Learn 'club legal' dancing! This isn't a ballroom class so no partners are required. This is a high energy beginning basics class. Come learn the Bachata, Salsa, Chachacha, Merengue, Samba, African, and even a little hip hop. No dresscode but dress to sweat & bring water.

LYRICAL (Ages 11 & older) has its primary basis in ballet, combining the many technical elements of classical ballet with aspects of jazz, contemporary, and modern dance. It is typically considered a sub-category of jazz and/or contemporary dance. Lyrical dance is expressive focused on conveying musicality and emotion through movement. Requires ballet be taken concurrently. DRESSCODE -Black leotard, tan or black tights, black dance shorts or pants, tan jazz shoes

MINI MOVEMENT (Ages 3 - 4) is for our youngest students and provides a fun introduction to basic dance principles and rhythm. DRESSCODE - Black leotard, pink tights, and pink ballet slippers

MUSICAL THEATRE DANCE (Ages 8 & older) is the telling of a story through dance. Students will work on characterization through highly stylized dance styles often found on Broadway. While not an acting class, students will explore elements in acting to enhance their performance. DRESSCODE -Black leotard, tan or black tights, black dance shorts or pants, tan jazz shoes

POINTE is for students who are more serious about dance and who have had a good amount of ballet training. Pointe training requires 3 ballet classes plus pointe training each week. Many factors determine when a student is ready for pointe. Please discuss this with your ballet teacher. Pointe class is not a substitute for ballet training, but an extension of that training. DRESSCODE - Black leotard, pink tights, and pink pointe shoes (no warm-ups allowed)

TAP (Ages 5 & older) is a fantastic way to improve rhythm and coordination. It adds the element of sound so we teach our students how to count sounds. Students learn to make clear, correct sounds. DRESSCODE -Black leotard, tan or black tights, black dance shorts or pants, tan tap shoes

TECHNIQUE (Ages 8 & older) concentrates on the techical aspects of leaps, jumps, turns, and other advanced skills. The student develops balance, strength, elevation, and body alignment. DRESSCODE -Black leotard, tan or black tights, black dance shorts or pants, tan jazz shoes

VOICE (Ages 11 & older) is offered as private, semi private, or group class. Students work on the fundamentals of vocal technique, including projection and breathing. Private and semi private study is tailored to the individual student. DRESSCODE -Street clothes

A NOTE ABOUT SHOES Be sure to purchase non marking soles and test them on our sample piece of dance floor before entering the studio. Dance shoes are not to be worn outside, and no dyed shoes are allowed in the studio. If you are taking voice, please bring a pair of socks.