DANCE DEPARTMENT

Full-Year Course Descriptions

 

Young Children’s Dance   

PreDance (3-41/2 y.o.): A fun, 45-minute class designed to teach elements of dance that are appropriate for this age. Each class consists of warm-up exercises to develop coordination and body awareness. Children learn basic traveling steps and practice moving as part of a group pattern. Tap dance is included to develop rhythm and counting.  Time is also set aside for creative, movement games. (Children must be 3 by September 1)

DanceExplore!  (41/2-5 y.o.) This hour long class is designed to expand on the natural joy of movement and creativity of older four and five year olds. After basic warm-ups, isolations, and stretches, students practice steps across the floor and in patterns. Special lessons and class themes are designed to build imagination and expressiveness in the students’ movement. Rhythm and music skills are taught through specific exercises and tap dance.

DanceWorks! (6 y.o./1^st grade): Dance Works offers young students the opportunity to explore more than one dance form in a single class. Tap, pre-ballet, and jazz are offered in back-to-back segments. Class work consists of more complex and detailed movement than in previous classes, while still allowing time for fun, creative exercises.

Creative Gymnastics: See class description below.

 

Youth, Teen, And Adult Dance

Jazz:  Jazz classes expose students to the many forms that make up this diverse genre of dance.  Students will study classic jazz technique, musical theater, tech hop, lyrical jazz, and contemporary jazz movement.  Jazz classes consist of warm-up, center work, and traveling progressions, which are all designed to increase flexibility, strength, and technique.  Classes will also include learning pieces of choreography and developing performance confidence and expression.

 

Hip Hop:  Hip hop is an upbeat, high energy street-style dance that incorporates some technical jazz elements.  Class includes a warm-up and combination.  Offered for youths and teens, both the music selections and the choreography are carefully tailored for the respective ages. 

 

Classical Ballet:  This Centuries old dance form, known for it’s grace and beauty, actually requires tremendous discipline, strength, and flexibility.  Based on clearly defined positions of the body, training requires patience and repetition or many years to acquire the strength and refinement necessary to master this beautiful art form.

Pointe:  Pointe work is an essential part of upper level ballet training.  Classes are offered to Intensive Track ballet students only.

 

 

Tap:  The Style of tap dance taught at Arts Rochester is jazz tap, also called rhythm tap.  Classes teach technique aimed at achieving good, clear sounds, while encourgaging individual expression through rhythm.  Dancers learn about musical structure and develop improvisation skills.

 

 

Creative Gymnasics:  For childrend ages 3-12, this creative gymnastics class focuses primarily on floor exercise.  Skill development incorporates use of a low balance beam, wedge shaped mats, an octagon and other padded foam equipment.  Balls, hoops, and ribbons in conjuction with music allow the gymnasts to explore their creative potential and challenge themselves in a positive, supportive, and creative atmosphere.

 

 

Modern Dance:  The emphasis of this class is on performing the modern dance technique of the Horton Method as seen danced by the performers of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.  This class will also explore improvisational techniques and partnering.

Additional Dance Programs

 

BellyDance:  Tuesdays 6:00-7:00 p.m.,  5-week sessions,   Cost: $50

Instructor:  Monica Haley

BellyDance is traditionally experienced as a form of social dance or entertainment. You will energize your body, mind, and spirit and express your femininity as you practice slow curving torso isolations and undulations, simple rhythmic foot work, smooth hip circles interspersed with percussive accents and fast shimmies. Music used in class is traditional Arabic music or Arabic-influenced music. Wear loose comfortable clothes. Children are welcome.  This is a full-year course.  Drop-ins allowed at drop-in rate. 

 

 

Ballroom/Social Dance

Instructor:  Joyce Goldstein

This course teaches several forms of social dancing done primarily for recreation or pleasure.  Social dance is good exercise and a great social outlet.  The dances taught are a combination of American and International styling.  Couples and singles are welcome.  Casual, loose fitting clothes and shoes with either suede or leather soles are recommended. 

 

Social Dance Level I – Wednesdays 6:00-7:00pm

Session I ~ Rhumba ~ Merengue

                  January 9, 16, 23, 30, Feb. 6

 Session II ~ Cha-Cha

                   February 13, 20, March 5, 12, 19

 Session III ~ Mambo~Salsa

                   March 26, April 2, 9, 16, 30

 

Social Dance Level II – Wednesdays 7:00-8:00pm

        Includes: Waltz ~ Foxtrot ~ Swing ~Tango ~ Rhumba ~ Mambo ~ Cha-Cha ~ Merengue ~ Samba ~ Hustle

(Same session dates as above)

                          

$60 per person for one session

$110 per person for two sessions

$150 per person for all three sessions

(minimum 3 couples per session)

 

Open Dance Party – Wednesday 6:30-8:00 pm

                                                                    May 7, 14, 21, 28

$6 per person

 

NEW!!!

Teen Ballroom Dance Class

Tuesdays 6:00-7:00      8 week session    

Instructor:  Jim Mastro

This class will share the fun and flash of swing dancing!  Grab a partner and join the craze.  Soon you’ll be dancing like the stars—or better!

Special student rate!  $40 per person

 

 

Youth Dance Ensemble

The Arts Rochester Dance Ensemble is comprised of students in the Intensive I, Intensive II, and upper level tap classes.  Dancers audition for the opportunity to perform with the Ensemble at such venues as The Plymouth State Dance Festival, Dance Rochester, and Prescott Park.  Additional policies and fees apply.  Please inquire.

 

                                                                                                        Yoga

These yoga classes are designed to stretch and strengthen your body as well as help you let go of the stresses of your day.  Relax as you learn to use your body, mind, and breath to decrease stress and increase your sense of well-being.  Wear loose or stretchable, comfortable clothing.  Yoga mat recommended.

 

THEATRE DEPARTMENT

 

Youth Theatre Classes

Through theatre games, improvisation, and movement, this class will help students build self confidence as well as learn more about themselves and the world around them.  Classes will share scenes and short plays with family and friends at the end of each semester.

 

Tracks of Study in Jazz and Ballet

 

Recreational Track (Levels I & II)

Recreational classes are designed for beginner and intermediate students from seven years of age to adult.  Dancers learn proper technique and etiquette.

 

Intensive Preparation Track

This is an introduction to the expectations of the Intensive Track.  The Intensive Prep program is designed for dancers who are interested in the Intensive Track, but may need more time to grow and prepare.  Intensive Prep dancers are required to take two ballet and two jazz classes a week.  They are also expected to perform in all Intensive Prep pieces in the end-of-year student concert Permission is required to study on this track.  Please contact a faculty member for further information.

 

Intensive Track (Levels I & II)

The Intensive Track is a series of classes for students who wish to make dance their primary extracurricular activity.  Students are held to a high standard of behavior and dance etiquette.  Intensive Track Jazz dancers are required to take at least 2 ballet classes per week.  Permission is required to study on this track.  Please contact a faculty member for further information.

Additional Policies for Intensive Track Students

It is very important for intensive track students to have excellent attendance.  Missing classes will delay skill development, and it’s an inconvenience for the instructor, especially when working on a piece of choreography.

*If a student is absent from the same class because of sickness more than two times in a semester, a doctor’s note will be required to miss another.

*Injured or ill but non-contagious students are expected to attend class, but may sit on the side and observe.

*Instructors may remove students from sections or entire pieces of choreography if too many classes or rehearsals have been missed.  It is not fair or safe for the other dancers when one dancer does not know the choreography.

*Schoolwork comes first, but it is expected that students learn to manage their time so that dance classes aren’t skipped for homework, etc.

 

MUSIC DEPARTMENT

 

Kindermusik     

Each Kindermusik class is a world of discovery and adventure. In every class, you'll witness your child's developmental evolution in language skills, literacy, listening, problem solving, social skills, self-esteem, and musicality. And it happens within a nurturing environment-full of energy, imagination, music, dancing, and playful delight. By adding new concepts and challenges along the way, each age-appropriate program acts as a stepping stone to the next-paving the way to a musical journey that can last seven magnificent, musical years.

 

 

Kindermusik Our Time (18 mos – 3 yrs):  Wiggles and Giggles     

Fridays 9:45-10:30         September 21-January 11           Tuition:  $150

 

The more than 30 songs, 15 dances, and eight different instruments create these unique music activities, designed to reflect the importance of movement in the life of a toddler. The double-CD set in your At Home Materials features 50 songs, sounds, and recordings of favorite activities from class, plus two story books to develop early literacy skills. Also included is a specially-made zig-zag block instrument to develop rhythm and hand-eye coordination.  Home materials fee for this class is $50.

 

Music & Motion (3-5 yrs old)     

Fridays 10:30-11:15       September 21-January 11           Tuition:  $150

 

This class is 45 minutes of music exploration, social interaction, and fun! Children ages 3-5 will discover musical concepts while expressing themselves through singing, creative movement, playing instruments, and dramatic play. Optional materials ($30) include a CD, songbook, and family activity

Time	Full Payment	2 Payments	Monthly  Payments
30 Minute	$765	$382.50	$90
45 Minute	$1147.50	$573.75	$135
60 Minute	$1530.00	$765.00	$180.00

 

Any missed lesson due to teacher absence or unscheduled

Arts Rochester closing will be made up.  Arrangements will be made with the teacher and student

 

Make-up Policy

Private students will be allowed one excused absence in a semester. A make-up week will be designated at the end of each semester. The make-up offered may either be a private lesson or a group class pending teacher discretion. Excused absences require 24 hour notice.