NorthRidge Dance Conservatory

Class Descriptions

Creative Dance  (Age 3)
In a nurturing, playful and structured environment, young children are introduced to the fundamentals of dance and physical expression.  Coordination, balance, musicality, group dynamics and basic ballet movements are explored in this 45-minute class.  We will allow entrance the month in which your child turns three years old.  Recommended classes per week:  1.

Combo I  (Age 4)
Basic technique in ballet and tap are introduced in this structured 45 minute class.  Rhythm, balance, flexibility, coordination and self-expression are taught in a focused and fun environment.  Recommended classes per week:  1.

Combo II  (Age 5 or previous experience in Combo I)
Basic technique in ballet and tap as described in Combo I is presented and explored in a one hour class.  Closer attention to technique is introduced in a structured and fun class.  Recommended classes per week:  1.

PreBallet (Age 5)
Introduction of basic ballet techniques is presented in a 45-minute class.  The traditional order of a ballet class is followed with barre, center, and floor exercises.  Attention to musicality, etiquette, vocabulary and proper placement is taught in a playful but structured environment.  Recommended classes per week:  1.

Ballet I  (Age 6)
Introduction of basic ballet techniques is presented in a one hour class.  The traditional order of a ballet class is followed with barre, stretch, and center floor exercises.  Attention to etiquette, vocabulary and proper placement is taught in a structured and fun environment.  Recommended classes per week:  1.

Ballet II  (Ages 7-10)
Ballet II will focus more intently on the format of a complete ballet class, turning the attention toward specificity of positions of the feet, legs and arms at the barre and bringing that awareness to centre work.  More advanced terminology will be introduced as the young dancers begin to apply the isolated movements they have learned, and begin to connect and move through them in the centre and across the floor.  Musicality and performance quality will be more acutely introduced and employed.  Students attending this class are required to have taken Ballet I or an approved equivalent.  Recommended classes per week:  1.

Ballet III/IV  (Ages 10 and up)
Students in Ballet III/IV will be focusing in on continued building of technique, more advanced barre and centre exercises, an increase of jumping and turning, and an emphasis on moving through positions and steps efficiently and fluidly.  Attention will be on strengthening turnout, feet and ankles at the barre in preparation for pre-pointe work for students considered physically ready.  Alignment and proper placement will be strongly reinforced and musicality and performance quality will be a primary focus. Students attending this class are required to have taken Ballet II or an approved equivalent.  Recommended classes per week:  1-3. (Another technique such as modern, jazz or hip-hop recommended to encourage range and versatility.)

Teen Ballet Basics  (Ages 11-16)
A class designed for the older child who has never taken ballet before or, if they have, it has been many years.  In a relaxed but traditional classroom, students are introduced to basic ballet technique at barre and in centre, vocabulary and etiquette in an environment suited to their age.  Emphasis will be on alignment, turnout and proper placement, as well as the importance of flexibility, strength and fluidity.  Recommended classes per week:  1.  Note:  If showing proper advancement, students may add a Ballet III class with their teacher’s permission.

Introduction to Pointe  (Ages 12-18)
This class is for students who have been asked to participate based upon their subsequent training, body awareness and high level of strength and control.  Students are either new to pointe or preparing to go on pointe.  Most of the class will focus on strength, alignment and balancing exercises at the barre with minimal centre work to start.  Participation will be assessed at the instructor’s discretion.  Recommended classes per week:  1 along with 3 ballet technique classes or 2 ballet technique classes and 1 jazz or modern technique class.

Ballet IV  (Ages 12-18)
Students in Ballet IV should come with a high level of awareness of turnout, proper alignment and strong technique.  More intricate barre and centre exercises will be employed, along with combinations, which nurture building a high level of strength, flexibility, head/arm coordination and performance quality.  Students attending this class are required to have taken Ballet III or an approved equivalent.  Recommended classes per week:  2-3 ballet technique classes. This may include pre-pointe. (Another technique such as modern, jazz or hip-hop recommended to encourage range and versatility.)

Ballet V (Ages 12 and older)
Students in Ballet V/VI are expected to come with a very high level of technique, a broad knowledge and proficiency at centre work and a great willingness to explore and expound upon individual artistic expression.   Students attending this class are required to take Ballet IV or an approved equivalent.  Recommended classes per week:  3 ballet technique classes or 2 ballet technique classes and 1 jazz or modern technique class.

Ballet VI (Ages 14 and older)
Students in Ballet VI are expected to come with a very high level of technique, a broad knowledge of adagio, petite and grand allegro and a great willingness to expound upon technical and artistic components of their training. Recommended classes per week: 3 ballet technique classes or 2 ballet technique classes and 1 jazz or modern technique class.

Pointe/Variations  (Ages 12 and older)
An advanced level pointe class for students in Ballet VI where technique, artistry and performance quality are emphasized.  Performance pieces, both classical and contemporary, will be rehearsed throughout the year.  Student choreography will be encouraged in this class. Participation will be assessed at the instructor’s discretion.  Recommended classes per week:  1-2 with the required 3-4 ballet technique classes.

Adult Ballet  (older teens and adults)
A beginning to intermediate class designed for adults. Ballet is taught in a relaxed, fun but traditional classroom.  Stretching, barre, center floor, grande allegro and combinations are presented with vocabulary and proper placement.  No experience necessary.

Conditioning
The conditioning class will be half flow/Iyengar yoga (with poses broken down and explained) and half pilates/core strengthening work, and 5-10 minutes of cool down and stretching at the end.  This class will be modified depending on its participants and what they need/want to work on.  Conditioning class is open to ALL levels. Both students and parents welcome.

Horton Modern Technique
"I am sincerely trying to create a dance technique based entirely upon corrective exercises, created with a knowledge of human anatomy; a technique which will prepare a dancer for any type of dancing s(he) may wish to follow, a technique having all the basic movements which govern the actions of the body, combined with a knowledge of the origin of the movement and a sense of artistic design."  ~Lester Horton (1901-1953)

General information about the Horton technique:
The Horton technique is based on native American dances and anatomical studies designed to correct and improve dancers’ physical limitations so that they have the strength, flexibility and dynamics to pursue any form of dance.  Clearly defined shapes and lines characterize this technique; creating length and strength in the spine, core and hamstrings.  Power, extension, lyricism, fluidity and versatility are strongly expressed here.  This technique was set by using students with diverse physiologies to develop movement that works to broaden a dancer’s range, not define or limit it.

Modern I
This is a Horton-based modern dance class which slowly and clearly introduces the formal Horton warm-up and some center practices which initiate younger dancers to parallel position, long, clean lines and shapes, along with musicality and dynamic expression.  The studies covered in this class promote stretching and strengthening many different areas of the bodies, and propelling the body through space with power, precision and focus.  Dancers considering this class should come with strong ballet technique and be 11 years of age or older.  Participation is contingent upon assessment by the instructor.

Modern II
This is a Horton-based modern dance class which slowly and clearly introduces the formal Horton warm-up and some center practices which initiate more advanced level dancers to parallel position, long, clean lines and shapes, along with musicality and dynamic expression at a slightly faster pace. The format is the same as above, with the addition of more variations, and the need for a higher level of body consciousness, discipline, concentration and focus.  Dancers considering this class should come with very strong ballet technique and be above 12 years of age.  Participation is contingent upon assessment by the instructor.

Tap I (Age 6+)
Put that Beat in Your Feet! This energetic class will focus on tap FUNdamentals and proper body placement but not without the fun!  Using early jazz music along with today’s Top 40, students will learn to recognize the downbeat and begin to understand musicality. Tap history is also an element of Tap 1 and students will be exposed to historic repertoire like the Shim Sham Shimmy and time steps and will learn the fundamentals of Improvisation.  Students will begin to understand that it is tap DANCE, not tap STIFF!

Tap II  (Age 9 or one year of Tap I)
Get into the Rhythm! Tap II expands on the knowledge learned in Tap I with more complicated FUNdamental steps and learn to incorporate rhythm changes like swing and syncopation.  Students will begin to perform 2-4 bar improvisations as they deepen their musicality.  History is not forgotten as classic and modern film clips are viewed and used for inspiration.  All types of music from early jazz to today’s Top 40 will be used along with student chosen music.

Elementary Jazz (Age 6-10)
A joyful celebration of movement exploration! Students will begin to learn body awarness, issolations, and basic jazz steps.  Leaps are done for fun but not perfected. Choreography is taught more for fun than for accuracy.  Students are challenged to grow in their comfort with improvisational exercises.  An emphasis is placed on creatively working together with your classmates.

Intermediate Jazz  (Ages 10+ with previous training in jazz and/or ballet)
Designed for a beginning to intermediate yet dedicated dancer. This class brings terminology to the classroom.  A strong core and center of balance is required,  flexibility, strength and improv are emphasized. Learning choreography should strengthen in this class along with pirouettes, leaps and basic floor work.

Intermediate/Advanced Jazz (Ages 11+ with previous jazz training)
Designed for the intermediate to advanced dancer. Combination turns, challenging choreography, flexibility, and strength training are presented with a focus on  healthy and correct alignment.  You will be challenged to break out of your box with improvisational exercises.  Performance quality, personality and stage presence are refined. Class requirement: Must be currently enrolled in one ballet class.

Hip Hop Fundamentals  (Ages 6-9)
Fundamental rhythm and musicality are developed in this contemporary urban dance form.  Set to the latest popular music (appropriate for a family environment), students are taught movement skills in a relaxed but structured atmosphere.  No dance experience necessary.

Contemporary Hip Hop I  (Ages 8-11)
Elements are the same as described in Elementary Hiphop but geared for the slightly older child.  Music remains contemporary but “clean” with the skills and choreography advancing at a faster pace.  No dance experience necessary.

Adult Hip Hop
A relaxed and fun class exploring the latest hiphop moves.  Warm up/stretch, basic steps and choreography are presented.  No experience necessary.